Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Katrina
Set in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley has been called America’s first ski resort area, since it has been attracting savvy travelers—including movie stars and authors—since the 1930s. Today, it’s a classic ski resort but also a fine warm-weather destination, too, with hiking, golfing or fishing in the non-snowy months. When staying in the Sun Valley area, choose from hotels right by the ski resort or in the small town of Ketchum, which is a short shuttle ride from the ski lifts. Here are the best hotels in Sun Valley.
Sun Valley Lodge (1 Sun Valley Rd.; 800-786-8259) Sun Valley
Stay at this classic 1936 resort for a glimpse of the beginnings of the Sun Valley. Celebrity guests such as Marilyn Monroe and Ernest Hemingway helped put this hotel on the map. Today, Condé Nast Traveler calls the 108-room lodge “sophisticated” and likes how guests “can wander among black-and-white photographs of the star-studded slopes, just off the lodge’s lobby, or book a stay into one of the lodge’s celebrity suites, which are tastefully decorated with archival photos of the rich and famous.” Online reviewers like the amenities, which include an outdoor pool, a spa, and a bowling alley. “We had a king suite overlooking the ice-skating rink, and enjoyed watching the skaters—young and old—practice,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “The suite came with a fireplace. The workout facility is very well done and the spa is beautiful.” >> Book this hotel for less
Limelight Hotel Ketchum (151 S Main St.; 208-726-0888) Ketchum
“With its stylish, mountain-inspired decor, massive windows, views of Bald Mountain, and living room-style restaurant and bar, the Limelight is an ideal home base for exploring Sun Valley,” writes Condé Nast Traveler of this 99-room boutique hotel in downtown Ketchum that also has 14 residences. “The rooms are large and well appointed,” writes a Tripadvisor user, “and the spacious lobby is perfect for hanging out and apres ski. We also appreciated the wide assortment of goodies on the breakfast buffet and the frequent shuttle service to the mountain.” >> Book this hotel for less
Knob Hill Inn Sun Valley (960 N Main St.; 208-726-8010) Ketchum
Afar calls the 29-room ski-chalet-style hotel “a serene stay just beyond the buzz of downtown” that exudes “classic elegance and quality details like radiant floor heating in the marble bathrooms, feather bedding on pillowtop mattresses, and balconies with scenic views.” A Google reviewer likes the “oversized rooms” and that it’s “five minutes from town and the ski lifts. All we had to do was send a text for transport request. Hotel also includes a hot breakfast in restaurant for all guests.” And it’s dog-friendly, too. >> Book this hotel for less
Hotel Ketchum (600 N Main St.; 208-471-4716) Ketchum
“A prime pick for a girls’ trip or a romantic weekend away,” writes Condé Nast Traveler of this 99-room hotel with a “contemporary, curated aesthetic and an on-site taco and tequila lounge.” A Tripadvisor user writes that the hotel “checks all the boxes. Rooms are spacious with large windows and great views. The lobby’s breakfast room offers nice breakfasts that are included. The location is perfect, which is close to a bus stop, convenience store and everything downtown.” >> Book this hotel for less
Sun Valley Inn (Kitzbuhler Strasse; 208-622-2211) Sun Valley
The slightly smaller sister property of the Sun Valley Lodge opened in 1937 and has 97 rooms, Austrian ambience, and easy access to the Village Station, where you can take the shuttle to the mountain. Afar writes that it “provides a quieter, less flashy retreat” compared to the Sun Valley Lodge. The magazine loves the inn’s “iconic” Ram restaurant and bar with its “antler chandeliers, Austrian cowbells, and velvet drapery, where diners enjoy steaks and fondue.” “Great hotel with a wonderful heated outdoor swimming pool,” writes a Google reviewer. “It’s located very close to Dollar Mountain ski resort and there is also a boutique shopping mall on the property with other great food and desserts.” >> Book this hotel for less
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