So what did the Sassies think of The Grand America Hotel & Afternoon Tea? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Hotel ~ Ritzy. Classy. Marble floors and walls. Robes and chocolates laid out on your beds for you. This was obviously going to be a luxurious hotel! Tea ~ What a comfortable atmosphere to relax and enjoy good company (and some delicious beverages.)
Emily: Hotel ~ What a stunningly beautiful hotel, especially at night. I can’t believe I’m actually staying in a five-star hotel! Tea ~ Do the English really do this on a daily basis? I think I need to move to Great Britain. How fun to have a grown-up tea party with grown-up (well, most of them) friends!
Kristina: Hotel ~ The hotel is gorgeous. It’s very opulent, and is clearly a luxury hotel. It looks like the kind of place that Brangelina would hole up in for months at a time, to celebrate the adoption of their 19th child. Tea ~ Everything was adorable. I basically felt like Jane Austen was going to pop out around the corner at any minute with Mr. Darcy. I felt very proper.
Michelle: Hotel ~ The flowers in the lobby were gorgeous and fragrant and the decor was beautiful and lush. I thought it was interesting that they used electronic keys that actually look like metal keys. Tea ~ It felt very proper and lady like. The server was very helpful and explained each hors d’oeuvre for us.
Stephanie: Hotel ~ The room was so spacious and the bathroom was GORGEOUS! Tea ~ The table was set beautifully for tea. I felt so proper.
Vanessa: Hotel ~ Our first room was BEAUTIFUL! If you stay at the Grand America you need to stay on the 24th floor with the balconies. Tea ~ The lady helping us with our tea was very warm and inviting, put me to ease since I felt very very out of place in a fancy tea room!
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Hotel ~ The Grand Spa amenities! Aside from the awesome pool, sauna, hot tub and spa services, the changing room was equipped with everything you’d need for your shower including disposable combs, razors and Q-tips! Plus, I got to find out where they get their Grand Spa Organic Honey products. Tea ~ The atmosphere: comfortable chairs/couches surrounding a coffee table produced a more inviting environment to sit and chat with friends.
Emily: Hotel ~ The location. Really, perfect spot in the heart of downtown. I also loved the gorgeous lobby and actual key-style room keys. Tea ~ I’d say it’s a tie between the atmosphere (perfect for bonding with girlfriends and/or moms and daughters) and the desserts. Both are fabulous!
Kristina: Hotel ~ I really loved the Afternoon Tea. The hotel amenities (spa, pool, fitness center), are also very nice and elegant. I do love the Garden Cafe restaurant. Also, the fact that they didn’t treat me like Pretty Woman, pre-Richard Gere money was nice and relieving, and I didn’t feel out of place. Tea ~ I actually really just loved the ambiance. All of the food was excellent, the hot chocolate was delicious and the desserts were to die for. I also liked that I could judge my fellow Sassies’ lack of manners and taste.
Michelle: Hotel ~ I really liked the french doors going in to the bathroom. The bathroom in general was beautiful and nicely laid out. I liked that they had an extra sink and vanity outside the bathroom as well. Tea ~ The ham and Beehive cheddar sandwich and pumpkin scones were delicious. The desserts were delightful, each one was mouthwatering. The strawberries and whipped cream were out of this world. I also liked that they gave you the option of multiple flavors of hot chocolate instead of tea.
Stephanie: Hotel ~ The view. Hands down the best view of Salt Lake City. It’s magical! Tea ~ It’s so hard to choose just one thing. But probably the dessert selection. Holy delicious.
Vanessa: Hotel ~ The balconies on the 24th floor, the way the room was set up, attention to detail (the robes, strawberries, drinks, umbrella, etc.) Tea ~ The food was original, tasty and really a treat. I also loved that they had a hot cocoa option and that they were very, very yummy.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Hotel ~ Both times I called down to the front desk, the employee gave me wrong information. But it resulted in a lot of walking which was good exercise for me! Tea ~ It seemed to take a while before we received our dessert, but we weren’t the only ones enjoying tea at the time.
Emily: Hotel ~ While the first room was nice, flat-screen TV and all, the second room we were moved to was kind of musty and a little bit “old” for such a grand hotel. Also, the sofa bed, like a typical sofa bed, was pretty uncomfortable. Tea ~ While the flavor of the coconut almond cocoa was good, it arrived warm, not hot, and cooled pretty quickly. Also, the bread used in the cucumber sandwiches was a bit soggy for my taste.
Kristina: Hotel ~ To be honest, I was quite underwhelmed with the rooms themselves. They were very spacious, but other than the bathroom, it did not feel like a high-end room. They had very large TVs stuck in the corners of the rooms, which made them difficult to watch, the beds were hard and the linens in the bathroom were rough and itchy. Tea ~ Frankly, not much. My one quibble was that the hot chocolate didn’t really stay hot for very long.
Michelle: Hotel ~ The bed was firm for my taste, though being eight months pregnant I feel every joint so I need a little extra cushion. The towels could have been a bit more lush too. Tea ~ The blue-gray flowered dresses some of the tea attendants had to wear were really matronly. Also, my hot chocolate seemed to get cold really quickly.
Stephanie: Hotel ~ Our room didn’t have a flat screen TV. It is something I would expect from a hotel of this caliber. Tea ~ I can’t think of anything.
Vanessa: Hotel ~ Our second room; it was musty, felt older and I did not enjoy the setup of it although the bathrooms were still beautiful. Also the price of a room is about…$50 too high for me personally. Tea ~ I didn’t enjoy having the tea party in comfy lounging couches. I would think that cute tables and chairs would go more with the theme.
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QUESTION

