Kimball Salt Lake City: Utah's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Kimball Salt Lake City: Utah's Hidden Gem… Maybe? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, folks. Let's talk Kimball. Salt Lake City's supposed "hidden gem." I’ve seen the ads. I’ve read the hype. And now, I've been there, and I'm ready to spill the beans, or, you know, the complimentary tea that actually was quite nice. (See, already going off-track! This is gonna be fun. Or chaotic.)
SEO & Metadata Stuff First (Boring, But Necessary):
- Keywords: Kimball Salt Lake City, Utah hotels, SLC hotels, luxury hotel SLC, spa hotel Utah, accessible hotel Salt Lake City, free Wi-Fi Salt Lake City, hotel with pool Utah, restaurant Salt Lake City, business hotel Utah, family-friendly hotel SLC.
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Kimball Salt Lake City. Is it the hidden gem? Find out about accessibility, amenities, dining, and honest thoughts on the experience. Includes Wi-Fi, spa, pool, and more!
- Title Tags: Kimball Salt Lake City Review: Is it REALLY a Gem? | Honest Opinions & Details
Now, the REAL stuff… Buckle up, buttercups!
Accessibility: (Important, Right Off the Bat)
Okay, HUGE kudos. Kimball seems to actually get accessibility. Wheelchair accessible, for sure. I saw elevators everywhere, ramps where needed. Not just slapped-on afterthoughts, either. They felt integrated. Points for that! The facilities for disabled guests are clearly a priority, and that's HUGE. This is a game-changer for a lot of people, and it's fantastic they're on board. So, positive reaction.
Internet: (My Lifeblood, Apparently)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! (I'm a digital nomad, sue me.) And the speed? Surprisingly decent. I managed to video call my mom without her yelling about a slideshow. Victory! Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services all check out. You’re covered for work or binge-watching – a true modern necessity. I didn't bother with Wi-Fi in public areas, I was usually glued to my room to work.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spa Time, Maybe?)
Alright, the list here is long, and I'll admit, I didn’t try everything.. But I did make it to the "Pool with view”. Okay, so the view isn't exactly a stunning mountain vista (more like… neighboring buildings), but the pool itself was lovely, and I spent a solid afternoon floating, pondering the existential dread of deadlines. The swimming pool [outdoor] was clean, the water was a nice temperature. I didn't check out the fitness center (I’m more of a “Netflix and regret” kinda person.) but it looked well-equipped, if you're into that sort of thing. I did not touch the Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, which sounds wonderful but I tend to be a little anxious with luxury stuff.
Cleanliness and Safety: (The Pandemic Era’s Obsession)
This is where Kimball really shines. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sterilized kitchen and tableware items, staff trained in safety protocol… It's like they hired a team of germophobes to run the place (in a good way, of course!). You felt safe. The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. They've clearly put a lot of thought and effort into this. Seriously impressive.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Food, Glorious Food!)
Okay, let’s talk chow. The breakfast [buffet]? Solid, if not groundbreaking. Western breakfast was on point. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a must. I'm a sucker for a good dessert. I also ended up frequenting the bar a few too many times. The poolside bar was PERFECT for a sundowner. A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant all checked off.
The only (minor) gripe? The lack of vegan options beyond the salad. But hey, I'm picky. And the food was genuinely good. Food delivery was also available. The alternative meal arrangement could be helpful for dietary changes, and the other meals had a lot of choice.
Services and Conveniences: (The Extras That Matter)
Right, let's blitz through this. Daily housekeeping was on point. The concierge was helpful (though I didn’t need much). I’m a sucker for a good elevator, and this one was quick. Laundry service was handy. I didn’t use the air conditioning in public area, so I can't comment on how it really functioned. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, doorman, dry cleaning, food delivery, gift shop, invoice provided, meeting facilities, safety deposit boxes, smoking area, terrace all available if you wanted them. The luggage storage was the real winner.
