Checking in at Asher Adams Hotel: A Historic Train Depot Reimagined in Salt Lake City [Review]

Salt Lake City’s newest luxury hotel — Asher Adams, Autograph Collection — is timeless in design, yet deeply rooted in the city’s history.

Since moving to Utah in 2024, I’d heard constant buzz about the so-called “train hotel.” It officially opened in November 2024, and just over a year later, I finally had the chance to experience it for myself — this time with a much deeper understanding of Salt Lake City and what makes it special.

So what was my 1-night stay like at a beautifully restored train depot, and why might it be the best hotel for your next Salt Lake City getaway? Here are 4 key things to know.

1. It’s a Historic Landmark

If trains are your thing, then staying in a restored train station is likely already at the top of your list.

The historic Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot first opened to the public in 1909 during a new era of travel for locals heading across the Mountain West and as far as Southern California. The station remained in use for commercial rail service until the late 1980s.

Fast forward nearly 40 years, and the Asher Adams, Autograph Collection, has brought this historic landmark back to life. The iconic depot now serves as the hotel’s grand lobby, while the former rail lines provide the foundation for a newly constructed building that houses meeting spaces and most of the guest rooms.

From the subway tile to the mid-century aesthetic to the murals, the building’s original details have been thoughtfully preserved. Years of careful renovations have resulted in a lobby that will truly wow not only hotel guests, but also those who stop in to admire the art.

The hotel almost feels like a museum, with historic photos and artifacts from its days as an active train depot throughout the hallways. Adding to the sense of place, the hotel has brought on a local resident artist, whose work celebrates Utah’s community pride and culture in the space.

I spent a solid hour sitting at The Bar at Asher Adams, soaking in the charm of the space, and it quickly became clear I wasn’t the only one drawn in by its beauty. The gorgeous lobby seemed to invite guests and passersby alike to linger.

Just beside the check-in desk was a photo booth where hotel guests could receive 2 complimentary photo strips, though anyone else could use it for $8. The booth was a popular stop during my visit, frequently drawing lines throughout the Saturday evening, making for a fun and nostalgic keepsake.

2. Rooms Are Split Between the Tower and the Historic Building

Asher Adams offers a total of 225 guest rooms and suites, though the historic main building itself houses just the second and third floors of accommodations.

That said, the majority of rooms are located in the new “Tower” building, which features separate elevators. The building is connected to the grand main lobby and leads into a secondary, quieter lobby with a cozy fire pit.

When booking your room, whether directly via Asher Adams’ website or Marriott, you’ll see that room types are denoted explicitly as Tower or Historic rooms. I booked a Historic 1 King guest room and used my Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, which earns 2x points on travel purchases, including hotels.

I ended up getting a room on the second floor. Based on the booking photos, the guest rooms share a similar aesthetic — most notably, hardwood floors (thankfully, no carpet) — though the actual architecture varies significantly by room type.

Tower rooms lean more modern in design, whereas historic rooms highlight many of the preserved features discussed earlier, including soaring 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and original concrete support beams, which reflect the building’s past.

That exclusivity does come at a cost, though. Historic rooms are notably more expensive, with rates typically at least $100 higher per night than a standard Tower room. Both guest rooms measure 320 square feet, although the soaring ceilings in the Historic room help give the space a larger feel.

Inside the room, it checked all the boxes as an upscale property: charging outlets at both nightstands (including USB-C plugs), a gorgeous bathroom and oversized shower, amenities like a bathrobe and slippers, and an extremely comfortable bed with no shortage of pillows.

Hot Tip:

Don’t forget that Marriott Bonvoy offers your fifth consecutive award night free. Award nights cost around 55,000 points per night most times of the year, but can fall to as few as 37,500 points per night in the summer months. Truth is, summer in Utah is my preferred season!

3. Come for the Train Hotel, Stay for the Food and Beverages

While the grand lobby stole the spotlight, what surprised me most was just how impressive the hotel’s food and beverage offerings were.

Counterpart Café

Counterpart Café, located just off the lobby entrance, serves as the hotel’s coffee shop, brewing La Colombe beans.

