If your family is heading to Park City, UT (especially for a newbie ski trip) then I highly recommend staying at Hyatt Centric Park City.
Should couples stay here? Absolutely.
What if your kids or teens, or seasoned skiers? For sure!
But you know why I love them?
There is this complicated sweet decade between 2 and 12, where your family vacation needs are just a little more intense. And if your little ones are new to the sport of skiing or snowboarding (like ours were) then it’s even more important to pick the right place.
And Hyatt Centric Park City in Utah?
They ease TONS of logistical pain-points for those of us traveling with kids that age. Let me elaborate!
SPACIOUS ROOMS AT HYATT CENTRIC PARK CITY
You are welcome to book a standard to deluxe room if you need to pinch a penny. They are adorable with a partial kitchen and a fireplace
However, if you’re traveling with kiddos and all the baggage that comes with that (did you get my pun?) then you’ll want a larger space — like one of their deluxe guest rooms or bedroom residences.
We stayed in a one-bedroom King Residence. Larger one-bedrooms, plus two, three and four bedrooms are also available for larger or extended families. (The 4-bedroom choice is 2,700 square feet!) Our room included a separate bedroom for the parents. The kiddos slept on the fold out sofa, and loved being lulled to sleep with views of the falling snow and the fireplace.
Our master bedroom offered a balcony for beautiful views and a second entrance into the HUGE bathroom. The bathroom included both a shower stall and separate large bathtub (with jets)!
There was also a washer and dryer in the room, which was a God-send. We used the dryer repeatedly between snow sessions, and did a load of clothes before heading out. Tide and Bounce sheets are available in the lobby for $2.
The other component we adored was the full kitchen. Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, plus everything you needed to cook a full meal mean that if you prefer, you can eat in whenever you desire.
We recommend eating out, as there are some FANTASTIC restaurants just right down the mountain, but if you need to stock the fridge, here are a few places that can help that we found in the Park City Magazine while there:
- All Seasons Grocery delivers in Park City. Fill out the online form.
- Stacey’s Grocery Delivery does a great job keeping up with coupons and sales.
- Sweets and Cheese delivers charcuterie boards and donuts (to name a specific sweet). Sounds heavenly!
- The Grocery Girls have been doing this the longest in the area.
- Park City Grocery Express delivers organic foods in an eco-friendly vehicle. We love that.
- For pre-made yummy eats, skip the pizza chain and go for Rebekah’s Kitchen.
Book Now: HYATT CENTRIC PARK CITY
ALOHA SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTALS ON-SITE
If you need to rent skis, etc., then just head to the second floor of the main building where you’ll find Aloha Ski & Snowboard Rentals. There are eight shops around Park City, and one is right inside the hotel!
I recommend ordering your rentals online beforehand. You’ll save about 20% over the walk-in rate for adults and about 50% for kids. You’ll also be sure they have the equipment you need. (Hey! Don’t forget to order a helmet!) You can return equipment to any of the 8 shops, regardless of where you rent from.
Another easy option? Before we owned our equipment, Ski Butlers was our ski (and boarding) rental service of choice. These guys deliver to your hotel or condo – and pick up- for only a few dollars more than the jam-packed shops just down the road. And the equipment? Best in the business! Check out Ski Butlers on your next vacation!
Read More: THE BEST ‘THINGS TO DO IN PARK CITY’ FAMILY-FUN ITINERARY FOR YOUR WINTER VACATION
ACCESS TO LESSONS
Let me be clear, the kids’ lessons were with Park City Mountain and not Hyatt Centric…but I mention it here because it was SO EASY to get to the lessons from the hotel…and the instructors were stupendous! Seriously. So, in my mind, it’s a match made in heaven.
Do all kids need lessons? I guess not.
But…
Here are three reasons why I think lessons are really important for newbies or kids who only get to a mountain once a year or so (like us Southerners).
First, you want the kids to have a great time. You’ve spent the money and effort to come out west for a real ski vacation They need to enjoy it. If you’re like us, you want to make sure they are begging you to come back the following season. And in order to have a great time, they need to know how to ski or snowboard.
Second, Moms and Dads are not the best teachers for their own kids – even if you’re great on the snow. Investing in a teacher who knows how to teach skiing or snowboarding makes a difference – and leaves all the emotional issues off the table.
Third, it gives you a day on the slopes together, without the kiddos. Our boys took boarding lessons from 9am – 3pm. That gave us plenty of time to hit the more difficult trails and spend a little time together, which we enjoyed.
Our guys spent time before lunch on the “magic carpet” and a bunny hill, learning the basics – with time for a hot cocoa break. Then they enjoyed lunch with all the other classes, and hit the slopes again.
In the afternoon they practiced getting on and off the lift and heading down a green trail. By the time they were back with us, riding the lift was old-hat. (Yay!)
COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE
It’s really a short and easy walk down the hill to the entrance of Canyons Village – the largest and “main” base camp for Park City Mountain (more on that next).
If you don’t want to walk or you’re carrying too much gear, then you can take the complimentary shuttle. Just let them know at the front door, and they’ll grab the keys and get you going.
In the evenings, the shuttle also runs to and from Main Street in Park City during the evening hours, which is a great way to get out for dinner without having to worry about paying for or finding parking.
If you rent a car for your trip, you can take advantage of the parking valet, but we preferred the heated underground parking, which was free and easy to get to access. Even though we rented a van, we still used the shuttle several times for ease of parking.
