Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Southwestern Utah is steeped in pioneer heritage, and you'll find many older homes that have been refurbished as bed-and-breakfasts. Green Gate Village in St. George, a collection of pioneer homes gathered from around the state, is an excellent example. The area also has its share of older independent motels in some of the smaller towns. Most major hotel and motel chains have at least one facility in the region. With the exception of Brian Head, high season is summer, and logic dictates that the closer you want to be to a major attraction, the earlier you have to make reservations. If you are willing to stay upward of an hour from your destination, perhaps with fewer amenities, you may get same-day reservations and much lower room rates. Panguitch has a number of no-frills motels for budget and last-minute travelers. The Utah Office of Tourism website has information on lodging and amenities in the southwestern part of the state.
If you don't care about frills but do plan on adventuring in the area, consider one of this property's seven simple but cute log cabins, which share a bathhouse, or the large family cabin that sleeps four and has its own bathroom; tent sites are also available. On premises there's an outdoor gear store and a restaurant, and you can book fly-fishing and hiking excursions, as this property is also a tour operator.
A strikingly contemporary, upscale hotel that's directly across the street from the buzzy shopping and dining of Ancestor Square, this stylish member of Marriott Bonvoy's indie-spirited Autograph Collection exudes hipness with its hardwood floors, bold-print pillows and chairs, high-tech entertainment centers, and cushy bedding. Premium units have soaring dormer windows, balconies with whirlpool tubs, and sweeping downtown views. The farm-to-table wood.ash.rye restaurant turns out superb fare, and there's a hotel hot tub to relax in at the end of the day.
The nationally renowned, Kanab-based Best Friends Animal Society runs this smartly designed, pet-centric motel that offers a slew of amenities for travelers with four-legged friends, including a fenced dog park and water feature, pet treats and beds, built-in cubbies for snuggling and napping, and dog-walking and pet-visit services. Even if you're visiting without animals, it's a fun place to stay, as rooms have striking pet photos, unfussy contemporary light-wood furnishings, tile bathrooms with sliding barn doors, and kitchens or kitchenettes in the suites. Proceeds help fund Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which a shuttle bus can take you to visit, 10 minutes north of town. An airy and modern gift shop–café sells pet-related gifts, outdoor gear, and coffee; continental breakfast is served here in the morning. Members of Best Friends receive $20 off the nightly room rate.
Many of the rooms in this stately Georgian Revival inn are more reminiscent of Colonial Williamsburg than the Utah high desert, but they contain the kinds of plush amenities you'll appreciate if celebrating a special occasion or a grand theater weekend—think stone fireplaces, large balconies, and claw-foot tubs or Jacuzzis. It's just a couple of blocks to the theater as well as the Southern Utah University campus. The house is surrounded by fragrant gardens, and rates include an extensive full breakfast.
For discerning travelers venturing along beautiful Highway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks, it's hard to beat this wonderfully inviting lodge with a fireplace in the two-story great room, acclaimed Hell's Backbone restaurant, and spacious rooms furnished in a Western contemporary style with balconies and patios offering gorgeous views of the 11-acre grounds. Amenities include plush robes, a large outdoor hot tub, spa services, and all sorts of sports equipment and games.
This contemporary lodge with a large swimming pool and a serene full-service spa is the closest hotel in Springdale to Zion—it's a scenic five-minute walk over a footbridge across the Virgin River. The fanciest suites and residences have jetted whirlpool tubs, and many have private decks with sweeping park views.
With cattle-print throw pillows, papier-mâché mounted deer heads, log walls, and custom beds with rattan or carved-wood headboards, the playful vibe at this quirky 16-room boutique inn sets it apart from the usual budget-friendly lodgings in the Zion and Bryce area. Within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops, the cozy lodging is part of The Canyons Collection, a small group of stylish but reasonably priced hotels and vacation rentals in Kanab.
Set in a sweeping valley along the main road between Panguitch and Hatch, this sweet and secluded 50-acre ranch comprises four roomy cottages decorated with stylish Western-style furnishings—leather sofas, indigenous artwork, bearskin rugs, handcarved beds and tables—and outfitted with well-equipped kitchens. Most of these accommodations can sleep four, but the beautifully restored 1903 farmhouse has bedding for eight and a truly gourmet kitchen. The Sevier River flows through the picturesque, pastoral grounds, and each of these homes has a deck overlooking the marvelous scenery.
