Washington School House Hotel

About Washington School House Hotel

By the ULTIMATE Ski Resorts Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Washington School House was built in 1889 of local limestone as one of Park City’s three original schools, and reopened in December 2011 after a complete interior renovation as a hotel of just twelve rooms and suites. It has a heated pool and spa set into the hillside, a ski lounge for guests, and breakfast and après-ski fare included.

An 1889 schoolhouse

Named for George Washington, the school survived Park City’s Great Fire of 1898 with its hammered limestone facade intact, later became a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall and then a bed and breakfast. Gutted to the studs and reopened in 2011, it now holds twelve rooms and suites on Park Avenue in old-town Park City, layered with abstract oils from a private collection, restored antiques and custom furniture.

Pool, spa and massage

The heated pool and spa sit terraced into the hillside among aspens, spruce and boulders, with an outdoor fire fed from a steel Olympic torch from the 2002 Winter Games. There is no spa building, but massages are given in your room, and a ski valet and a chic ski lounge for hotel guests only take care of ski days.

Always revolutionary, in the hotel’s words.

Rooms and suites

Each room is different. The 16 Foot Ceiling King keeps the school’s original ceiling height, with 9 ft windows, reclaimed oak floors and a century-old European chandelier; the Pool King, under the rafters, looks out to the mountain and the pool; the Town King overlooks Park City and has a claw-foot tub; and the single Two Queen Room has boxed-beam ceilings. Suites include a lofted king suite and a penthouse with fine woodwork. Bathrooms are ice-white marble with heated floors, beds are dressed in Pratesi linens, and bath products are by Le Labo.

Eating and drinking

Executive Chef Ryan Frye cooks with local, organic ingredients. The hearty mountain breakfast and the après-ski spread in front of the roaring fire are included for guests, and a private chef and private dining can be arranged. George’s Boutique sells pieces chosen for guests.

Our advice: ask for the 16 Foot Ceiling King or the Town King, take the pool at dusk under the aspens, and book an in-room massage after your first ski day. With just twelve rooms, book early for holidays.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Washington School House Hotel before you go.