The airport hotels are clustered both east and west of airport. However, SLC is close to dwntwn so as quite a few hotels there offer shuttle service. I've stayed at the Hilton, Candlewood Suites, HEX,Quality Suites and Hampton Inn, If $$ is a factor then yes, the a/port hotels are cheaper. The Hampton has an pretty good breakfast selection if I was to choose one. Some of the hotels east of the a/port are somewhat dated-Quality Inn. Just a note- these hotels are in office park settings and things get pretty dead there after hours, especially holiday wkends so if you want any dinner make sure the hotel has a restrnt or at least is close to one- of which at best would be like a Denny's or Perkins.