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One of the nation’s most visited and cherished national parks, Zion National Park has a powerful effect on those who visit.
Breathtaking in scale and majesty, Zion’s sandstone buttresses, pine-covered peaks, surreal red-rock formations and slot canyons form a 240-million-year timeline of geological history.
Diverse activities beckon adventurous travelers, ranging from hiking and biking to mountaineering and horseback riding, but even a scenic ride on Zion’s park service shuttle provides magical snapshots of the park’s humbling rock formations.
Zion’s accessibility — it’s only a two-hour-and-40-minute drive from Las Vegas — makes it a popular weekend destination, and for points travelers, it’s one of the easier national parks to visit.
Whether you seek a phenomenal property close to the park’s gates or a more budget-friendly option a little farther out, here are TPG’s top places to stay near Zion National Park.
Staying inside vs. outside Zion National Park
In terms of transportation logistics, accessibility and accommodation offerings, planning a trip to Zion National Park is relatively straightforward. The gateway for exploration is charming Springdale, Utah, a small town just steps from the park’s main entrance that has maintained its quirky vibe despite its soaring popularity.
Along the 4-mile stretch of Zion Park Boulevard that leads to the park gates, you’ll find hotels and lodges for every budget, splashy rental homes and self-catering bungalows. A free shuttle runs along the boulevard every half-hour, dropping visitors right outside the main park gates.
Besides camping, there is only one place to stay within the park, but it’s one of the national park system’s most charming and popular lodgings, dramatically situated beneath Zion’s signature, soaring red-rock bluffs. You’ll need to book six months in advance, though, if you plan to stay here during peak periods.
Returning visitors (and those looking to escape the crowds) should consider staying a little beyond the main tourist epicenter of Springdale. A few miles from town, there are several lodges and upscale camps (some located along the Virgin River) that immerse travelers in the region’s more rugged, less visited sections while offering equally magnificent scenery and stargazing.
How long do you need to explore Zion National Park?
Incredible hiking and glorious scenery are the main reasons to visit Zion National Park. Most travelers can pack a lot of adventure into a long weekend, but avid hikers keen to explore the park’s extensive trail network or the less traveled Greater Zion area will find plenty to keep them occupied for a week or more.
You’ll need to allow at least a half-day for signature hikes like Angels Landing, where you’ll traverse 21 hair-raising switchbacks, and the 6-mile East Mesa Trail, which delivers those postcard-worthy canyon views. The famed Narrows, a 1,000-foot-deep slot canyon that stretches for 18 miles, can be tackled in a few hours, a full day or overnight during a backpacking trip.
If you only have a day or two, go for a ride on the park’s shuttle to see a glorious display of rock formations — including the iconic Court of the Patriarchs and the awe-inspiring Temple of Sinawava — from Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The road, which is closed to private vehicles when the shuttle operates, also offers swift access to the most popular trailheads. Know, though, that the shuttle only runs daily from March through November and on select dates in December.
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Spacious, comfortable and highly functional, Marriott’s SpringHill Suites properties are usually the kind of hotels you are thrilled to see occasionally along your road trip itinerary rather than the type of place to go out of your way for. Not this one.
With a prime location in Springdale that places you just a 10-minute ride away from Zion National Park’s main gate via the hotel’s shuttle, this outstanding property combines a breathtaking location with an array of amenities (including a terrific free breakfast) and a little more polish and charm than you’d normally expect from this brand.
Larger suites (which measure 450 square feet) are contemporary in style and equipped with two queen beds, West Elm sofa beds and desks, and modern bathrooms. Road-tripping families will also appreciate the all-suite brand’s customary fridges, microwaves and coffee makers.
An inviting outdoor pool and hot tub are flanked by ancient rock formations and provide a perfect bookend to a long day of hiking. The outdoor fireplace is a wonderful place to convene at dusk and take in Zion’s celestial show.
There’s no restaurant on the property, but a surfeit of casual and upscale eateries dot Springdale’s main drag, which sits a short walk away from the hotel.
Rates at SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park start from $156 or 50,000 to 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Note that rates can soar to over $500 during peak travel periods.
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For outdoorsy travelers keen to maximize their time at Zion National Park, there’s no better place than Zion National Park Lodge. While its main selling point is the phenomenal location — it’s the only non-camping option within the park’s boundaries — it’s also replete with historic charm and a certain esprit de corps, with travelers trading stories on wide lawns beneath 2,000-foot walls of red sandstone.
