Hotels Near Hogle Zoo Salt Lake City Utah
So you’re heading to Hogle Zoo. Maybe you’ve got a toddler who’s obsessed with elephants. Or maybe you just really want to see a snow leopard judge you silently. Good news: Sa...
So you’re heading to Hogle Zoo. Maybe you’ve got a toddler who’s obsessed with elephants. Or maybe you just really want to see a snow leopard judge you silently.
Good news: Salt Lake City has plenty of hotels near the zoo. Bad news: “near” can mean a five-minute drive or a fifteen-minute drive, depending on traffic and your definition of near. Let’s break it down.
The Closest Bets: University and Research Park
If your main goal is maximum zoo convenience, stay around the University of Utah and Research Park. The zoo sits just east of campus, near Emigration Canyon. From here, you’re looking at a short drive—sometimes under ten minutes.
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The Salt Lake City Marriott University Park is a solid pick. It’s close, comfortable, and geared toward business travelers who probably aren’t thinking about penguins. You, however, can think about penguins all you want.
Then there’s the University Guest House & Conference Center. It’s quiet, campus-y, and surprisingly cozy for a place attached to a university. Parking is easier than downtown, and you’re close to Red Butte Garden and This Is the Place Heritage Park, too.
Why this area works
You get less traffic, easier parking, and a straight shot to the zoo. You’re also near the Natural History Museum of Utah, which is a great backup plan if the weather turns grumpy. Plus, the foothills are gorgeous at sunset.
Downside? Nightlife is basically “go to bed early.” If you want cocktails and a scene, you’ll be driving downtown anyway.
Foothill and University/Foothill Hotels
Along Foothill Drive, you’ll find practical hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City-University/Foothill and similar chains. They’re not flashy, but they usually come with free breakfast and parking. For families, that’s basically gold.
These spots put you about five to ten minutes from Hogle Zoo. You’re also close to the University of Utah, so expect game-day crowds in fall. Book early if the Utes are playing at home, unless you enjoy paying peak prices.
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Is free breakfast a dealbreaker? For me, yes. A waffle iron can solve most morning problems.
Downtown Salt Lake City: More Fun, Slightly More Driving
Downtown is about ten to fifteen minutes from Hogle Zoo. That’s not bad at all. And you get way more restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Hotels like The Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel, Hotel Monaco, and the Hilton Salt Lake City Center give you a more “city weekend” vibe. You can eat a fancy dinner, then drive to the zoo the next morning. Just don’t wear your nice shoes to the petting zoo.
Keep an eye on parking fees. Downtown hotels often charge for parking, and that can add up fast. If you’re driving a giant rental SUV, measure the garage height. Trust me.
Who should stay downtown?
Stay downtown if you want walkable dinners, nightlife, and more hotel choices. It’s also great if you’re mixing the zoo with a concert at Delta Center or a show at Eccles Theater.
Just factor in the drive. Morning rush hour near the university can be slow, and zoo parking fills up on sunny weekends.
Sugar House: The Cute Middle Ground
Sugar House is a neighborhood with local shops, breweries, and a very Utah mix of hip and family-friendly. It sits between downtown and the zoo, roughly ten minutes away.
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You’ll find options like SpringHill Suites Salt Lake City Sugar House and other modern, mid-range hotels. It’s a nice compromise if you want food and drinks without a full downtown hassle.
Plus, you can grab coffee, hit a park, and still make it to the zoo before the elephants get bored of you.
Quick Tips Before You Book
Book early in summer and during Zoo Lights. Hogle Zoo is popular, and nearby hotels fill up. Prices spike when the university has events, too.
Check whether your hotel offers free parking and free breakfast. Those two things can save you $40 or more per day. That’s a lot of zoo snacks.
If you have kids, look for a pool. If you don’t have kids, still look for a pool. No judgment.
Finally, decide what matters most: short drive, better food, or neighborhood charm. If you want the shortest drive, stay near the university. If you want dinner options, go downtown, and if you want charm, try Sugar House.
Hogle Zoo is a blast, and the right hotel makes the whole trip smoother. Now go see some giraffes. They’re taller than your problems.
