http://www.stellarubycottages.com/ or Inca Inn both are right in the middle of town in Moab.
The Best Western in Springdale was a beautiful place to stay with an incredible view off of the lobby.We got lucky and got a room for 137/night in Sept. Make sure you take hwy 12, you will never forget it.

Austin's isn't anything special. It's just clean. There isn't much there. The grocery store/deli that is by the motel is good. This is pretty much in the middle of nowhere with just a few lodging options and dining options.

Also, I don't know if you will drive through Bluff on the way to Moab, but we got a room at the ReCapture Lodge for $79.00. The room was nothing special, but clean and they had a big hot tub and a pool. We were there in September. It's close to Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley. We were so lucky to get the room because that was the one night I hadn't booked anything on our 10 day vacation. I hope your family enjoys this vacation as much as we did. We stayed in a variety of lodgings from a bed and breakfast in Sedona for 185/night to our little room in the Recapture Lodge. All offered something different and special, but of course the outside of our lodgings was spectacular! Arches, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Dead Horse State Park, Canyonlands,Bryce and Zion, each one unique and not to be missed. Happy Travels!!!

emailed Austins.....waiting for reply.

Now trying to plan hikes/activities in parks. ALready booked Fiery Furnace.

seems the shuttle and ranger programs in Zion are on hiatus till April. Haven't checked Bryce or Capital reef yet.

The Chuckwagon Motel is good because it is in the middle of town and you can walk up to get coffee at Robbers Roost or go to the Chuckwagon general store for breakfast, lunch, and supplies. No indoor pool though. I have stayed in the rooms by myself and in the 3 BR apartment they have on top of the store with family. They have smaller cabins as well. Either hit Slackers for amazing burgers or go to the Mexican restaurant at the east end of town. (name totally slipped my mind right now!)

The Recapture Lodge in Bluff is the *only* place to stay in that area IMO. Clean, spacious rooms. Great breakfast, awesome library, knowledgable staff. I just love that place--been staying there for 20 years!

One cool thing you can do in National Parks is check out an activity back pack. They are first come first served--we got one at Capitol Reef and it had all sorts of stuff for kids to do. Capitol Reef can be cold in April--you just never know. Be sure to bring layers!

Any feedback on Zion Rock and Mountain Guides

http://www.zionrockguides.com/zion-p...on-adventures/

for canyoneering and climbing?

The canyoneering looks a little scary for me..... Rock climbing is supposed to be more strenuous with without the dropping into a canyon.

Anyone tried it?? Loved? Hated?

I haven't been with them, but to me, the canyoneering is really really safe. It is my all time favorite thing I've ever done(including rafting the Grand Canyon)