A paradigm of early 20th-century National Park Service architecture (or “parkitecture”), the lodge’s original 1920s design incorporated natural wood, local stone and rustic features intended to blend seamlessly with the landscape. After a fire in 1966, it was rebuilt in just 100 days (somewhat faithfully).
Each of the 40 historic cabins, 76 hotel rooms and six suites is clean and comfortable, with classic (some may say dated) furnishings. With different sizes and configurations, they appeal to families, couples and solo travelers.
At the Red Rock Grill, you can dine on regional specialties, such as Southwestern quinoa salad ($11.95), pecan-crusted Idaho trout ($20.85) and garlic-rubbed sirloin steak ($19.50). The seasonal Castle Dome Cafe also serves grab-and-go breakfast, lunch staples and beverages.
Stargazers will be in heaven. One of Zion’s greatest shows occurs when daytripping travelers have departed. The star-studded skies here are truly extraordinary, and the lodge’s lighting protocols, including shielded lamps, help reduce light pollution.
Note that there is limited cellphone reception and Wi-Fi at the lodge.
Rates at Zion National Park Lodge start from $245 per night, and advance reservations (at least six months out) are essential.
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Located 15 miles from Zion’s main entrance, Open Sky provides adventurous travelers with a back-to-nature camping experience without sacrificing creature comforts. It’s especially appealing for return visitors keen to explore less trafficked trails — remote trails lead into Zion National Park directly from the camp.
A quintessential glamping experience, swanky safari-style tents are tastefully appointed with crisp white linens, wood and chrome furnishings, woven rugs, tiled bathrooms with robes and organic toiletries, coffee makers, patios with fire pits, and something that isn’t even a given in hotels these days: daily housekeeping.
Options for families include the Juniper Berry Luxury Camp, with one bedroom, a large living area, a bunk bed, a pullout sofa bed and an en suite bathroom with heated floors. The Star Seeker Luxury Camp has a unique sky lounge feature (a glass ceiling with a telescope), as well as more space and luxe amenities, including a clawfoot tub, indoor and outdoor showers, and a large private patio.
Black Sage restaurant sources local fish, meat and produce to create tasty Southwest-influenced cuisine that’s a far cry from your average camping staples (in price and quality). Start with a goat cheese salad topped with pistachios and tossed in a truffle peach vinaigrette ($23), then go local with tasty Utah trout drizzled with ancho tomato reduction ($47). Dine in your room, on the patio or in the lobby — keeping with Open Sky’s ethos, the experience can be as private or social as you want it to be.
Rates at Open Sky Zion start from $599 per night.
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Just a half-mile from Zion National Park and with all the restaurants and amenities of Springdale on its doorstep, this upscale Hilton Curio Collection hotel is one of the area’s more amenity-rich, resort-style properties.
Surrounded by the soaring red rocks of Zion Canyon, on the edge of the Virgin River, there’s awe-inspiring scenery from every angle.
Handsome, cheery rooms and suites are painted in hues of beige and white and accented with vibrant pops of fuchsia and rich floral carpets that mimic the hotel’s lovely botanical garden.
Standard rooms start at 330 square feet and feature Serta Plush mattresses, bathrooms stocked with robes and slippers, blackout drapes, and furnished balconies or patios with canyon, river, pool or garden views.
For families and couples who value space, light and a very nice bathroom, it’s worth splurging on a suite (from $501), which has a separate bedroom and living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, a large balcony or patio, and a luxe bathroom with a walk-in shower and freestanding tub.
After hiking Zion’s trails all day, relax in one of two heated outdoor pools or hot tubs (open year-round). At the Five Petals Spa, you can soothe aching quads with a signature Zion Essentials Massage (80 minutes for $209) or slough off Zion’s red-rock dust with a Sea of Life facial (50 minutes for $149).
Dine with stunning red-rock views at the on-site restaurant, Anthera, which serves a broad menu of salads, burgers, quesadillas, ceviche and pasta dishes.
Rates at Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton start from $136 or 41,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
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With locations across the U.S., near the nation’s most beloved national parks, Under Canvas is one of the more established glamping brands and remains, in many ways, the standard bearer.
