This Famous Mountain Town Just Got Its First Luxury Hotel — and It's Been Nearly a Century Coming

Sun Valley finally has a luxury hotel. The Harriman, a Viceroy Resort, has opened in Ketchum, Idaho, marking the first upscale hotel and residence offering in a destination that has attracted the wealthy and famous since 1936 — but never had a property to match.

Named after W. Averill Harriman, the Union Pacific Railroad chairman who created Sun Valley Resort nearly 90 years ago, the property sits at the corner of Main Street and River Street East, the gateway to downtown Ketchum.

The Harriman offers 73 guest rooms and 12 single-level penthouse residences, all with Rocky Mountain views. A 5,070-square-foot spa includes six treatment rooms, an indoor thermal pool, cold plunge, sauna, and steam rooms. The food and beverage program spans a full-service restaurant, zinc-clad bar, cafe, and a seasonal terrace.

For Viceroy, the Sun Valley location represents an expansion into mountain resort territory. The brand, known for properties in Los Cabos, Bali, and Snowmass, is betting that Sun Valley's combination of year-round outdoor recreation and a loyal, affluent visitor base makes it ripe for a true luxury offering.

Sun Valley has long been one of America's most exclusive mountain communities — a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, the Kennedys, and a steady stream of tech executives and Hollywood figures. But its hotel inventory has historically leaned toward charming lodges rather than full-service luxury. The Harriman changes that equation.