Mind-blowing Mountain Hideaway: Spending a pet-friendly weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Park City

I very rarely take a vacation INSIDE the State of Utah, where I live.  Usually, I'm on the first flight of the morning out of Salt Lake City to anywhere.  This was however, Mother's Day weekend, and I had just returned from the Los Angeles basin just two days prior.  Plus, I didn't want to subject my family to TSA screening this weekend.  So, as a shocker, I took Mom and the rest of us to the Waldorf Astoria in Park City for Mother's Day weekend.

The resort itself is nestled at the foot of the Canyons Ski Resort Area, just a few miles North of Park City itself.  Park City is a year-round destination, with world class skiing/snowboarding in winter (it held the most mountain-based events during the 2002 Winter Olympics), and amazing camping, hiking, and outdoors activities during the Summer.  The shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall offer slightly chillier temperatures, but with the changing colors during Fall, this area is an amazing display of Nature at her best.

So we arrived there on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, just before the 4:00PM check-in time (the drive from our home took just under an hour), but that was no problem.  The valet quickly and efficiently offloaded us and sent us on our way in while he parked the Volvo.  The front desk is not your standard front desk setup.  It is quite simply, two executive office desks set off to one side of the grand and picturesque main lobby.  My Dad looked around asking "What are we doing here?".  I had to suppress a smile as I got us checked in and on our way, with expert and extremely courteous and friendly assistance from the front desk agent.

Up to the 7th floor we went, and into a spacious 1-Bedroom Bi-Level Suite.  Clocking in around 740 square feet, this suite is perfect for a family of 4.  Upstairs is completely private with a master bedroom/master bathroom setup (and what a bathroom it is!).  On the main floor you have the half bathroom downstairs, incredibly spacious living room (even with the sofabed pulled out and made), high vaulted ceiling, incredibly set out kitchen stocked with Viking appliances, dining area, gas fireplace, and a full size washer/dryer combo in the entry.  There was even a pair of dog bowls laid out for Buddy, filled with fresh water and food, with treats for him on the counter as well.  Oh, and you can't forget the balcony with the AMAZING views of either the mountains around you, or if you are on the other side, the resort spread out and valley view below.





Once we got our luggage delivered and settled in, we let the housekeeping staff do their thing with the nightly turndown service while we headed into Park City for dinner.  Upon our return (after gawking at the vintage Ferrari's that had pulled up to the Valet and taking Buddy, our Cocker Spaniel, for his evening constitutional) the room was dressed down for the evening and we unwound on the balcony (some of us later than others) and in the living room.


After my folks went upstairs, Susie and I took Buddy for another adventure, exploring the hotel and what it has to offer.  Off to one side of the Grand Lobby you have the Palette Gift Shop for last minute wearables, a few select Waldorf branded items, and often forgotten sundries.  Crossing to the other side of the expansive lobby and its massive fireplace, you have the Powder Restaurant.  We didn't get a chance to eat here during our stay, but I will go up and try it out here soon with some buddies on a day trip up the mountain.  Heading out the doors to the balcony that wraps around the double sided fireplace you get a breathtaking view of the resort and the valley behind,  NOT a bad view to wake up to.  Going down the stairs you are greeted by the warm flames from the firepit (wheres s'mores are constructed, toasted, and devoured nightly from 7:30PM to 9:30PM).  The heated pool and whirlpool are on the other side of the gate, and there was quite a crowd there that evening, despite the chill in the air.

There is also a range of spa options and fitness studios and the well equipped gym to keep your mind and body in shape during a stay there, as well.  There are weekly classes at the resort featuring yoga, kickboxing (yay!), Pilates, and other circuits and trainings.

Checkout the next morning was a snap and we were on our way in 5 minutes, with fresh cut roses for my Mom, and bottles of water for the ride home, and another treat for Buddy.

I book the Waldorf Astoria resorts quite a bit, especially this one, and now that I've stayed here, I can honestly say I will do a MUCH better job at selling it, as I do recommend this one, as I did the original Waldorf Astoria in New York City.  The price is not bad for the service and room you get, and the staff there are absolutely amazing, and really go out of their way to make you feel like you are home.

Photos by the author or by the Waldorf Astoria Park City Resort.