PROXIMITY TO CANYONS VILLAGE
Just at the bottom of the hill – and easy walk even with kids – is Canyons Village. While I do recommend heading out to explore Park City, you could stay in the village area for your whole vacation and have all your needs met. That’s one of the reasons we think Park City Resort is one of the best ski destinations in Utah!
This is where you will go for ski lessons, grabbing the lift or gondola, and for good eats and shopping.
Our Top Picks at Canyons Village?
The Ticket Window because…lift tickets! If you purchase 7+ days, they will mail you an RFID lift ticket card, otherwise you’ll need to pick it up. Multi-day tickets offer the best value, and you’ll usually save money purchasing tickets online (vs the window).
Ski & Snowboard School. Again – it is worth every penny you invest.
The Farm was by far our favorite restaurant. In fact, we visited multiple times (something we almost never do when exploring a new place). I later learned that it is a Top 10 Utah restaurant, and now I know why. It was so delicious…and the prices were very affordable.
Drafts Burger Bar is where we enjoyed breakfast one morning. It was super, and not as busy as Murdock’s Cafe next door. We were able to get coffee, bacon, eggs and other filling food pretty quickly and preferred that over the more popular “bagel” option.
One thing I’ll mention – don’t expect a Bloody Mary for breakfast. Utah law says that no alcohol can be served before 11:30am any day of the week…and if you do go in the afternoon or evening for drinks to a place posted as a “Restaurant” and not a “Bar,” then note that you will be required to order food with your drink. Don’t shoot the messenger.
One Sweet Ride was a fun snowboard shop where we picked up a new pair of gloves for me, and Canyon Kids is a great kiddo shop where we found an extra pair of ski socks for the boys.
And finally, don’t forget to check out their Events Calendar. We loved hanging out in the snow and catching a live concert!
SKI-IN/SKI-OUT AND SKI VALET
If your kids are newbies, you probably will not be able to leverage this feature…but it’s so awesome for proficient skiers that it’s worth mentioning.
From the second floor of the main building (next to Aloha Rental), you’ll find a set of glass doors that invite you to ski down to Sunrise Lift, which takes you via an advanced Green Trail to the base.
We also enjoyed the sitting room just inside the doors, with lounging chairs and a fireplace.
Additionally, Hyatt offers a ski valet. The valet takes care of your equipment should you use that lift. It’s perfect so that you don’t haul your equipment into your room.
Book Now: HYATT CENTRIC PARK CITY
APRES SKI SNACKS
Escala Provisions Company is the full-service restaurant and bar located within the hotel. We ate dinner here one evening, and especially recommend the large breakfast buffet.
We really enjoyed the complimentary apres ski snacks from 3pm – 6pm. The boys noshed on everything from lemon cake to homemade chips to veggies and dip.
It was a relaxing way to wind down after the lifts close (4pm). Hubs and I enjoyed a drink while the boys ate. Additionally, it ensured they didn’t fall asleep in the room after a full day of skiing…and kept them held over until we headed out to dinner.
AWESOME GAME ROOM
Almost every day of our six day adventure included perfect ideal weather. One day, though, we were hit with several hours of rain in the early evening.
No fear – we headed to the game room in the main building. It included giant TVs with an Xbox and Sony Playstation, pool table, foosball, board games, and ping-pong. Wow!
You’ll also find a 24-hour fitness center and 24-hour business center here, should you need it!
HEATED OUTDOOR POOL & HOT TUBS
One of the great things to do before – and after – dinner in the evenings was to hit the pool. The gorgeous pool area with waterfall, baby area (1-foot deep), and two hot tubs.
We enjoyed it in the rain, the snow and the sunshine – no matter – it’s heated!
You can’t see it in the photo because it was where I was standing when I took this photo, but there is a covered area for dropping your cover-up, setting down your water bottles, and stashing your towels (provided).
I should mention here also that there is a fitness center and a steam room and sauna on site, and a full-service spa just down the hill at the Village.
SLEDS AVAILABLE
When you’re coming from Atlanta to the West Coast, packing a sled it not a viable option. No worries! Hyatt Centric offers a handful of sleds in all shapes and sizes that guests are welcome to use.
While not an “official” sledding hill, the staff directed us to a gentle slope behind the pool building. We had a great time one evening taking the hill!
Book Now: HYATT CENTRIC PARK CITY
HYATT CENTRIC PARK CITY
What makes Hyatt Centric Park City different from other hotels?
The ski amenities, the on-site restaurants, and the heated pool make Hyatt Centric Park City different from the other hotels in the area.
How do I spend a day in Park City?
A great way to spend a day in Park City is to go skiing, of course! You can also visit the Utah Olympic Park, explore the historic center of Park City, and enjoy amazing food at the many great dining spots in town.
When is the best time of year to enjoy skiing in Park City?
To enjoy all the great snow activities in Park City, it’s best to come between December and March!
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO UTAH
- YOUR UTAH VACATION
- HOT SPRINGS UTAH: 10 Hot Springs You Can’t Miss
- GLAMPING UTAH: 18 Best Spots For Outdoor Adventure
- ST GEORGE: 12 Awesome Things To Do In St George, Utah
- KANAB: 12 Mind-Blowing Things To Do In Kanab (Plus Day Trips)
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She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale. If she’s not exploring in the RV, she’s either hiking the trails or checking out the whiskey scene at their current location.
Lesli lives and travels with her two kiddos -Cooper and Elliot- and her soul mate, husband and business partner, Dan. They call Colorado home, at least for the moment.