Zion Lodge

It’s safe to say this is the best place to stay inside of Zion National Park -- in fact, it's the only hotel within the park's boundaries. Originally designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920s, the Zion Lodge was destroyed by a fire in 1966. Only cabins, employee dorms, and a few other buildings remained intact, but it's since been rebuilt. This three-pearl, year-round property is tucked between Zion’s soaring sandstone cliffs, and wild turkeys and mule deer -- which aren’t afraid of humans -- graze the property. Pathways weave through the large grounds to cabins and two-floor lodges with traditional rooms and suites. There’s no elevator access to second-floor rooms, but a porter can help with luggage. A large cottonwood tree provides shade on the lawn in front of the expansive main lodge, which has a warm atmosphere with brick and pine interiors and Southwestern rugs. Rocking chairs and benches are set outside the main lodge so guests can relax and enjoy the view. Grounds are large enough to accommodate the many tour groups and families that pass through, and though it can get busy in high season, the property tends to feel uncrowded (though the restaurants can be very busy with non-hotel guests during high season).

Located inside of  Zion National Park's 146,000 canyon-laced acres, the setting couldn't be more ideal (or picture-worthy) for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, with direct access to famous hiking trails including the Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Angels Landing. Guided tram rides (for a fee) depart from the bus stop in front of the lodge, as does the free seasonal shuttle that takes guests up and down Zion Valley. Hotel guests here are allowed to drive and park on-site, which is a major convenience. Horseback riding is available across the road and the hotel can arrange bicycle rentals. The nearest eateries, shops, and galleries are 15 minutes away by car in Springdale (heading southwest from the park's entrance). McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is a three-hour drive from the hotel, while Salt Lake City's international airport is a four-hour drive.

The hotel has three lodging options that are pleasantly decorated with Southwestern decor and include carpeting or wooden floors. Traditional Southwestern-inspired hotel rooms and suites have 37-inch flat-screen TVs, while stand-alone cabins -- built in the 1920s -- don’t have TVs. Cabins are quaint, and feature pitched wooden ceilings, stone fireplaces, and picturesque views from porches. Bathrooms are clean and standard with shower/tub combos. Cabins have one queen or two double beds; suites have king beds; and rooms offer two queen or one king bed. One-bedroom suites are located on the second floor, offering better views from balconies and wet bars with mini-fridges. Every room includes air-conditioning, hairdryers, irons, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi (though it can be spotty). Kids under the age of 16 stay free. There’s one accessible cabin and four hotel rooms with roll-in showers. Rollaway beds can be requested for a fee.

The Zion Lodge’s location is its best feature and the few facilities offered on-site overlook the park's gorgeous cliffs and spacious grounds. Red Rock Grill is in the main lodge -- offering American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- and a 50-person terrace that's adjacent to the lawn. Castle Dome Cafe is casual and has a patio and beer garden that can seat 100 people. Restaurants can get busy with park visitors who aren't staying at the hotel during the day in high season. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays buffet dinners can be arranged for groups. There's a Western-theme gift shop in the lobby that's well-stocked with souvenirs and t-shirts. Horseback riding and bike rentals can be arranged on-site.
Guests driving onto the property receive free parking permits via mail once reservations are confirmed, but the National Park Service charges an entrance fee per vehicle. A charging station is available for electric vehicles and the parking lot can fit buses, trucks, and RVs. Free shuttles traverse the Zion Valley to the various trailheads, and guided tours are also available for a fee. Wi-Fi is provided at no charge throughout the property and there's a free Internet kiosk in the lobby.