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The Concierge

Barbara B. Roberts
Concierge
Grand America Hotel
Salt Lake City


What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?

The beautiful valley of Salt Lake and the surrounding area is an ideal destination for meetings, recreation and cultural experiences. It is not uncommon for guests to request a myriad of activities, from snow skiing and snowmobiling to horseback riding and fly-fishing. Due to our close proximity to the Greater Salt Lake area, we can simplify and customize group outings that save countless hours of planning time for our guests and allow them to simply enjoy the day.

What are your group restaurant recommendations?
Old-world charm, international influences and spacious gardens create an elegant and inviting ambience at the Garden Cafe in the Grand America Hotel. With the sumptuous Seafood Buffet, offered on Saturday nights, to the award-winning Sunday Brunch, showcasing live, local jazz trios, it is no wonder reservations are highly recommended in this beautiful 335-person restaurant.

Another alternative is Cucina Toscana, a true Tuscan Trattoria, located in Salt Lake’s downtown arts and entertainment district. Cucina is regarded as one of Salt Lake’s finest restaurants. The marvelous Tuscan fare is served in a visually dramatic atmosphere with the highest levels of service and quality. It is absolutely true to its Tuscan heritage in its freshness, simplicity and presentation. A true delight!

What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
Port O’Call, located in the historically registered Shubrick building, is one of the best sports bars in the country! Whether you would like to chill under the stars upstairs or listen to a great local band, play pool downstairs or watch a game, the Port offers all of the above and does it superbly.

Another high recommendation is The Hotel Bar and Nightclub, located in the historically registered Hotel Victor. With over 38,000 square feet of entertainment space, the Victor consistently features the most in-demand DJs in the world. It is the perfect location for dancing, celebrating or just relaxing with friends.

Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Tucked into a neighborhood just east of downtown sits the Gilgal Sculpture Gardens. The Gilgal Sculpture Gardens are a unique, yet strange, little Salt Lake City treasure. The garden is filled with hand-carved stone artwork created by Thomas Child Jr., a stone mason and devout Mormon. Child started the garden in 1945 and didn’t complete the work until 1963. His works in the Garden include a large Mormon cricket, a self-portrait, and an infamous Sphinx of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. Although Gilgal Garden is clearly the work of a man dedicated to his church, both Mormons and non-Mormons alike can appreciate it.

If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
The beauty and serenity of historic Temple Square is a highlight for any tourist visiting Salt Lake City. The 35-acre property is in the heart of downtown and is one of Utah’s most visited attractions. The centerpiece of the Square is the six-spired granite Salt Lake Temple. Adjacent to the Temple is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the great Tabernacle organ. The Square is also home to the world’s largest genealogy library. Free tours are offered every 15 minutes from the main gates in over 40 languages.

What has been an unusual request from a group?
Recently a group of 50 businessmen wanted to go fly-fishing on the Provo River. They wanted me to guarantee each fisherman would catch at least one fish! I arranged transportation, box lunches, coolers of beer and sodas, and a team of 12 expert fly-fisherman guides to assist these ambitious men. Not only did everyone catch one fish, many caught several. Of course, all of this was caught on film for bragging rights when each returned home!