Tongue Twister in Park City

Editor's Note 26/1/11: It looks like Hyatt purchased an existing property in the Canyons Ski Resort Area. The "new" hotel is called the Hyatt Escala Lodge. A quick preview of photos shows small rooms with bedspreads. Yuck. The hotel is taking reservations, and seems to have significant refurbishment plans.

"Wait. Didn't you say you're from Utah?!"

My Finish-sounding business speed date from Hyatt practically jumped across the table."I was just at a Hyatt Worldwide meeting in Los Angeles. They announced a new Hyatt for Salt Lake City."

"Oh, I hope its downtown!" I leaned forward, nearly meeting her in the middle. "We really need another high-end property next to the Salt Palace." Images filled my mind of a sleek high-rise with brushed metal, warm wood tones, polished stone and white orchids at registration.

"No, not downtown . . ." The image dissipated.

She leaned back now, ready for a potentially long game of "do you know."

". . .A ski resort, I think. Yes. A ski resort."

"Park City?" 

"That's it! A Park Hyatt in Park City!" Head shaking now, "How could I forget?"

In the past year, Park City has experienced an infestation of world-class properties all perfectly nestled above town. The Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, and Montage are all dazzlers. And with Park Hyatt Park City taking up residence, the town is beginning to sound like Dubai of the mountains.

The Park Hyatts I have known, and only in passing, exude nonchalant sophistication. They laugh at the thought of tux-wearing, champagne-serving butlers. ("That's so nouveau riche!") They gasp at the audacity of  Roman numerals in a hotel name. ("We don't need Frenchy-sounding words!") They are modern, you could say,  but not austere. I will call them incandescent rather than directly lit.

Hotel chains are so diversified that it's hard to keep all the sub-brands straight. Hyatt? Hyatt Regency? Hyatt Place? Hyatt Summerfield Suites? Andaz? Well, the Park Hyatt is the top of the top. What they all hope to be when they grow up. Hyatt International operates only twenty-six of them.

Park H's mission statement promises: Premier Locations, Understated Residential Elegance, Authentic Details, Gracious Service, Exquisite Cuisine, Impressive Art Collection, Rejuvenating Spas, & Exceptional Meetings and Events--but really, who doesn't these days?

To be different, perfect hotel placement would be on Main Street. Current mountain sprawl 5-stars outdo each other with promises of ten-minute van transfers to the city's industry-studded nightlife. Compared to the others, wouldn't walking distance be so, well, luxurious?

My Finn seemed to think the Canyons Ski Resort will be home.

Wherever you end up, Welcome.