However, the space goes far beyond your standard café. It functions as a mixed-use hub, offering grab-and-go beverages, healthy breakfast and lunch options, a curated gift shop featuring Utah brands, and even scoops of locally made ice cream.

The Bar at Asher Adams

The Bar at Asher Adams is centrally located within the grand lobby and carries an energetic, welcoming vibe. While I don’t drink alcohol, I was especially impressed by the strong emphasis on thoughtfully crafted zero-proof cocktails, making the experience just as enjoyable for nondrinkers.

A lunch menu is also available at the bar or at nearby tables, featuring sandwiches, burgers, and other classic fare.

No. 119

There’s also a second bar, No. 119, located on the second floor and accessible via the Historic room elevators.

Tucked away and requiring a quick check-in with a staff member before entry, it had a hush-hush speakeasy feel.

Once the staff member verified my age, I was able to explore the space during my midafternoon visit.

The space is much larger here than The Bar at Asher Adams, with both table and bar seating. However, there is a vinyl lounge area that is a must-visit for music lovers.

Rouser

I saved the best for last. Rouser is the upscale New American restaurant with an extensive menu with bold flavors. I dined with my partner and his brother, ordering several dishes family-style so we could sample as much of the menu as possible.

If I had to narrow down favorites, I’d strongly recommend leaning into the appetizers. The Parker House rolls were melt-in-your-mouth indulgent, served with ash butter and honey. The pork ribs struck the perfect sweet-and-salty balance with caramel and furikake and arrived alongside a generous portion of crispy fries.

For entrées, I initially planned on ordering the steak frites but quickly changed course in favor of the half rotisserie chicken, served with a heaping side of kimchi fried rice.

Cooked in a Josper charcoal rotisserie, the chicken was fresh and flavorful. The scallops, meanwhile, were also perfectly tender, paired with broccolini and pickled herbs.

4. Asher Adams Is One of Salt Lake City’s Only Luxury Hotels

Unlike many major U.S. cities, Salt Lake City has a relatively small luxury hotel scene. The opening of the Asher Adams added a distinctive new option to the city’s roster, arriving just ahead of its next major global moment: the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Other downtown properties include the Grand America, one of the city’s most recognizable hotels. It opened in 2001, just ahead of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and delivers an Old European-style luxury that has made it a defining part of the city’s hospitality scene. While a few other upscale hotels come to mind, such as Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, none carry quite the same presence.

Asher Adams, Autograph Collection, sits firmly in the upper tier of these city hotels. It offers luxury travelers a modern yet timeless option, featuring thoughtful nods to its railroad past without letting the theme feel overdone.

In terms of location, the Asher Adams is also part of the mixed-use development Gateway District. The hotel is less than 10 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is accessible via the TRAX Green line directly across the street for $2.50.

However, if you’re in town for a game, you can’t beat the Asher Adams’ location.

The hotel is quite literally right next to the Delta Center — home to the Utah Jazz, the Utah Mammoths, and countless concerts and live entertainment.

When it comes to amenities, the second-floor gym (accessible via the historic building’s elevator) is modern and well equipped, featuring Technogym machines along with a solid mix of weight and cardio equipment for a full workout.

Each floor also offers filtered water stations and individually bagged ice for added convenience.

Notably, the hotel does not have an indoor or outdoor pool, which limits opportunities to enjoy Salt Lake City’s 4 distinct seasons on-property.

Hot Tip:

Asher Adams offers valet parking for $48 per night, with several self-parking options available within walking distance.

Final Thoughts

Asher Adams, Autograph Collection, is more than just a hotel. It’s a destination in its own right, complete with remarkable dining and an atmosphere that invites you to linger.

It’s an ideal home base for a weekend getaway, especially for travelers flying into SLC, with everything the city has to offer right at your fingertips, from breathtaking hikes and premier shopping to a walkable downtown location and unbeatable access to the Delta Center.

Having had the pleasure of experiencing Salt Lake City in all 4 seasons, I can confidently say that Asher Adams has become my new go-to staycation spot — and one I’ll be recommending to friends and family whenever they visit.