Want to take advantage of Virtuoso benefits at no extra cost, including a room upgrade, a resort credit, and more, all while paying the lowest rate? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He doesn’t charge booking fees, and may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
We recently wrapped up a trip to Deer Valley, Utah. We traveled with our older son, Miles, as it was his first time “skiing,” so we enrolled him in ski school.
In a previous installment, I reviewed the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, where we spent the first three nights. In this post, I’d like to review Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley, an Auberge Collection property, where we spent the next three nights. Auberge Collection is a growing luxury hotel group, and believe it or not, this was my first time staying at one of the brand’s properties, and I always enjoy checking out new brands.
I’ve gotta say, Goldener Hirsch was absolutely fantastic, and I’d highly recommend it. The 68-room property is super charming, mixing traditional Austrian design with a modern mountain aesthetic. The hotel has well appointed rooms, great service, and a real boutique vibe, with easy access to the slopes.
The only thing I’d caution is that this property definitely has more of a quiet vibe, so this isn’t the place to stay if you want a hotel that has a strong party vibe.
In this post:
Booking Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley
For our three-night stay, we paid a rate of just over $1,000 per night. Ford booked us through the Virtuoso program, which came with extra perks, including an upgrade (subject to availability), a $100 property credit, complimentary breakfast, and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). Ford and his team are happy to help with Virtuoso requests, and can be reached at [email protected].
As you’d expect, there’s massive seasonal variance in terms of pricing at this resort, since Deer Valley is both a winter and summer destination. Rates at the hotel can be as low as $500 per night over select dates in summer, and as high as $2,000 per night during peak periods of winter.
We visited in the first half of January, when rates were still comparatively low, compared to later in the ski season. I just have to point out how Goldener Hirsch was charging less than half of the rate of what the St. Regis Deer Valley was charging, which I’d consider to be a peak “points farm” property. The rates at that property simply have no basis in reality, especially when taking into account the service level.
So while being able to redeem points there is a good opportunity, I pity the person who pays double as much to stay at the St. Regis compared to this hotel.
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley location
One of the big selling points of Deer Valley vs. Aspen (or other ski destinations) is how easy it is to get to, given that you can fly into Salt Lake City (SLC), which is a major airport, with nonstop flights from all over the place. It’s then just a 45-60 minute drive to Deer Valley.
Goldener Hirsch is located in Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Village, right at mid-mountain, next to Stein Eriksen Lodge. So while Snow Park Lodge (the main starting point for skiing in Deer Valley) is at an altitude of around 6,500 feet, Silver Lake Village is at an altitude of over 8,000 feet.
It’s a picturesque drive up a mountain to get there, and it almost feels like it’s out of a fairytale. You have direct ski-in, ski-out access from Silver Lake Village, and on top of that, it’s a roughly 5-10 minute drive to get to both Snow Park Lodge and to the charming town of Park City, and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service for both. If you’re parking a car, valet costs $40 per night.
The design of Goldener Hirsch is fascinating. That’s because the property first opened all the way back in 1992, as an 18-room Austrian-style chalet property.
But in 2021, the property was massively expanded, with the introduction of two new modern buildings, adding 50 additional rooms. What’s so cool is that all the buildings are connected.
That means you can choose whether you want to stay in one of the more traditional Austrian-style rooms, or prefer the more modern accommodations. Similarly, the amenities are split between the buildings, and I love how the main restaurant is located in the historic building, so you really feel like you’re in Europe.
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley lobby & check-in
We arrived at Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley in the early afternoon, and had a pleasant welcome experience. Thanks to how small the hotel is, you really feel like you’re in a boutique property, as there were no other guests in sight, and we were helped right away.
The lobby is in the modern portion of the hotel, and has a fireplace, and plenty of cozy seating. As you can see, even the “modern” part of the building has a good sense of place, so this isn’t some unnecessarily ultra-modern setup.
The concierge desk was located just inside the entrance and to the left, while the front desk was located beyond that.
Our check-in process was quick, and we were upgraded to the Goldener Studio Suite, one category up from what we booked. Our room was ready, so we headed up there immediately.
By the way, since I mentioned both the modern and historic portion of the property, below is what the design of public area looks like in the Austrian chalet-inspired portion of the building. How lovely is that?!
For what it’s worth, the historic and modern portions of the property are connected by a bridge that goes over the street.
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley guest room
We were assigned room 224, located on the second floor. This might just be the most centrally located room in the hotel, as it was near reception, the elevator, the coffee shop and lounge, and even near the bridge. Since we were traveling with Miles, we found it to be handy to be in the middle of the building in this way, since we could easily get anywhere from there.
