Park City, Utah is a stunning vacation spot any time of year, but the sleepy ski town truly comes to life in January during the Sundance Film Festival. Every year Hollywood’s hottest stars board Southwest flights with their warmest winter gear, ready to premiere films and party in a very un-LA kind of way.
Though Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Naomi Watts, Jessica Alba and Amy Poehler will all be premiering films at the festival this year from January 17-27, Park City isn’t just for the celebrity set during the film festival. In fact, prior to their breakup, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez had an adorable little double date here with Taylor Swift and One Direction’s Harry Styles just this past December. That said, it’s entirely possible for non-celebs to live like one in Park City: you can stay at the same hotels, eat in the same restaurants (and even order the same foods if you’re truly a fan!) and indulge in the same expensive spa treatments.
Just don’t expect to find yourself on the big screen afterwards, OK?
WHERE THE CELEBS STAY
The Waldorf Astoria Park City is the Official Hotel of the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. This swanky spot is beloved by celebrities like Kristen Bell, Hilary Swank and the casts of “Glee” and “Modern Family.” It is also “Extra” TV’s home base during the festival.
The Waldorf Astoria
2100 Frostwood Drive
Park City, UT 84098
435-647-5500
WHERE THE A-LIST EATS
Silver is the most popular new restaurant among A-listers. The progressive New American eatery opened its doors in 2011 and has attracted a crowd of stars such as Demi Moore, Liv Tyler, Terrance Howard, Susan Sarandon, Paul Rudd, James Franco and Kate Bosworth ever since. Its popularity might be attributed to its silver mining theme, its extensive 3,000-bottle wine list, its craft cocktails or a combination of all three.
Another option is Grappa, owned by The Bill White Restaurant Group. The Italian restaurant, located in a restored hotel on Main Street, is excellent for people watching with its three levels of floor to ceiling windows. The likes of Jodie Foster, Gael Garcia Bernal and Michelle Trachtenberg have been spotted here.
Grappa
151 Main Street
Park City, UT 84060
435-645-0636
http://www.billwhiterestaurantgroup.com/grappa.html
WHERE THE A-LIST PARTIES
Park City’s best club, Downstairs, is the first celebrity owned nightclub in Utah and has been a hotspot for celebrities since it opened in 2009. Owner Danny Masterson of “That 70’s Show” hosts live music acts at his Main Street lounge from the likes of Samantha Ronson to Talib Kwali to Paul Oakenfold. This year, Kate Voegele and rapper Lil’ Jon are slated to perform here.
Downstairs
625 Main Street
Park City, UT 84060
435-615-7200
http://www.facebook.com/downstairsparkcity
WHERE THE STARS GET PAMPERED
Spa Montage Deer Valley is the largest spa in Utah. It is also the most opulent, with 1,300 square feet of private space, fireside tubs, a massage room and private outdoor balcony, which is why A-listers love it. Treatments such as a “Red Carpet” Deep-Conditioning and “Lithely Limbs” treatment are the best way to indulge. It was reported that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds indulged in some couples time here prior to their secret 2012 wedding.
Spa Montage
9100 Marsac Avenue
Park City, UT 84060
435-604-1300
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