We own there and go every year. I personally prefer one of the two buildings closest to the pool area. Obviously overlooking the mountain is best for the view, but can get load a night. There are so few rooms overlooking the mountain though, that you are more likely to get a courtyard view. I always request NOT to overlook Deer Valley Drive because I was warned that it is quite noisy with car traffic. That request has always been honored so I have no first hand experience. There are great restaurants right in the lower level of the hotel...my personal favorites are Vinto (pizza casual), an Italian restaurant called Buona something or other (slightly more upscale) and Mustang (more fine dining). Zoom, which is right next door, is also excellent. There is also sushi and Mexican right in the plaza area, but those aren't my favorite (my husband likes both though). We take our kids with us and all of the restaurants have been accommodating, our kids are very used to going out to eat though. I recommend making reservations at least two weeks in advance for those dates, as all the families in the Salt Lake area have presidents week off from school, so it can get crowded.
We always rent an SUV from Costco's site (which has been enterprise the last few years) but a car is not necessary if you only plan on going to PCMR, Deer valley and the Canyons. We typically like to spend some time at Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and/or Snowbasin as well.
We always bring our own skis, so I can't comment on ski rentals.
If you have other questions, or want more specific recommendations based on budget, cuisine, etc. I'd be happy to answer...just ask.