Offering rooms of 650 square feet or larger with vaulted ceilings, oversize windows, sitting areas, small kitchens with wet bars and dishwashers, and pleasing contemporary decor, this riverside lodge is special. With views of the surrounding peaks, the beautiful grounds and expansive pool area feel almost cradled by the canyon, and behind the hotel the Virgin River edges a grassy bank that is perfect for stargazing or evening picnics.
Operated by one of the area's leading adventure tour companies, this eco-chic resort spread across three properties in the heart of Orderville offers a variety of distinctive, contemporary, and beautifully appointed accommodations, including tiny houses, treehouse-inspired lofts, and fully climate-controlled yurts and canvas glamping tents. Most units are on a hillside just off of U.S. 89 with sweeping mountain views, but the tiny houses are clustered together in a residential neighborhood a few blocks away. There's also a spacious lodge—it can accommodate up to 35 guests—that's geared to large groups. Well-designed kitchens or kitchenettes, patios or decks, premium linens, and stylish private bathrooms are standard in every unit.
Each of the eight rooms in this smart, contemporary lodge in downtown Escalante has a patio with grand views of the surrounding mountains, plus plenty of cushy perks like French presses and fresh-ground coffee, plush bedding, and 50-inch smart TVs. The accommodations are ideal for longer stays, with plenty of room to spread out and kitchens in some rooms. The guest laundry is another handy amenity.
It's all about the panoramic views at this exceptionally well-maintained mid-century modern boutique hotel set high on a ridge overlooking downtown St. George and the red rocks beyond. Rooms have top-of-the-line bedding, 50-inch TVs, refrigerators, Keurig coffeemakers, and modern bathrooms with granite counter tops, vessel sinks, and premium toiletries. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, deck, and gym, all with the same magical vistas. The adjacent Cliffside restaurant serves lunch and dinner and enjoys the same spectacular views.
Each of the 15 individually appointed rooms at this elegant but unpretentious 2,200-acre ranch hideaway has a wood-burning fireplace, efficient climate control and Wi-Fi, and either a patio or a balcony with grand views of orchards, the Fremont River, and the surrounding red-rock cliffs. The gourmet breakfasts (for an extra fee) showcase local ingredients, such as buffalo sausage and eggs raised right on the property. A few larger rooms have extra twin beds and can accommodate kids.
In a dramatic, New Mexico adobe–style building, this upscale inn with spacious rooms and lots of big windows is 5 miles west of town—at the mouth of a canyon on the edge of the national monument—and has hikes right outside its door, as well as hosts who are happy to provide guidance on regional treks. Most rooms are in the main inn, with a few others in neighboring buildings, and some have private exterior entrances. Rates include a delicious full breakfast, and several units have kitchenettes or kitchens. The three-bedroom log cabin is a great option for larger families and groups but comes with extra charges for breakfast and cleaning. The Inn's North Creek Grill, open seasonally for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, is popular for its wood-fired pizzas and scenic patio dining.
Although technically not in the park, this stunningly situated luxury inn lies just east of Bryce Canyon, and rooms and the excellent on-site restaurant, The Stone Hearth Grille, have astounding views of the park's hoodoos—there's even a trailhead nearby that accesses some of Bryce's best trails. You'll find several types of accommodations, from cottages to elevated tree houses, and all have sleek, contemporary furnishings and plenty of cushy perks, ranging from deep soaking tubs to gas fireplaces.
Of the several hip glamping resorts that have opened in southern Utah in recent years, this sprawling compound on the west side of Escalante might just offer the best balance of a gorgeous contemporary design—accommodations are in sleekly restored Airstream trailers and cozy glass-walled cabins—and a welcoming communal spirit, thanks to an inviting patio served by a food truck, a huge pool, and a drive-in movie theater with seating in vintage autos. Note that only the deluxe cabins have private baths; guests of all the other accommodations have access to the common bathhouses, which are beautifully appointed with indoor-outdoor showers and look like those you might find at a posh spa. This pet- and family-friendly resort also has about 70 RV sites. The on-site general store carries a nice selection of craft beverages and prepared foods.
A few blocks from the interstate and near Southern Utah University, this two-story economical motel has spacious rooms with exterior entrances, refrigerators, microwaves, and—in the case of suites—kitchens and jetted tubs. It's a 20-minute walk or a short drive to downtown restaurants as well as the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Perks include a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and exercise room, and the free breakfast spread is pretty good. Some rooms are pet-friendly.
Within walking distance of downtown, this retro-inspired member of Best Western's stylish Aiden boutique hotel brand is a great value with an attractive pool, hot tub, and sun deck, and rates include a full breakfast buffet and free bike rentals.
