This really is the issue to look out for with this property. HOTWIRE has this as a 4 star property. I avoid Hotwire in downtown SLC because of it. On PRICELINE, it started out as a 3.5 star, went to a 4 star. I complained loudly and often and it went back to a 3.5 star, until earlier this summer, when it got bumped up to a 4 star, but now appears to be back at a 3.5 star. As I've written here before, it's really 3 different hotels. The tower (main hotel) is certainly a 4 star. The rest of the property is an old Motor lodge that while decorated and appointed pretty well, falls far short of a 4-star (or even 3.5 star rating)for many of the issues that you point out. The Motor lodge consists of several building, some of which are connected to the lobby either thru hallway (but stairs are involved no matter what), or thru a covered walkway. However, a couple of the buildings are not accessible from the lobby area at all, and you have to drive to them and park outside your room, motel style. If you are lucky, they will give you a room in a connected building, and you can thus park under the main hotel and access your room thru indoor hallways. This is advantageous in winter or during rainy days. This tends to avoid the street noise as well to some extent, especially if you get an inside facing room. The hotel used to grant requests to be in the tower, but they quit doing that some time ago. PRICELINE and HOTWIRE should either force them to divide this into two properties or lower the rating to a 2.5 star. I stay in SLC about 20 times a year, so here is a general outline of SLC travel for the downtown area (preferred by me over the 'burbs): 1. 4-stars almost always available thru PRICELINE. Sheraton has free parking. Hilton is the best, but parking is pricey (you can park across the street for a much smaller fee). 2. Little America, good value, if you can get in the portion of the motor lodge that is connected to the hotel. WiFi is not strong here, you need to negotiate some stairs. But they have restaurants, bars, and a great gym/pool. Parking is also free. I make this my second choice, and if the $-difference seems large between option 1 and 2, go for it. 3. I avoid the 3-stars on PRICELINE that are not good. Using knowledge from this site and HOTWIRE, you can probably find a bargain, but I've never gone there. I'd avoid Shilo and Red Lion, if you figure out a way to filter these out.
