Where to stay in Zion

Why we picked it

What convinced us is the address: the only hotel inside the park, in the middle of Zion Canyon, with sunrise, sunset and a dark night sky right outside, and a room key that lets you drive the Scenic Drive when everyone else rides the shuttle. We would book a 1920s cabin with its fireplace and porch, start The Narrows or the West Rim Trail early, and end the day on the Red Rock Grill patio.

• The only hotel inside Zion National Park, in the heart of Zion Canyon by the Virgin River
• 15 historic 1920s cabins, each with a fireplace, a private porch and a full bath
• Overnight guests may drive the Scenic Drive to the lodge in shuttle season, when the road is closed to other cars

• Inside Zion CanyonThe only lodging located inside the park
• Historic cabins15 cabins from the 1920s with a fireplace, private porch and full bath
• Red Rock GrillBreakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner reservations recommended
• Castle Dome CaféCoffee and pastries from 6:30 am, quick lunches and dinners, a micro market
• Beer GardenLocal and domestic beers, next to the Castle Dome Café
• Free Wi-FiSatellite Wi-Fi; much of the park has no cell service
• Air-conditioningIn lodge rooms, suites and cabins
• Drive-in accessGuests may drive the Scenic Drive to the lodge and park in designated areas
• EV chargingNear the cabins, in the south parking lot
• Tram toursNarrated open-air tours to the Temple of Sinawava, about 60 minutes
• Gift shopLocal art, crafts, jewelry, clothing and gear
• 24-hour front deskReservations team also available around the clock
• Family staysChildren 16 and under stay free; Junior Ranger program at the front desk

Why we picked it

We would book it for the location: the lodge describes itself as the closest hotel to the park and the shuttle hub, so you can walk over the footbridge to the visitor center and be on an early shuttle without moving the car. A suite with a kitchenette, the pool at the end of the day and the riverside picnic area make it an easy base for two or three nights.

• About 300 yards from the South Entrance gate; the park’s pedestrian entrance is a three-minute walk
• A seasonal heated outdoor pool and a year-round hot tub, framed by the Watchman
• Studios with microwave and mini fridge, and suites with kitchenettes, fireplaces or jetted soaker tubs

• Outdoor pool and hot tubPool open seasonally, heated hot tub year-round, 9 am to 10 pm
• The Spa at Cable Mountain LodgeMassages, facials, whirlpool baths and steam rooms; walk-ins welcome
• Free Wi-FiComplimentary for guests
• Free parkingOn site; the park’s pedestrian entrance is three minutes on foot
• KitchenettesFully equipped in Luxury and Wall Bed Suites; microwave and fridge in the studios
• Fireplaces and jetted tubsIn the master bedrooms of the Judy Ann Suites
• Riverside picnic areaPicnic tables, gas grills and lounge chairs on the Virgin River
• Family suitesWall Bed Suites sleep a family; complimentary infant beds
• Concierge24-hour concierge service
• Business centerOpen 24 hours, in the lobby
• Zion Canyon VillageCoffee, a grocery store, a brewpub and Zion Outfitter next door