For the Kids: (If You're into That Sort of Thing)
Babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities, kids meal. I don't have kids. Sorry. So I will stay quiet here.
Access: (Security, and Stuff)
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, check-in/out [express/private], fire extinguisher, front desk [24-hour], non-smoking rooms, smoke alarms, security [24-hour] again, very secure. I'm a worrier, so I appreciate security, and I slept soundly.
Getting Around: (Navigating the City)
Airport transfer was smooth. Car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, valet parking All great options if you have a ride. Bicycle parking if you want to pedal around.
Available in All Rooms: (The Nitty-Gritty)
Okay, buckle up. Additional toilet, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
Wow. That's a lot of stuff. My room was a haven. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. The bed was supremely comfortable. The coffee/tea maker was a godsend. Pretty much everything you could need was right there.
My Final Thoughts: (The Emotional Rollercoaster)
So, is Kimball a "hidden gem?"… Maybe. It's definitely a good hotel. A very good hotel. The cleanliness, the accessibility, the Wi-Fi – those are all big wins. The staff were friendly and helpful. And the rooms? Comfortable and well-appointed.
But… (There's always a "but," isn't there?) It's maybe not a "gem" in the sense of a rare, undiscovered treasure. It's more like a very shiny, wonderfully polished pebble..
A few personal imperfections: The view from my room wasn't the BEST. The decor was a bit generic (though clean and well-maintained).
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially because I felt SAFE. Kimball is a solid choice. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a place that prioritizes safety and accessibility, it's a winner. Just don’t expect a mind-blowing, life-altering experience. But hey, for a relaxing get-away, it's pretty darn close.
Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (leaning towards a strong 4.75 if you REALLY appreciate cleanliness)
Escape to Comfort: Days Inn Near City of Hope (Duarte, CA)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because here’s the raw and unfiltered Kimball Salt Lake City adventure, straight from my frazzled, caffeine-fueled brain:
THE KIMBALL CHAOS: A Salt Lake City Sojourn (AKA, My Failed Attempts at Zen)
(Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Airport)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Pre-Flight Freakout (SLC-bound): Okay, real talk. I’m terrible at airports. The sheer volume of humanity, the echoing announcements, the stale air… it’s a sensory overload that makes me want to curl up in a ball and hide. This time, I nearly burst into tears when I realized I’d forgotten my noise-canceling headphones. Cue internal monologue of existential doom: “Am I even capable of travel? Am I just destined to wander lost and anxious forever?” Eventually, the allure of a lukewarm airport coffee, a sugar high to fuel my adventure, got me going.
- 9:30 AM: Touchdown in SLC (and the Car Rental Tango): Ah, Salt Lake City. The air feels dryer, the mountains are majestic, and the airport is… well, an airport. The car rental process, of course, was a total disaster. The agent kept trying to up-sell me on a “luxury SUV,” which I wanted to tell him, "Buddy, I'll be happy with anything with 4 wheels and a good stereo." Anyway, I eventually navigated the paperwork, feeling like I'd just survived a hostage negotiation.
- 11:00 AM: The Kimball Check-In (and a Moment of Pure, Unadulterated Joy): Okay, I’m finally at The Kimball. And… it's gorgeous. The lobby is all exposed brick and artwork that vaguely reminds me of… well, something beautiful. The smell of fresh coffee is the first thing that registered. And the bed… oh, the bed. It’s the kind of bed that whispers promises of sleep so deep, you'll forget you have a bank account. I'm already envisioning myself never leaving and just ordering room service for the rest of my life. (Spoiler alert: That thought didn’t last.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch - Local Spot: Found a place, it was amazing! I'm always up for a burger and chips, it really is all I need sometimes. It was a local spot and the people were lovely.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring Downtown SLC (and the Questionable Art of People-Watching): Let's be honest, downtowns can be overwhelming, but the city seems so clean and well-kept! I decided to brave the sidewalks, mostly because I need to "walk it off" after the burger. The buildings themselves are cool, and I love the way the mountains frame the skyline. But the people-watching… that’s where things got interesting. I saw a guy in a full-on Star Wars costume, a couple making out on a park bench with the passion of Romeo and Juliet, and a pigeon that seemed to judge me for not wearing matching socks. It was a rollercoaster of human experiences and I'm here for it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Restaurant (and the Art of Social Awkwardness): I tried an overpriced, fancy restaurant. The food was good, but the vibe was… well, pretentious. I swear, there was a guy at the next table who spent the entire meal talking about his “art portfolio.” Ugh. I mostly focused on stuffing my face with pasta and battling my inner introvert. After, I wanted to go to a pub but opted to go straight back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.
