Garner Hotel Salt Lake City Airport by IHG

The hotel is currently undergoing extensive renovations, which significantly impacts the guest experience, presenting a mix of newly updated rooms and areas still in disarray. Its primary appeal lies in its proximity to the airport, making it a practical choice for transient travelers or those seeking a brief stopover. While some guests report positive interactions with staff and clean, comfortable rooms, a notable number express dissatisfaction with overall cleanliness and service quality, often citing issues related to the ongoing construction. The property's transformation is its signature feature, aiming for improvement, but currently results in a highly varied stay. This hotel is best suited for budget travelers who prioritize location near the airport and are prepared for a property in transition. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of specific amenities before booking and to inquire about the availability of newly renovated rooms.

Facilities & Amenities
The availability and condition of facilities and amenities are significantly impacted by the ongoing renovations. Most notably, the swimming pool and fitness center are consistently reported as closed or unavailable, leading to disappointment for many guests who booked expecting these features. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests experienced spotty or unreliable connections. The elevator is frequently described as old, dirty, or malfunctioning, causing inconvenience. Laundry facilities are either unavailable or problematic, with reports of expensive machines and poor dryer performance. Although some rooms include a fridge and microwave, other common conveniences like ice machines are often out of service. The airport shuttle service, while advertised, has limited hours and is frequently cited as unreliable or difficult to access, forcing guests to seek alternative transportation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly polarized. Many guests report significant issues, describing carpets as stained and filthy, bed sheets as having stains or cigarette burns, and rooms emitting unpleasant odors. Some reviews mention mold in bathrooms, broken fixtures, and general disrepair, with walls and furniture showing considerable wear. Conversely, a notable portion of guests praise their rooms as impeccably clean, newly remodeled, and smelling fresh, suggesting a stark difference between renovated and unrenovated accommodations. Bed comfort also receives mixed reviews, with some finding them hard and uncomfortable, while others describe them as comfortable. Television options are often limited or non-functional, and Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Noise levels vary, with some reporting quiet stays and others disturbed by slamming doors or construction.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding the hotel's dining options, primarily the complimentary breakfast, is largely negative, with many guests describing it as "nothing special," "sucky," or "bare minimum." The breakfast variety is often criticized for being very limited, typically consisting of basic items like waffles, cereal, muffins, bread, juice, and coffee. Many guests note the absence of protein options, fresh fruit, or even basic condiments like syrup for waffles. Some report that items run out quickly and are not replenished, leading to disappointment for those arriving later. The coffee quality is frequently described as poor, and there are mentions of a lack of basic amenities like napkins. Overall, the breakfast is perceived as a functional, but uninspiring, offering that falls short of expectations for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its main advantage, particularly its proximity to the airport, making it a convenient choice for travelers with early flights or late arrivals. Guests appreciate the short travel time to and from the airport. While some reviews mention it being close to other amenities, many note that it is not within walking distance of significant attractions or diverse dining options, requiring transportation for exploration. Parking is generally available and considered good by guests, though some mention construction debris in the area. The advertised airport shuttle service, while a draw, often receives criticism for its limited operating hours and unreliability, frequently forcing guests to arrange alternative, often costly, transportation like taxis or ride-shares.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are highly varied, presenting a significant point of contention. Many reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, unhelpful, and even confrontational, particularly regarding issues like refunds, pet policies, or room conditions. There are multiple reports of negative interactions at the front desk, including accusations of misconduct and a general lack of hospitality. Conversely, a notable number of guests praise the staff as friendly, polite, helpful, and courteous, highlighting positive experiences during check-in and with specific individuals. The check-in process itself is sometimes described as quick, but issues like strict late check-out policies and unexpected deposits contribute to negative perceptions of service.

Additional Information
Several important details not covered elsewhere frequently appear in guest reviews. The hotel is undergoing a significant ownership change and was formerly a Super 8, which explains the mixed state of renovations and service. A major point of contention is the pet policy, which is often described as misleading; while advertised as pet-friendly, many guests report being informed upon arrival that only dogs are allowed, or that exorbitant, non-refundable pet fees are charged, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars. Guests also frequently mention a high, non-negotiable deposit required at check-in. The hotel has a strict no outside guests policy, which some find restrictive. Furthermore, the cancellation policy is noted as very rigid, with guests often denied refunds even for legitimate reasons.