The Goldener Studio Suite is described as being 586 to 619 square feet, and given that this wing just opened several years ago, it still felt very modern. The room featured an entryway with the bathroom to the left, closets and the minibar to the right, and the rest of the room straight ahead.
The room boasted a really comfortable king size bed, with a plush mattress and large pillows. The room then had a wall-mounted TV with a bunch of closet space across from the bed, plus an L-shaped couch and a desk with two chairs at the far end of the room.
Waiting on the table was a lovely welcome amenity, with something for both kids and adults. Miles loved the freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate, we all appreciated the fruit and cheese plate, and Ford and I liked the bottle of Austrian sparkling wine. I really love how the property embraces its Austrian roots.
There were also a couple of family pictures, which was a nice touch (while we paid for our stay, Ford was the travel advisor who booked, and he had been in contact with the property about the stay).
Back toward the entrance was the minibar, with a Nespresso coffee machine, along with a small selection of drinks and snacks for purchase.
The bathroom was back toward the entrance, and was a great size, with double sinks, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and a toilet in a separate room.
The one aspect of the room that didn’t particularly impress was the view. Obviously properties in Deer Valley are built into mountains, so views can vary. Our room had an outdoor space, but then there was a large wall just past that. On the plus side, we had a good amount of privacy, but there wasn’t otherwise much to see.
Wi-Fi in the room was fast and free, and housekeeping was provided twice daily, and was thorough.
For those curious, we also had a look at one of the rooms in the historic portion of the hotel, which have a totally different vibe. Pricing is generally comparable, so it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Personally, I think I prefer the modern portion of the property, especially since you get the Austrian chalet vibe in the restaurant. But the historic rooms largely have better balconies, fireplaces, etc., so it’s a tradeoff.
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley spa, pool, & gym
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley has a rooftop pool and gym, located on the sixth floor. The pool area is open daily from 7AM until 10PM — as you’d expect, the pool is heated seasonally, and while it’s not huge, it’s more than sufficient for a property of this size.
I’d say the coolest feature was the infinity-edge hot tub, with some incredible views of the area — how pretty is this?!
The deck also has plenty of seating, though when it’s snowing in winter, I’m guessing not too many people will be lingering here for too long.
The hotel also has a sauna, which is a good place to warm up and dry off after visiting the pool.
The hotel then has a 24/7 gym, which is on the basic side, but I guess we’re talking about a boutique ski resort, so that’s not too surprising. I appreciated the range of free weights, and I know some others will like the Peloton bikes.
Lastly, while I didn’t get any treatments, the hotel does have its spa on the first floor, named The Joy of Wellbeing by Auberge. There are two treatment rooms, and you can find a treatment menu here (it’s pricey, goodness!).
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley skiing
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley is a ski-in, ski-out hotel. The property has ski butlers who can help you with all your skiing needs, and there are also lockers where you can store your skis.
The property is located at Silver Lake Village, which is mid-mountain. So from the property, you can go straight onto Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Lake Express and Sterling Express chairlifts. As mentioned above, the property is also located right next to Stein Eriksen Lodge, which has a bit more of an après-ski party vibe, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley restaurants & bars
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley has three(ish) food & beverage outlets, as follows:
- The Hirsch is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and more
- The Kitz is the hotel’s coffee shop, and it also serves a substantial breakfast and lunch, as an alternative venue
- Antler Lounge is the hotel’s lounge serving drinks and snacks, and it has live music certain days of the week
Anyway, let’s start with The Hirsch, which is located in the historic party of the property. It’s open daily from 7AM until 10PM, serving breakfast from 7AM until 10:30AM, lunch from 11AM until 2PM, dinner from 5PM until 9PM, and drinks and snacks throughout the day.
I’m sorry, but how outrageously cute is this restaurant?! The forward part of the restaurant has some dining tables and the bar, and then there’s a larger room in the back with more tables (we always sat in the forward room).
We had breakfast here each morning, which was included with our Virtuoso booking. Breakfast is entirely a la carte, and you can find the menu below. As you can see, the selection isn’t huge, but I found the quality to be very good.
The drip coffee and cappuccinos were excellent, and certainly helped with waking up every morning.
Over the course of our stay, we tried the yogurt and granola, the avocado tartine, the salmon crepe, the traditional egg breakfast, and the kids waffles (which Miles enjoyed each morning).
While we never had lunch or dinner at the hotel, we did come one afternoon with friends while the snack menu was available. I ordered a negroni, which was tasty (but small, per Utah laws), and I also couldn’t help but take a picture of our friend’s beer mug.
