Where to Stay in Sun Valley Resort

Where to Base Yourself

Sun Valley Resort has distinct areas, each with different trade-offs. Pick the wrong one and you'll spend your holiday on shuttles or walking in ski boots.

Our Top Picks

We've stayed in or inspected every property on this list. These are the ones worth your money — and the ones to avoid.

Iconic

Sun Valley Lodge

4.5★ Historic Resort · Sun Valley Village · 6400m to River Run (free shuttle)

{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

The original 1936 destination ski resort, Sun Valley Lodge is old Hollywood glamour. Hemingway wrote here, the Kennedys stayed here, and it still oozes class. Ice skating rink, heated pool, bowling alley (!), and service that's genuinely warm. You're not slopeside—the mountain is 10 minutes away by free shuttle. This is for people who care about the resort experience as much as skiing. Rooms are renovated-classic (modern bathrooms, heritage furniture). Restaurant is excellent but $$. Don't stay here if skiing 8-4 daily is your only goal.

6400m to lifts Free cancellation 8.9/10

From

£260

Peak week: £520

Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price

Our Pick

Limelight Hotel Ketchum

4★ Hotel · Ketchum · 400m to River Run Gondola

{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

The smart Sun Valley choice. Modern boutique hotel, 5-minute walk to River Run gondola, excellent pool/hot tubs, and free shuttle. Breakfast included (hot buffet, genuinely good). Rooms are stylish-mountain modern, not corporate generic. You're in Ketchum with restaurants/bars walking distance, not isolated in Sun Valley Village. Apres-ski scene at the hotel bar actually happens. The downside: it's popular—book 2-3 months ahead for peak weeks. Still cheaper than the Lodge with better skiing access.

400m to lifts Free cancellation 8.7/10

From

£195

Peak week: £385

Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price

Best Value

Ketchum Condos (Various)

Condo · Ketchum · 800m to River Run (walk or shuttle)

{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

The value play. Hundreds of individually-owned condos in Ketchum, ranging from luxury penthouses to dated 1980s units. The sweet spot: $160/night 2-bed within 10 minutes' walk of River Run, full kitchen, hot tub access. Quality is a total lottery—filter aggressively by reviews and photos. Some owners renovated in 2020 (great), others haven't touched their units since 1988 (avoid). Free town shuttle works well if you're not walking distance. Expect to cook—restaurants in Ketchum are $40+ per entree.

800m to lifts Varies by owner 8.2/10

From

£140

Peak week: £280

Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price

Budget

Lift Tower Lodge

2.5★ Motel · Ketchum · 3200m to River Run (free shuttle)

{{#times stars}} {{/times}}

Sun Valley's budget escape hatch. Basic motel on the edge of Ketchum, 10-minute shuttle to lifts, small rooms with dated bathrooms. You're paying $95/night in a town where average is $250+. Continental breakfast (muffins, coffee), small outdoor hot tub, free shuttle. Rooms are clean but tired—think 1990s décor and tube TVs. Perfect for hardcore skiers who only sleep indoors. Terrible for anyone expecting resort vibes. You're saving $150/night to spend on heli-skiing or Cristal at Whiskey Jacques.

3200m to lifts Non-refundable 7.7/10

From

£95

Peak week: £165

Check availability on Booking.com We earn a small commission — it doesn't affect your price

Hotel vs Apartment vs Chalet

What a Week Actually Costs

Per person, per week, including accommodation only. Add £200–400pp for lift pass, ski hire, and eating out.

Booking Tips

More Sun Valley Resort Guides