Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab

This casual chain hotel caters to an international clientele on the go, so many of its amenities like the pool, fitness center, laundry room, and business center are open around the clock. The three-story property’s natural stone pillars and entrance outside blend in well with the rugged and rocky surroundings that come right up to the back of the hotel. Inside, it’s modern and colorful, with the hotel’s logo illuminated in cobalt blue light behind the wood and glass reception desk. A set of  brown leather armchairs rests on a contemporary rug that’s splashed with orange, black, and yellow patterns. A glass etching of famous nearby rock formations  rests above a gas fireplace for a cozy ambience. Lights reflecting off the gold walls cast a warm, sunset-like glow. Located well outside downtown Moab, the quiet setting makes for a peaceful base from which to explore the nearby national parks. Guests include couples, families, and even business travelers. 

The Holiday Inn Express is located on a quiet stretch of Highway 191 between downtown Moab (a six-minute drive) and the Arches National Park visitors center (an eight-minute drive). One restaurant/bar can be reached on foot in about seven minutes but otherwise, you’ll need a car to get anywhere unless you want to walk 45 minutes into downtown. Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park take 30 minutes of driving to reach. Zion National Park takes about five hours by car, while Salt Lake City and its airport take a little less than four hours.

The clean and pleasant rooms have simple motifs that in some respects reflect the spectacular red rocks that surround the hotel. The carpet has busy patterns that alternate shades or orange, red, and gold, while artwork displays the same Southwestern colors that blend nicely with the chocolate brown accent walls and espresso-finish wooden furniture that includes headboards and desks. Drapes and upholstered armchairs also are dark brown, as are the leather office chairs. The rooms are quiet and offer plenty of space for comfort. King and double queen bed configurations are available in standard rooms as well as in suites, which also have sleeper sofas and small kitchenettes with wet bars in a studio-style configuration. All rooms and suites come equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers. Free Wi-Fi, two-line phones with voicemail, and 37-inch flat screen TVs also are standard amenities. The bathrooms are nicely decorated and comfortably sized. They feature large, black granite vanities, brown tile floors, and tan tiling around the shower/tub combos. Rooms facing south typically have views of the ubiquitous red rock mountains, but many other rooms overlook little more than the parking lot.  

This chain hotel has a nice amount of features for the price. The large and lovely pool area features a spacious heated pool with a waterfall feature, two whirlpools, a gas fire pit, and lots of tables and chairs. The area is open most of the year (March through November). Another top feature is the free breakfast buffet that includes omelets, breakfast meats, and fresh fruit. Snack vending machines are also available and the front desk sells bottled water. The fitness center is open 24-hours and is well-equipped with free weights and several pieces of Life Fitness cardio equipment, including two treadmills with video screens. The hotel also offers a bicycle storage facility, and a guest laundry room that doesn't close. One meeting room that can seat 50 people is available, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. It also has a business center with two computers and two printers. Free parking includes spaces for large RVs. Free USA Today newspapers are offered in the lobby on weekdays.