(Day 2: Double Down on an Experience) - The Glory of the Great Salt Lake
9:00 AM: The Morning After (and the Coffee Obsession): Woke up rested (thank you, glorious Kimball bed!). Immediately went for the coffee machine in the lobby. Coffee is the lifeblood that keeps me from going completely feral.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Great Salt Lake Exploration (and the Muddy Epiphany): Okay, people, prepare yourselves. I am obsessed with the Great Salt Lake experience. I packed my boots, water, and my existential dread (which, let's be honest, comes everywhere with me). It's otherworldly. The vastness of the lake, the white salt flats stretching to the horizon… it's both beautiful and a little terrifying. I actually got out on the sand! It's amazing. The water is almost like soap, it felt awesome.
- The Anecdotal Disaster: I got ankle-deep in mud, lost a shoe, but it was worth the adventure.
3:00 PM: Great Salt Lake Exploration (and the Muddy Epiphany - Continued): I spent the rest of the afternoon walking around. I just walked and walked and walked. The lake changes colors, it's really something. I spent my time reflecting on life.
6:00 PM: The Evening…: I ate dinner back and had some drinks. I passed out.
(Day 3: The Goodbyes - and the Eternal Question of "Where to Next?")
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast (and the bittersweet feeling): Ate another amazing breakfast. All good things must come to an end, but this was a very relaxing trip.
- 11:00 AM: Kimball Check-Out (and the Sad Reality Check): Check out was a breeze, which was a nice change of pace.
- 12:00 PM: Airport Debrief (and the Promise of a Return): I was sad when I had to leave, and I realized that I want to come back.
There you have it: my Kimball, Salt Lake City, experience. Messy, imperfect, filled with coffee and questionable life choices. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Maybe next time, I'll actually pack my own headphones. Maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Dulles Airport Marriott - Unwind in Luxury!
Kimball Art Center: Salt Lake's Surprisingly Awesome Secret (Shhh... Don't Tell Everyone!)
Okay, Seriously, What *is* the Kimball Art Center? I've heard whispers...
Alright, buckle up. Officially? It's a community art center. Think workshops, exhibitions, classes for kids, the whole shebang. But in *reality*? It's a vibrant, breathing heart of artistry smack-dab in the middle of Salt Lake City. My personal view, having stumbled upon it accidentally while lost (true story, more on that later), is that it's a place to get your creative juices flowing, whether you've wielded a paintbrush or just doodle on napkins. It's less "stuffy gallery" and more "come as you are and maybe, just maybe, discover your inner artist." And the building itself? Gorgeous architecture, all clean lines and light. I'm a sucker for good buildings.
So, what's the *best* thing to do at Kimball? Give me the lowdown.
Okay, BIG question. The "best" depends on YOU. If you're feeling artsy, absolutely sign up for a workshop. They're often surprisingly affordable and cover stuff from pottery to photography. And, confession time: I'm no artist. I can barely draw a stick figure that looks like, well, *anything*… but one time, I stumbled into a printmaking class. It was a total fluke. I ended up making a REALLY wonky print of a cat (it looked more like a misshapen potato, honestly). BUT! Despite the complete lack of skill involved, it was ridiculously fun. The instructor, bless her, just kept encouraging me, and then... I ended up with *the* most beautiful, imperfect, and utterly beloved cat-potato print in the whole wide world. (It’s framed on my wall, obviously.) So, workshops, yes. Definitely.
