Historic Pioneer Lodge

The property looks like a cross between a typical motel and a mountain cabin. It's a two-story structure with external hallways and rooms facing the parking lot, and lots of wooden furnishings inside. Amidst the many brochures and the wall prints of the Zion National Park peppered throughout the small lobby, a wood-paneled front desk with a brick backdrop, stone pillars, and a stone fireplace give the space a rustic vibe. Hallways feature tree-stump benches and log railings. Although it was remodeled in 2017, the property’s vinyl siding, shabby carpeting, and tile floors still have a slightly run-down feel, and the lack of an elevator is inconvenient. With its simple and cozy aesthetic, the lodge caters well to leisure travelers visiting Zion National Park.

With the stunning cliffs of Zion National Park behind the hotel and the many shops, restaurants, and art galleries of downtown Springdale just a minute away on foot, the lodge’s location offers both scenic beauty and convenience. The area can be thick with traffic at times, but the property, set off the road, stays relatively quiet. Free shuttles are offered from the hotel to the entrance of the national park, just a four-minute drive away, as well as to the restaurants in town. The Zion Adventure Company, offering tubing activities on the Virgin River, is a 10-minute walk away. The O.C Tanner Amphitheater and Zion Canyon Giant Screen IMAX theater are both under five-minute drives away. St. George Regional Airport is an hour away by car. Las Vegas’s McCarran International Airport is about a three-hour drive away.

With bedframes, wall dividers, cabinets, and mirror frames made from faux logs, woodsy accents have been generously used in the updated rooms. Though the effect looks slightly forced, it does give the otherwise simple spaces a homey touch. Neutral bed runners and bolster pillows, small tables and chairs, and nature-inspired wall prints make up the rest of the decor.

Available with single king or two queen beds, standard rooms are spacious and comfortable. Suites, with one or three bedrooms, can easily accommodate families. Standard rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Closets are roomy and there are several dressers along with ironing equipment. Rooms also have small kitchenette areas with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and paper towels. The amenities are useful, but awkwardly placed directly next to the bathrooms. Suites have full, spacious kitchens with granite countertops, kettles, toasters, stoves, full refrigerators, sinks, and dishwashers, plus dining tables and separate living rooms. 

Bathrooms in standard rooms are tiny, so much so that sinks are kept outside, closer to the kitchen amenities. The cramped spaces manage to fit only a toilet directly next to the shower/tub combos, which have fixed showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Suites have two bathrooms, one with a shower/tub combo and one with a walk-in shower. The Deluxe Jacuzzi Suite has its own hot tub.

Several double queen rooms on the second floor come with fantastic views of the canyon, but most rooms on the first floor aren’t as lucky -- facing the parking lot or, in some cases, the dumpster.

Though the hotel’s website states that there is a restaurant on-site, it is no longer owned by the property. A continental breakfast is included, with hot and cold items like toast, yogurt, and omelets. The lobby offers free coffee, tea, and juices all day.

The outdoor pool and hot tub stay open year-round, and are relatively quiet spaces with great views of the surrounding cliffs. Other amenities include a small outdoor barbecue area, but with a flimsy overhead covering and a dilapidated grill, it’s not the most inviting space. An on-site laundry room is relatively clean, with two coin-operated washers and dryers.

Parking spaces are free, but narrow and tight; guests have reported trouble finding suitable spots. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.