Bryce and Zion National Parks Lodging
 

My wife and I are going to spend a couple of days in this area next spring. We would prefer someplace fairly quiet without a lot of kids. Is it better to stay in the lodging within the parks or would I do better staying right outside the parks? I've read very good things about Bryce Canyon Lodge and good, but not as good, things about Zion Lodge. What are the best accommodations, the motel rooms, the suites or the cabins? I've read a lot about Flanigans on this site, but coming from what mostly sounded like people with families. Is Flanigans a good option or is it more of a family motel? Am I wrong that Ruby's Inn sounds way too busy?

The lodge in the park in Bryce is probably the place to stay. Ruby's, just outside the park is always busy. If you don't want to stay in the lodge in Zion, Flanagans in Springdale is as good a choice as any. There are a number of decent motels in Springdale. You mention "spring". If you are not traveling during a school spring recess week children should not be a problem.

Bryce Canyon Lodge is ok, both cabin rooms and motel style rooms. <BR>If you want to pay a little less, there are several motels within a few miles of the entrance. We stayed at a motel called Bryce Canyon Pines a few years ago. It was ok. <BR>This past May we stayed in one of the motel style rooms at the Lodge. It was a nice room. I think there is something to be said for staying in the park. <BR>You feel like you are more a part of it; at least I do. <BR>I cannot comment on Zion because the lodge has changed since I last stayed overnight there. <BR> <BR>

Have stayed at both Zion and Bryce Lodges in Sept. 00 and May 01- cabins both times at Bryce and cabin/motel suite at Zion. I think the cabins at Zion (or at least the one we stayed in) was a little bit better maintained than the ones at Bryce- all the cabins are rustic, yet comfortable. The best thing about both lodges is that it puts you right in the park. For example, being able to walk to Bryce's Sunrise Point early in the a.m. to position oneself for the sunrise is a great advantage over getting up in the dark and driving over. Have not ever stayed at Ruby's, but it always looks very busy with many tour buses, and a little too hectic for my tastes; however, everyone I've spoken to says it's a good place to stay while at Bryce. Search this board for comments on both Zion and Bryce; we stayed in a motel suite at Zion in May 01 and we were VERY pleased with our room. For us, the beauty of both areas is the #1 objective, and Zion and Bryce fill the bill. The main thing is to book as early as possible- rooms are booked months in advance.

My wife and I like to spend a few days around New Years at Flanigan's. Though there are some families it is mostly couples. It meets your criteria for being quiet and peaceful. Flanigan's other times of the year is much the same. We like the upper rooms in the rear with the balconies for the view and distance from the road.

The Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale is quiet and attractive and there were hardly any children when we were there April 28-29. For Bryce, I'd recommend a cabin, because as RB said, it's a 2-min. walk to the rim, making it simple to catch the sunrise. With few people around at that time of year, we could sit on "our" log bench by the rim and enjoy sunset, too. Cabins sit among the pine trees, rustic and cozy with a gas fireplace. The parks are gorgeous.

The Desert Pearl in Springdale is really lovely, ask for a room overlooking the river. They are large rooms, with wet bars, fridges and microwaves, and from your deck overlooking the river you can watch the sun set on the canyon walls and watch the bats fly about!

We stayed at the Harvest House bed and breakfast. There were no children there at the time (only 4 or 5 rooms) and it was quiet and lovely. There is a hot tub out back for guests' use. Ask for one of the 2 rooms with balconies overlooking one of the park's dramatic rock formations.