We shared the warm Bavarian pretzels, which was quite a presentation.
Then we ordered the king salmon rillettes, the char grilled wagyu burger, and the wiener schnitzel (the below is the half portion, as they gladly split a dish between two plates).
The Kitz is the hotel’s coffee shop, which is open daily from 6:30AM until 4PM. It serves breakfast until 11AM, and then switches over to lunch. On the most basic level, this is a casual shop with barista coffee, pastries, and more. However, there’s also a more substantial food selection, with heartier dishes.
The idea is that The Kitz is located just across from the Antler Lounge, which is the hotel’s lounge. So if you get breakfast or lunch at The Kitz, you can sit in the Antler Lounge, and eat there. Speaking of the Antler Lounge, it’s a super cute space, with a fireplace and plenty of cozy seating nooks.
From 4PM until 9PM, the Antler Lounge is converted into a bar and lounge of sorts, so you can order cocktails and snacks there. During the winter season, there’s also live music on Thursdays through Sundays, from 5PM until 8PM.
Miles loves music, and somehow I don’t think he has ever been at a hotel where there’s live music in this way, so he loved sitting there and watching the two excellent artists perform. He was absolutely captivated.
It’s worth noting that beyond the main food and beverage outlets, there are a few outdoor venues as well, where you can arrange special group dinners, or where there are tasting experiences that can be booked certain nights.
Personally, I thought the mix of food and drink options was sufficient for a property of this size, and the quality was top notch. I will say, though, that the dining outlets don’t really have much of a party vibe, but instead, it’s more of a laid back atmosphere. Personally I really like that, but I know it won’t be for everyone, so it’s something to consider if you’re
If I were to have one recommendation for the hotel, it would be nice if there were maybe one more outlet with a dinner concept, either in terms of the vibe, the food and drinks being served, etc. I don’t think that’s a big deal for a hotel that doesn’t even have 70 rooms, but I’d say that’s what was maybe missing a bit.
Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley service
I found service at Goldener Hirsch to be excellent and frictionless across the board. This really feels like a boutique, luxury property, and the service level reflects that. From the front desk associates, to the valet staff, to all the bar and lounge employees, to housekeeping, everyone was super friendly and accommodating.
This was my first stay at an Auberge Collection property, so if this reflects the standard level of service, then I’m very impressed. As is the case with many places in Deer Valley in ski season, much of the staff seemed to be international, I assume just there for the season. Despite that, they were very professional, so obviously training is very good.
Another nice touch was that on departure we were each given a little gift, with an “Auf Wiedersehen” coin.
Bottom line
I was very happy to have checked out Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley, as it was my first time staying at an Auberge Collection property. I found this to be a really charming hotel, especially the way it has one wing that has more of a historic Austrian chalet vibe, while the other wing had more of a modern mountain resort vibe.
I loved the hotel’s location, service, amenities, dining outlets, and more, and I’d highly recommend this property. In particular, it’s great for anyone who values a boutique vibe and wants a quiet and understated resort. If you’re looking for a huge party scene, this property isn’t for you.
While the hotel wasn’t cheap, this was just such a good reminder of how much people get screwed when they pay cash for luxury hotels affiliated with points programs. It’s absurd to me that this hotel was charging about half as much as the St. Regis. I think this might’ve been the most positive experience I’ve ever had at a ski resort in the United States, as we typically far prefer to go to Europe, where the quality of some ski resorts is simply unparalleled.
What’s your take on Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley?
I like staying at Auberge properties but they have no loyalty-points programs..so that makes it not as much fun knowing you spent so much and no rewards along with it....
This place is beyond underwhelming. Did they decorate it with IKEA rejects or something?
Curious: you say it was very important to you to be in the middle of the hotel, "as it made it easy". How would it have been "not-easy" with a not-baby child to be in, say, another room?
Just so readers understand that huge massive upgrade getting room 224 was. Thank you.
LOL what's with the weird-ass culture critics on here? This hotel is one of the best in Deer Valley, right up there with the Stein. The St. Regis is more expensive and terrible. The Montage is mid and also in the middle of nowhere - it's essentially the Overlook hotel from The Shining.
Also, any visit to Utah has to entail dealing with their backwards semi-theocratic laws about alcohol, which while slightly modernized, are still annoying.
Crazy alcohol consumption laws that everybody's complaining about are thanks to latter-day saints Christian fanatic ideology.
