The St. Regis Deer Valley

A Luxe Mountaintop Retreat 

I travel almost every week for business. Since my clients are government agencies, my hotel stays are usually in modest hotels (yeah I'm a taxpayer too!)

Now and then, however, I take a vacation day and splurge on something special. This week I joined some old friends for a stay in the new St. Regis in Deer Valley Utah.

In winter Deer Valley is the luxe end of American skiing. Snowboards are not allowed, mountain dress codes are enforced, valets assist with parking and carrying your ski gear. Multi-million dollar residences line its runs offering the 1% ski-in / ski-out accommodations. This is where the flared nostril set skis. 

In summer Park City and Deer Valley become lovely oases of calm graced with blue skies and alpine flora. Many nights are finished by gentle little storms. In summer mountain bikes take over the cat tracks.

For 30 years the prestige address at Deer Valley has been the sublime 5-Star, 5-Diamond Stein Eriksen lodge. In the past few years it has been joined by The Montage and the St. Regis.

Over at the family friendly Canyons Resort, a new Waldorf Astoria has joined the Grand Summit and Miners Club offering luxury ski-in / ski-out accommodations.

The St. Regis

To reach the St. Regis you drop off your car at the hotel's big stone porte cochere, then ride a leather upholstered funicular up the mountain to the hotel itself. The reason is because the hotel is actually located in a residential community that lies behind two sets of guard gates. Note however, when your car is delivered to you at check out it will be at the hotel itself. This allows you to take a drive in neighborhoods and enjoy breathtaking views that would otherwise be impossible for mere mortals to gain access to.  

The View From the Hotel Funicular

The Funicular Arrives at the Hotel

Once you arrive at the hotel, the journey leading to reception desk is tortured. Lots of walking up and down stairs. There is just way too much "sense of arrival."

As with many of the newer luxury resort accommodations, the St. Regis offers hotel rooms plus ultra-luxe 2-3 and 4 bedroom private residences (complete with private elevators and butler service).

My check-in / check-out was smooth and my room, being one of the smallest and most modest lodgings in the hotel, was just off the lobby on the first floor.

Albeit small, my room was lovely and filled with nice touches. The shower was cavernous. The soaking tub was perfect. The wardrobe contained an umbrella and there was a dock for my I-phone.

Large Well Appointed Bathrooms

The Bathroom Mirror Conceals a Cute Little TV  

Perfect Nightly Turndown Service

The grounds are especially beautiful. There is a two level play pool and 2 spas. The hotel offers a complementary evening champagne reception. Also, each evening at the outdoor fire pits, you'll find all the makings you need to create smores.  ;-)

Cozy Fire Pits

The Pool Area

Chaises on the Mountaintop

Otherwise Inaccessible Views From the Mountaintop

The main restaurant delivered friendly and competent service. My steamed mussels were tasty. But my tiny $36 slice of halibut was as dry as the Sahara; heresy to a former Alaskan.

Another pet peave. When room rates approach $400 / night charging extra for internet service is absurd. The fact that the St. Regis internet was crap ground more salt into that wound.

The St. Regis is part of Starwood hotels. There are a few shops, a fitness area and the Remede spa. Evenings in summer you may find yoga classes and free concerts at the base lodge. 

Roadboy's evening at the St. Regis Deer Valley was much enjoyed.

But.....my next visit to Park City will likely find me checking back into the Stein Eriksen Lodge or perhaps giving the new Montage on Empire Pass a try.

Roadboy's Travels © 2013