Would you refer the Grand America Hotel and/or their Afternoon Tea to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Hotel ~ Only if they appreciate the finer things in life! Tea ~ Absolutely! In fact, I want to bring my girls here one day, dressed up in their princess garb. They would love it!
Emily: Hotel ~ Unfortunately I probably wouldn’t recommend this hotel unless the friend were guaranteed one of the nicer rooms and at a discounted rate. Tea ~ Definitely! I had a friend bring me for my birthday a few years ago and have never forgotten how lovely it was. And our experience this weekend was wonderful as well. I’d love to bring my daughters here, though I’m not sure they’d eat much more than the scones and dessert!
Kristina: Hotel ~ For the price, I would probably recommend it if they were looking for a nice place to stay in SLC proper. However, if someone were willing to go to Park City, I could think of several hotels I would recommend before The Grand America. Tea ~ Definitely. I already have. It would be a really fun afternoon to spend with a bunch of little girls for a tea party, and the price is excellent. You know, if you like children.
Michelle: Hotel ~ I may be hesitant if they were paying full price. It did not meet all my expectations for the price. Tea ~ Yes! I loved that it was a different, quiet atmosphere so you could have a good conversation with friends.
Stephanie: Hotel ~ It depends on what they were looking for in a hotel. Tea ~ Yes! I would go there with the friend too.
Vanessa: Hotel ~ If they could get a room on the 24th floor, if they really wanted to explore downtown Salt Lake City AND if they got the room at just a bit less of a price…YES. Tea ~ Oh yes, the tea party was surprisingly a lot of fun. At first I could not understand why you would pick it over going to lunch with your friends BUT afterward I totally get it.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Hotel ~ Treat yourself to some luxury and spend a night @grandamerica. Be sure to take advantage of the Grand Spa as well! #Utah Tea ~ Next girls’ night out, take the ladies for “high tea” @grandamerica. Fully equipped with finger sandwiches and amazing desserts! #Utah
Emily: Hotel ~ Want to stay in the heart of downtown #slc and catch a gorgeous view? Stay on the 24th floor of @GrandAmerica. #gorgeous Tea ~ Tea time makes for a fab lunch with girlfriends. You can sip tea and actually hear each other talk @grandamerica!
Kristina: Hotel ~ Next time you are looking for a place to stay in Grand Salt Lake, consider @GrandAmerica hotel. Tea ~ Come and fool your friends by pretending to be proper at the @GrandAmerica during Afternoon Tea.
Michelle: Hotel ~ Looking for a little luxury in your life? Step foot in to the @GrandAmerica for a dose of class and style. #utah Tea ~ Need a new idea for a girls activity. Try high tea at the @GrandAmerica. The food is wonderful and the quiet atmosphere is perfect for conversation!
Stephanie: Hotel ~ @grandamerica is in the perfect downtown location for a fun slumber party with friends or a romantic date with your significant other. Tea ~ If you want to feel more proper than Mary Poppins @grandamerica has the tea for you!
Vanessa: Love love the @GrandAmerica for tea parties, just a different and fun things to do with your favorite girls. Highly recommend!

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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for The Grand America Hotel. See below for our official rating of the hotel’s Afternoon Tea.

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The hotel ~

Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

The tea ~
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on The Grand America Hotel! We may have a yummy GIVEAWAY for our readers!

The Sassies were invited to spend the night at Salt Lake City’s only five diamond hotel, The Grand America Hotel. Generally my hotel experiences consist of places that CSI employees would usually investigate due to stabbings, so staying at The Grand America Hotel was like going from shopping at the local dollar store to Saks 5th Avenue.

The Grand America Hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. The hotel was inspired by European “boutiques” and has the “allure of Old World craftsmanship.” The hotel boasts 775 rooms and suites, ranging in size from 700 square feet to the 2,000 square feet of the Presidential Suite. All rooms and suites offer Italian marble bathrooms, complimentary Wi-fi (a girl’s gotta be able to check The Hoff fan page at all times), dual vanities, lighted cosmetic and shaving mirrors, down pillows and comforters, and plush bathrobes. Don’t tell my Snuggie I said this, but even it was a bit jealous of the robes.