With All Due Respect, sorry darlink. If that hotel is “One of the best in Deer Valley”, then you have convinced me that neither the hotel, nor, the valley will be troubled by my presence …. :-)
I think this hotel can easily pass their Austrian flare because majority of Americans have absolutely no clue about Austrian culture, and probably cannot even show Austria on the map. Bty, Austria has several regions with various flairs.
I just hope that the staff there speaks English, unlike that other Ben’s article where the guest was kicked out from the hotel for not speaking Spanish. It’s puzzling how you can go around the world and use English because it’s an international language, but in the US it’s not so.
Ben:
Nice review, despite the unfinished sentence:
"Personally I really like that, but I know it won’t be for everyone, so it’s something to consider if you’re"
Thank you for the review Ben, that is definitely another U.S. ski resort which we will not be visiting. It is the pretence which spoils impression, Disney could do it better.
Oh and btw, I hope this thing called a Wiener schnitzel was at least made of veal. A real Austrian Wiener Schnitzel is flat, covers the whole plate and the crust shows blisters.
@ Florian -- It wasn't covering the whole plate because as mentioned in the review, they split the portion into two.
A Wiener schnitzel has the meat at about 0.4 cm thickness. Also the crust must be fluffy and have blisters. At least I hope it was made from veal, but as you do not eat pork I trust that at least that did not sell you a "Schnitzel Wiener Art" as a "Wiener schnitzel".
Sorry to say as you seem to be greatly enthused about this hotel so criticism might not be well regarded...
A Wiener schnitzel has the meat at about 0.4 cm thickness. Also the crust must be fluffy and have blisters. At least I hope it was made from veal, but as you do not eat pork I trust that at least that did not sell you a "Schnitzel Wiener Art" as a "Wiener schnitzel".
Sorry to say as you seem to be greatly enthused about this hotel so criticism might not be well regarded and the hotel looks very nice, but is a sort of Disney version of the Alps with the hope that the mistakes (Alphörner in Austria) cannot be identified. And for 1000 Dollar/night I would expect the hotel to get it right.
There are a lot of Alphörner on the walls. Those are distinctly Swiss, not Austrian. From the USA that might look more or less the same, but try to tell an Austrian, that Alphörner are part of his culture or try to tell a Swiss that Alphörner are a part of the Austrian culture.
If you really want to try, have a fast and secure escape route prepared.
Alphörner have as much to do with Austria than Züricher Geschnetzeltes.
That looks about as Austrian as a Starbucks
thanks chris for making me laugh after a very long day.
and touche.
Why hotels in the US at this price level are still using paper cups? This is so cheap... what's wrong with using proper cups or one that is suitable for a small child?
I genuinely don’t understand why he calls this an Austrian-style chalet. It doesn’t reflect any of the defining characteristics of a traditional chalet, no wooden structure, no stone ground-level base... What it actually looks like is a perfectly average 1980s concrete building. At this point, Austria would be justified in retaliating and annexing Alaska in response to this misuse of cultural terminology.
It's for people who haven't been to Austria
Was wondering how this compared to the Pendry, also relatively new; seems far closer to actual ski areas than the other somewhat nearby Auberge afflicted Lodge at Blue Sky. Nice review! Heard Utah hasn’t been getting enough snow this season; hope that improves soon.
Pendry is so so
Rooms are nice but they are condos
Service is well intentioned South American J1s (as usual, labor cost to room rate ratio 1/1000, but thats now everywhere)
Vibe this year is DEAD
Food ok with the Kita steakhouse but atrociously overpriced
New gondola very convenient but not enough snow to even ski down there to Pendry. Hopefully things will improve quickly otherwise the whole season might be about to be written off
At least no lines whatsoever
lasdiner, I am aware of the U.S. J-1 Non-immigrant visa for University attendees and certain businesses, however, not in the hospitality sector. Can you or anyone else, enlighten me please? Thank you.
In the cae of park city, South American university students spend their summer for a student worker experience at several vail corp resorts. Years ago their VISAs were J-1 and they were
dubbed J-1 workers at the resorts, perhaps nowadays the specific status has changed
They are not professionally trained hospitality workers and end up doing anything from manning front desks at Hotels to materially operating chairlifts-a significant human resource cost saving for...
In the cae of park city, South American university students spend their summer for a student worker experience at several vail corp resorts. Years ago their VISAs were J-1 and they were
dubbed J-1 workers at the resorts, perhaps nowadays the specific status has changed
They are not professionally trained hospitality workers and end up doing anything from manning front desks at Hotels to materially operating chairlifts-a significant human resource cost saving for the Resort Operator
@ 1990 -- I've heard great thing about Lodge at Blue Sky as well, and it sounds like it's more of a destination in and of itself, separate from Deer Valley? I'd love to go in summer, as the nature in that area looks beautiful.