Alright, exhibitions... What's the art *actually* like? Too highbrow for a regular Joe?
Nah, not at all. They curate a really diverse range. Sometimes you'll find super-contemporary installations that will make you scratch your head (in a good way!). Other times, they'll have more traditional stuff. The beauty is, it's not all precious, untouchable art. There are interactive installations, local artists showcased alongside established names... Honestly, I appreciate it more because it's NOT pretentious. You can wander around, form your own opinions, and not feel like you need an art history degree just to understand what you're looking at. A good friend of mine, who *is* a bit of an art snob (sorry, Sarah!), even enjoys it because she can often find hidden gems she wouldn't see in the bigger galleries. Plus, there's often live music during openings. Free booze, good art, what's not to love?!
Let's talk about the location. Is it easy to get to? Parking... a nightmare?
Yep, it's super accessible. Right downtown, though I'm not great at directions. It's on the corner of 6th South and Main, so it's easy to find. Parking *can* be a little tricky, especially at peak times. There are some street parking options but good luck. There's a parking garage nearby, which is your safest bet. My advice? Plan ahead, arrive early, and maybe take a deep breath. Don't let parking stress you out. Think of it as a chance to mentally prepare yourself for some art-filled goodness. OR, even better, use public transport or ride-sharing.
Is it kid-friendly? Because, you know... kids.
Absolutely yes! The Kimball Art Center does a fantastic job of catering to kids. They have classes, workshops designed specifically for younger artists, and areas where kids can get hands-on with art supplies. It's way less stuffy than some places, which is a huge win for parents. Plus, they often have family-friendly events. I've seen kids completely engrossed in making things – and that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. I don't have kids, but I know how much they love it. My friend, Sarah (yes, the art snob!), used to work there. She confirmed the kid friendliness and how much the local kids love it.
Is it expensive? Gotta know how much I'll be shelling out...
Entry to the exhibitions is usually free or very cheap. The classes and workshops vary in price, but they're generally pretty reasonable, especially compared to some other art classes in the area. Keep an eye on their website for special events and free community days. And here's a tip: a membership gets you discounts and other perks. Think of it as an investment in your artistic soul! Honestly, it's worth the money. You're supporting a great organization, and you're treating yourself to something fun.
I'm a total beginner. Will I feel out of place?
Absolutely NOT. Seriously. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming. The instructors in the workshops are super encouraging, and there's zero judgment. Nobody's going to be staring you down because you can't sculpt a perfect bust of something. Honestly, my first experience was clumsy and far from sophisticated. But that's part of the fun, right? Embrace the mess! Embrace the happy accidents! Kimball Art Center isn't about perfection; it's about the joy of creating. And if you're really self-conscious, go with a friend. Misery loves company, but happiness loves a shared blob of clay.
Food and Drink? Anything nearby?
Oh, yeah! You're in downtown Salt Lake City, so you're practically drowning in food options. From casual cafes to fancy restaurants, you’ve got everything. There's usually something to eat on-site during events, too. So, grab a coffee before you go in, or a snack afterward. If you're feeling fancy, try the restaurant across the street. Or, if you're like me, and just want a quick bite, there’s a few quick bites nearby. Plan your meal strategy. You can even pack a picnic and eat it in the park. No one wants to be hangry and surrounded by art. Ugh.
Okay, you've convinced me. Anything else I should know?
Just… go! Honestly. Don't overthink it. It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours, a day, or even just pop in and browse. It's good for your soul. It's good for your brain. And it's a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Also, and this is important, check their website for events and exhibition schedules. You don't want to show up on the wrong daySmart Traveller Inns
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