What the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley opening means for military personnel

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley rendering Photo: Grand Hyatt Deer Valley exterior

PARK CITY, Utah — The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, set to open in November of this year, is being built on Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) land. Many have wondered what this means for military personnel. While the new hotel touts itself as a luxury development, it also promises substantial benefits for active and retired military members, as well as Department of Defense (DoD) staff.

The project’s history has roots in MIDA’s many-year effort to replace a small military-owned Morale Welfare Recreation (MWR) ski lodge that closed in the late 1990s. The original lodge near Snowbasin Resort was shuttered to accommodate the 2002 Winter Olympics. The land where the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley is being built would prove to be the solution for MIDA’s replacement after a deal between developers and MIDA was struck. 

Congress played a key role in the project as well. Recognizing the need for expanded facilities legislation was passed in 2001 that granted the federally-owned Red Maple parcel to the Air Force for either constructing a new MWR facility or trading for other property of equal value. It is part of a long-term 249-year ground lease with MIDA.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, chair of the MIDA board, said, “This exchange and subsequent development underscore our commitment to providing exceptional recreational facilities for our nation’s service members.”

The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley will offer several exclusive features designed to benefit military personnel. A block of 100 rooms will be permanently set aside for active and retired military members and active DoD personnel. The hotel will also provide a concierge and lounge named North Star, providing staff support and assistance with recreational activities. This space is specific to military guests.

These rooms will be available at fixed rates averaging $143, adjusted annually with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with no blackout dates. To date, current rates for the general public to book a regular room start at around $323 per night before the holiday season. During peak holiday season, room rates start at $1073 per night.

MIDA spokesperson Kristin Kenney Williams stated that military rates do change during peak holiday dates including: the Christmas and New Years’ weeks, Martin Luther King weekend through Sundance, and President’s weekend. Discounts include 50% off room rates when booked 120 days in advance, or 20-30% off room rates with bookings made less than 120 days out depending on their military category.

Reservations for these military-exclusive rooms will be managed separately from the Grand Hyatt website. “There’s a private portal for online reservation that will be marketed via military channels in the next few weeks,” said Kenney Williams. 

Park City Mayor Nann Worel highlighted the broader community benefits in acquiring the Red Maple parcel and not allowing development there, noting, “This agreement preserves important land for the public good and ensures that our community can benefit from recreational open space for generations.”

It is important to note that veterans who served fewer than 20 years are not eligible for the preferred-rate rooms, focusing on those with extended military service and in line with other MWR facilities. Kenney Williams said that the MIDA project area will offer recreational amenities, both at no cost or a discount, for veterans and military and will be announced as the area builds out. For wounded veterans, MIDA has partnered with the Mountain Veterans Program on a new ADA-accessible hotel at Sundance.

For further inquiries or to learn more about the reservation process, contact MIDA spokesperson Kristin Kenney Williams.