I've stayed at both, the Goldener Hirsch is a level above the Pendry. The finishes of everything on property are a touch higher then the Pendry's. The service at the Goldener Hirsch is a little better too.
Thank you all for the feedback!
Does the ski valet expect you to fork over $20 any time they do anything? I understand that by asking that I'm clearly not in the target demographic for this hotel, but I'm just curious. You certainly wouldn't in Austria... But in Utah, maybe?
No in Utah they're reasonable and they are J1 exchange from South America so they do not EXPECT like our very owns, because as seasonal staff make more than professionals in their own country (i wish our owns took a trip abroad and appreciate how good they get it here)
Seriously, I’ve seen much better is Austria and the Dolomites
For most Americans, get real, the flights to Salt Lake are far easier than Innsbruck or Milan. But, yeah, if you’re already in Europe, especially these days, stick to the Alps, please.
If that is a valid justification, Italy should have annexed en bloc all the territories from Nuuk to Mt Erebus.
The Hirsh is a very nice olace, but I find it interesting that imitation of Old World remains in some settings the only way to recreate (simulate) an upscale experience.
A place like Deer Valley, which claims to have evolved into the StMoritz (but that’s Aspen, I’d rather say the Courchevel) of the...
If that is a valid justification, Italy should have annexed en bloc all the territories from Nuuk to Mt Erebus.
The Hirsh is a very nice olace, but I find it interesting that imitation of Old World remains in some settings the only way to recreate (simulate) an upscale experience.
A place like Deer Valley, which claims to have evolved into the StMoritz (but that’s Aspen, I’d rather say the Courchevel) of the US, still struggles to hit the mark of true luxury accomodation. Yes, the St. Regis gives a stunning first impression. The Montage is impressive but its most stunning feature is the nightly rate for what you actually get. Stein Eriksen lodge is a more boutique experience but still rather ordinary, with people lining up to get a sit at the bar for a burger and a beer, etc
Perhaps we must accept that no matter how affluent, the experience the US customer expects from a ski trip is a very ‘lodge style’ leave-the-shoes-outside-the -door type. Which not bad at all, most would rather prefer it, so like comparing a Cadillac with a Jag. Different beasts.
@ Chris K -- And personally we almost always ski in Europe rather than the United States. But when you're traveling for a relatively short period of time with a three-year-old, there's something to be said for the ease of hopping on a nonstop flight to Salt Lake City...
This blog I was a fan of since the year it launched has turned into "this is how the Top 0.1% lives". Nothing to do with the original "use credit cards/miles/tips so that normal people can travel in style".
Spending $1000 a night ok enjoy
Naw, 0.1% isn’t at Deer Valley… psh, they’re in Courchevel, and it costs more than $1,000/night there, most places.
Unless you were just whining about winter sports, generally, in which case, ‘naw’ again as anyone can ski or board at more affordable places, too. Like, stay at a Courtyard Marriott in SLC and day-trip to Alta or Snowbird instead.
0.1% of the US is Deer Valley
0.001% Aspen
No point comparing US to Alps destinations
Different worlds different expectations and cultures
lasdiner, sure, Aspen may get more private jets, but until (if) they expand ASE, it’s a real hassle to fly into, and even more so to drive to; clearly, these properties outside SLC are more accessible. Still, as far as actual mountains are concerned, I’m personally a fan of Snowmass over Aspen, any-day. Way more variety. I’d much rather enjoy blues at Elk Camp and/or The Burn.
@ Cal -- I appreciate you reading, and I hear you. Though in fairness, we've seen an absolutely massive amount of rate inflation to luxury hotel rates over time, especially in the United States. If you've been reading for 18 years (when the blog started), then I think it almost feels like what used to cost $300 per night now costs $1,000 per night.
Broadly speaking, I find hotels in the United States to be...
@ Cal -- I appreciate you reading, and I hear you. Though in fairness, we've seen an absolutely massive amount of rate inflation to luxury hotel rates over time, especially in the United States. If you've been reading for 18 years (when the blog started), then I think it almost feels like what used to cost $300 per night now costs $1,000 per night.
Broadly speaking, I find hotels in the United States to be rather expensive while delivering very little, but this is actually among the more affordable luxury properties in Deer Valley, while delivering a good experience.
Shh! Don’t tell people about this. Infinitely better than most other lodging - specifically St. Regis and even Montage. The “historic rooms” are also amazing.
No need for any other “vibe”. It’s just fine as is.