Some additional hotel amenities are a complimentary business center, boutique shops, a sweet shop/bakery, floral design studio, outdoor swimming pool, indoor lap pool, full service spa and salon, including a fitness center and secure underground parking.

The Grand America Hotel also has their premier restaurant, The Garden Cafe, which has one of the most amazing Sunday brunch buffets in Utah. I have also had the opportunity to eat there during the holidays, and they would most certainly make the pilgrims proud. And slightly envious.

One of the greatest hotel amenities is the Grand Spa. Their services range from hot stone massages, facials, pedicures, to men’s shaves, up-dos, and upper lip waxing. Thankfully, I am no longer mistaken for Burt Reynolds. The salon also offers monthly locals promotions. This month the spa is offering 20% off some of their most popular treatments including The Custom Infusion Massage, The Custom Blend Facial and The Grand Pedicure.

One of the most unique and fun experiences at The Grand America Hotel is their daily Afternoon Tea. They serve various teas and flavored hot chocolates. The teas are accompanied by a variety of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and desserts. Afternoon Tea is on Monday-Thursday from 2 pm- 5 pm, and Friday-Sunday, at 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Reservations are recommended.

At The Grand America Hotel’s sister hotel, The Little America Hotel, on October 30th from 4-6 pm, they are doing a free event for families with children 12 and younger called Little Spook Street. Families are invited to dress up and trick or treat in the Little Spook Street haunted houses. Call 801-596-5700 for more information.

Stay tuned for Wednesday when the Sassies each share their experience at The Grand America Hotel. It’s a good thing I have classy friends or else I probably would have had to sleep outside in the driveway.

The Grand America Hotel is located at:

555 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

You can make reservations by calling 1-800-304-8696.

The Grand America Hotel can be located on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and their Blog.

The Sassies had a fantastic time sampling the food at The Sky Lodge’s Easy Street Brasserie! The food was oh-so-yummy and the environment was unforgettable!

We did find out, however, that some of us aren’t really big on seafood (i.e. me).  I always thought I was a seafood lover, but I now realize that my “seafood” love was mostly for shrimp, imitation crab and an occasional salmon.  The fancy calimari and crab claws Easy Street prepared for us looked so gorgeous and everyone in our group was raving over it, so I know it was just me and my limited seafood palate.  However, I died over the crab dip and the asparagus quesadillas.  SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!!

We’d love to have you give Easy Street Brasserie a try!  Chef Scott and his marketing director wanted to give Sassy readers some screamin’ deals!  Check them out:

• Take advantage of their current special for a 3-course meal for only $27.95 (heck yes!!!)
  
• If you go to Easy Street Brasserie & mention SassyScoops, they’ll give you 20% off any regular price menu item until November 15th, 2009 (Woo-hoo!!! Aren’t you happy you read SassyScoops?!  Yay!!!)
• Also (& this is the REAL kicker), if you want to have a deluxe night out, they’ll give you a 1200 square foot 2 bedroom, 2 bath sky suite for only $159.00 a night!!! (You fell right out of your chair, didn’t you?!  Does life get better than this?  Nope.)

Since you REALLY deserve a night out, jump on these offers right away!  These rooms are perfect for a getaway with family or friends.  I’m thinking if you grab 4 friends & split the room cost for a girls night away – only a little over $30/person/night!  Or, snag another couple & that’s only $80/couple/night!  Oh, the possibilities!!!  Check out all the amenities for The Sky Lodge Suites here.  The Sky Lodge is located right on Main Street in Park City so there’s plenty to do right around there (& plenty of fun shops to browse!).

We can vouch for what a gorgeous place The Sky Lodge is: uhhh-may-zing!!!  And – of course – the food at Easy Street Brasserie is INCREDIBLE!  Truly this is an experience you don’t want to miss!  Call The Sky Lodge to get your reservations today: 435-658-9427.  And get your hiney up to gorgeous Park City to dine at Easy Street amidst all the autumn leaves.  You won’t be sorry!

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Bonus:  Check out some video of the Sassies sampling the appetizers Easy Street brought to the West Light Images gallery for us to sample while reviewing David’s photography before we walked up to eat more yumminess on location, at The Sky Lodge’s Easy Street Brasserie.  (This is what I mean about some of us love seafood and others… well, others just don’t.. as much…):

p.s. We took a lot of great footage of Chef Scott telling us all about The Sky Lodge, Easy Street and his culinary background but the lighting was terrible and the sound didn’t work out. We’re pretty bummed we can’t share all that with you. :(