We're looking for lodging for 2-3 nights in or near Moab the first week of April. We have two smallish boys, so a cabin w/ outdoor space would be ideal. Initial online searches, however, are showing a lot of places booked. Also open to family friendly B&Bs in town, or near Canyonland/Arches. Thanks for any ideas!

FYI - 3/28-4/5 is Jeep Week in Moab. It will likely be crowded and expensive.

We stayed at Cali Cochita, a B&B in Moab, but they do have one separate unit that might work for you. The breakfast was great.

Laura, this is not a suggestion for your request but just an FYI if you plan to go to Monument Valley as well.

This would be a great option in Monument Valley -
http://www.gouldings.com/

Here's an interesting article about the area -
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/fe...t-valley200903


Inventing Ford Country
The 1939 movie Stagecoach created three icons: John Wayne, John Ford, and the 30,000 acres of glory on the Utah-Arizona border known as Monument Valley. It was a pioneering rancher, Harry Goulding, who brought Hollywood to his home, and helped shape America’s vision of the West.
more at link

You may want to watch some of the old westerns before your trip -
http://www.film-travel.com/2012/05/m...st-was-filmed/

Back to the suggestions for Moab.

Another idea - I don't know if you're familiar with kayak.com, but it's a great resource. You can search for available hotels. I just looked for 4/27 - 4/30 and 21 hotels (out of 45) show availability. I also checked a Mon-Thurs sequence in June and the rates are about the same.

Use kayak to see what's available and then call or use the hotel's website to make a reservation. If you find something, I'd go ahead and book it. Check the cancellation policy but it would be better to lock something in now that you can cancel later. Happy searching!

We also have stayed at Cali Cochita, but they only have one room that will take 4 people. It is a wonderful B&B with great innkeepers [and amazing breakfasts, but honestly, I don't think it's a place for young kids. I thought they might not even allow youngsters, but don't see that on website.

And if you are considering going during Jeep Week, you better book ASAP. It is the largest event of it's kind. And it is actually more than a week. March 28th to April 5th this year.

http://www.utah.com/moab/moab_jeep_safari.htm

The last time we were in Moab, we stayed at Red Cliff Lodge, which is located in a beautiful spot on the Colorado River. Our room opened on to a large grassy area that would be a perfect place for children to play. Rooms have a small kitchen for preparing breakfast, and there is a descent restaurant on site. I note they have rooms available the first week of April.

HTtY

It's a bit far away, but DW and I booked a week at the Robbers Roost motel in Green River for less than we would have paid for 4 nights in Moab.
We spent 4 days visiting Arches and Island in the Sky (Canyonlands). We then went west and visited Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef.
Robbers Roost is not fancy but for a place to sleep, it worked for us.

Oh, thanks for the heads up on Jeep Week. Will that impact the nearby parks, or mostly just Moab?

Here are more heads ups:

Dead Horse Point State Park is an outstandingly beautiful place. In my opinion it out shines Canyonland NP which is farther one.

Highway 128 between Moab and I-70 follows an incredibly beautiful stretch of the Colorado River.

The crowd at Moab NP have increased to an annoying degree since I first visited the park fifteen years ago. Go there prepared visitors who don't know how to drive and who complicate things by wandering around on the roadway to take pictures of objects in the distance.

HTtY

htty - We are booked at the Red Cliffs Lodge for 4 nights this fall. Did it look much like the pictures on their website? I've seen mixed reviews and know it's a drive to get to other restaurants back in town; but honestly it sounded really nice to be on the Colorado River.

Just an FYI that the road into Moab will be very congested during Jeep Week and the restaurants will be packed.

We often visit Moab with our children in tow. This property rental company is my go to place. The Desert Gardens are awesome--and there is a huge lawn. No pool though. You can stay at their Cottonwoods Condo facility and it has an indoor pool that you have to walk outside to get to.

http://www.moabutahlodging.com/GetCl...vent?fac=25086

I honestly wouldn't go to Moab during jeep week. I would find other places to go. But if its only for 2-3 nights you would be ok. Go to Arches--people don't "jeep" there. Canyonlands has jeeping so it will be packed. If you search my user name, you should see at least one or 2 trip reports on Moab and young kids. I love, love, love Arches for kids--great park!!

htty - We are booked at the Red Cliffs Lodge for 4 nights this fall. Did it look much like the pictures on their website?

We went to Moab for natural beauty, and the scenery from our room Red Cliffs Lodge was as good as it gets. The restaurant serves large portions of standard fare at reasonable prices considering the location. Maintenance is good, but it is not to the very highest standard. Ask to stay in the part of the property where tour groups do not stay. At $239 a night we thought it was a very good value, and we would return.

HTtY

Thanks, htty! I'll remember that tip.