Last week the ribbon was cut on the St. Regis Deer Crest hotel at the highly anticipated Park City, Utah opening of one of the area’s most luxurious hotel properties.
Located at the base of Deer Valley Resort, St. Regis Deer Crest is ideally situated adjacent to one of the ski runs in the private community of Deer Crest. Michael Zaccaro, managing partner of the ownership group Deer Crest Janna, said “the vision for an internationally-recognized, five-star brand hotel was inspired by the site itself.”
The hotel features ski-in, ski-out access, incredible views of the Wasatch Back, and it’s prime location in one of Park City’s most upscale communities means that affluent skiers and vacationers are right at its finger tips. Developers and the ownership ground noted that Starwood Hotels’ St. Regis brand was selected because of its “large and loyal following among elite travelers, especially those in the Northeast.”
The general manager of the property is Michael Hatzfeld, who is excited for the St. Regis in Park City because “being at the best address in the best destinations is core to [St. Regis’] values” and the Deer Crest location affords the brand its continuing reputation among luxury-seeking travelers.
Hatzfeld argues that the summer activities in Park City are superior to those in Aspen, and adds, “it’s not just a focus on the three or four months of ski season, but the summer months can bring Fortune 500 companies to these destinations.”
A funicular which begins near the Deer Valley parking lots takes most hotel guests and visitors to the property in 90 seconds to avoid overloading Deer Crest with traffic. This was a focal point in the planning process, according to Zaccaro who admits a “gondola just wouldn’t have done.”
Despite the hotel industry’s troubles throughout 2009, Zaccaro believes that the financial back bone of the hotel is incredibly sound, offering that “the committed buyers are closing at a rate that has soothed fears.”
While certainly stealing the spotlight from the crowd during its ribbon cutting ceremony, St. Regis Deer Crest has three competitors (Dakota Mountain Lodge, Stein Eriksen Lodge, and The Montage) nearby, however Zaccaro says that as the St. Regis “creates more world-class amenities it will garner greater world-wide recognition.” Hatzfeld, who has also worked at the St. Regis Aspen adds, “This is by far the most spectacular and interesting (St. Regis) I’ve had the privilege to run in my career.”
