Little America: festive in any season — Photo courtesy of Seth William Page

From a distance, the Little America appears rather nondescript–something like a university dorm or an apartment building. However, the more closely you approach it, the more this boutique hotel reveals its finer details: beautifully landscaped grounds, immaculate flower gardens, trees and fountains.

Those venturing inside the Little America understand immediately that this hotel is no slouch. On the contrary, this 850-room luxury establishment is strikingly reminiscent of a fine European hotel. And, though it often lives in the shadow of its flashier big sister, the Grand America, Little America has made a career of collecting is own awards for its lodging, as well as for its restaurant.

2012 was no different for the Little America in terms of recognition. This year, and in 2011, it received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, as well as the Certificate of Excellent “Best Lunch Buffet” award. Serving an incredible mid-day spread of salmon, ribs, turkey, beef, fresh salads and vegetables, and house-made pasta, Little America also won Utah Best of State “Best Buffet” in 2011.

If you visit Little America, you’ll agree with its own claim to be “Salt Lake City’s most luxurious four-diamond hotel.” Yet, you’ll be amazed by its extremely reasonable rates:  sometimes under $100 for two persons.