In a lush valley framed by towering white cliffs, across the road from the Maynard Dixon and Edith Hamlin Home and Studio, this bucolic compound consists of well-appointed cabins, a verdant horse pasture, apple orchards, a pool and hot tub, and a farm market and bakery. The spacious accommodations have plenty of country charm (some have fireplaces) as well as modern conveniences like Roku TVs and fast Wi-Fi.
About 13 miles beyond the East Entrance of Zion National Park, this low-slung motel with clean, spacious rooms decorated with rustic lodge-style furniture is a good option if you also want to be within an hour's drive of Bryce Canyon National Park. Nestled in the Zion mountains foothills, the hotel is bordered by the sprawling greens of a nine-hole golf course and home to a funky ’50s-style restaurant known for country-fried steak, burgers, and homemade pie.
If you appreciate creature comforts but can do without much in the way of local personality, this four-story hotel just outside the park fits the bill—rooms are quite comfortable, with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and modern appliances, and there's an outdoor pool and pleasant patio. Across the street you'll find Western-theme gift shops and attractions, such as the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo.
Located down Hell's Backbone Road, about 7 miles from Boulder proper, this funky, eco-friendly, rustic ranch features cozy bunk rooms with shared baths for the budget minded, slightly more upscale standard rooms with private baths in the main lodge, warmly appointed cabins with private baths and kitchens, and distinctive yurts for fans of glamping. A ranch-style breakfast buffet is included in the rates in summer; packed lunches to go and sit-down dinners are served in the farm-to-table-inspired Sweetwater Cafe. On-site activities include trail rides, waterfall hikes, yoga, and bird-watching.
With its stunning scenery and prime location, this modern mission-style lodge is a welcoming base for outdoor adventures and offers a number of amenities, including a bar and grill, outdoor deck, indoor pool, and hot tubs, plus a spa where you can enjoy a range of body and beauty treatments. Rustic-chic guest rooms have modern bathrooms, premium bedding, and 49-inch TVs, and the more spacious suites include sleeper sofas and stone fireplaces.
Most rooms in this motel in the sweeping high desert 6 miles southwest of the park entrance and close to Red Canyon have pleasant views of the surrounding pine trees and the mountains in the distance. In addition to a variety of room types, the property offers separate cottages, as well as an RV park and campground. A grocery store, restaurant, and gas station are here, too.
This contemporary B&B set in a sagebrush canyon just outside Tropic's small downtown offers a number of noteworthy perks, including a delicious made-from-scratch breakfast, close access to a trail that leads right into the park, and individually decorated rooms hung with the dazzling landscape photography of owner Edgars Erglis—one-on-one photography classes are offered, too.
This cheerfully decorated, economical, and intimate seven-unit boutique property in tiny downtown Tropic is just 15 minutes east of the park and on the way toward Escalante. Accommodations are a mix of cozy motel rooms and larger cottages, and each is individually furnished. There's also a pretty garden with benches and chairs—a lovely place to read a book or relax after a long day.
A relaxing and well-kept home base with excellent amenities and a wide range of accommodations—from traditional hotel rooms to luxurious cabins to authentically designed tents and Conestoga wagons—this hilltop lodging lies just a few miles west of Capitol Reef's western border, and many rooms have patios and balconies that overlook the not-so-distant sandstone cliffs. There's a casual Western-style restaurant on the property; buffet breakfasts are available here for an extra charge.
This pleasant, shaded, and centrally located complex, which stands out for its friendly service and immaculate rooms, offers cozy and economical motel-style rooms, larger and more contemporary suites, and more charming stand-alone cabins that sleep up to six. The outdoor pool is one of the largest around, and handy amenities include a guest laundry and a general store with a deli and bakery. Zane Grey, the famous Western novelist, used to rent an 1892 cabin on the grounds.
This single-story 1930s-era motel in Panguitch's cute historic district doesn't look like much from the outside, but the rooms are clean, have refrigerators and microwaves, and are among the most affordable within striking distance of Bryce, Zion, and Cedar Breaks. There's a grill and picnic table for guests to use.
Although there's nothing fancy about this low-slung adobe motel on the edge of downtown Escalante, the simple rooms have all the basics you need for a comfortable night or two—microwaves, fridges, coffeemakers, HDTVs, climate control—and one larger suite with a kitchenette sleeps six. In the evenings, guest gather around the shared firepit.