Channeling an “Out of Africa” aesthetic, the 60 luxe tents and suites come in different sizes and layouts, but all are kitted out with plush king-size beds, en suite bathrooms with hot showers and organic products, and in-tent wood-burning stoves. For families, the Angels Landing Suite has two bathrooms (it sleeps up to six people), while smaller deluxe tents and Stargazer tents are ideal for couples. All accommodations are pet-friendly, though few trails in Zion are.
The on-site restaurant serves wholesome, locally sourced cuisine. The menus change frequently, but you can expect signature dishes like roasted trout with braised greens and farro ($26) and red wine- and miso-marinated skirt steak with mint chimichurri ($28), as well as wholesome salads and elevated comfort food options, including a hearty burger ($19).
Expert guides, or “experience coordinators,” can arrange hot air balloon rides, horseback riding and complimentary on-site activities, including morning yoga, live music and children’s programming. For guests who like to mingle, spirited gatherings include nightly s’mores, happy hour socials and culinary campouts.
Deluxe tents at Under Canvas Zion start from $399 per night. The Angels Landing Suite runs from $999 per night. Note that Under Canvas Zion is open seasonally from March 14 to Nov. 4.
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One of Springdale’s most luxurious properties, LaFave is just 1 mile from the entrance to Zion National Park. For families looking for a home base with top-notch amenities and a user-friendly, streamlined rental process, this is hard to beat.
Each of the 19 luxury villas, suites and homes is a design lover’s dream and extremely spacious (the average size is 1,252 square feet). Kitchens are appointed with top-of-the-line appliances, quartz countertops and islands, and cabinets are even stocked with essential cooking supplies such as spices and oils, so there’s no need to rush out to the store.
Open-plan living rooms radiate an urban-cool aesthetic with high ceilings, hardwood floors, contemporary leather chairs and sofas, accent lighting, interior brick and large flat-screen TVs. Luxe, spalike bathrooms have glass-walled showers, plush robes and bath products.
Flanked by colossal rock formations, the property also has a large swimming pool (candlelit at night) with sun loungers, a shady pergola and tables and chairs for alfresco dining.
The Zion shuttle stops directly in front of the property, and some of Springdale’s best-loved restaurants are within walking distance.
One-bedroom suites at LaFave start from $275 per night and go up to $895 a night for a luxury three-bedroom home.
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Located along the Virgin River about a 15-to-20-minute drive from Springdale and the main entrance to Zion National Park, AutoCamp Zion is perfect for nature lovers — and travelers partial to midcentury modern design icons.
Custom 31-foot Airstream suites feature queen-size beds, kitchenettes, bathrooms with walk-in showers, and patios with fire pits and shaded dining areas. For families, premium Basecamp suites combine the Airstream suite with a deluxe canvas tent; they also come with access to the luxurious bathrooms in the signature clubhouse.
If you prefer function over form, you might want to opt for one of the cabins, which are fresh, light-filled and spacious — bedrooms have a queen bed with a memory foam mattress. Cabins also have kitchenettes, living areas with flat-screen TVs and sleeper sofas, and stylish bathrooms with walk-in showers and Ursa Major organic bath products.
Healthy, local fare is served at The Kitchen + General Store, and basic cookware and utensils are provided for families and couples who prefer to light a fire and dine on their private patio beneath the stars.
Airstream suites at AutoCamp Zion start from $296 per night. Cabins start at $319 per night.
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Less than 2 miles from Zion National Park’s south entrance, Driftwood Lodge is a welcoming property spread across 17 acres of gardens and farmland alongside the Virgin River.
Spacious rooms and suites have hardwood floors, dark wooden furnishings, leather chairs and subtle Southwestern vibes.
Families with kids and longer-stay guests ticking off Utah’s “Mighty Five” (Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park) will appreciate homey touches, including minifridges, microwaves, coffee makers and laundry facilities. Newer Canyon View and River View accommodations also have upgraded bathrooms with separate tubs and walk-in showers.
What makes this property really shine, though, is its resort-style amenities. You’ll find an inviting swimming pool, access to a riverside beach area with umbrellas and chairs, and a superb on-site restaurant, King’s Landing Bistro, which is arguably the best in town.
Start the evening on the outdoor patio with a “Great 8” mule made from local Five Wives vodka, lime, Fever Tree ginger beer and a seasonal puree ($14), then graze on Spanish charred octopus ($26), king salmon with spaghetti squash and roasted mushrooms ($36) or the pork porterhouse with butternut squash puree, Brussels sprouts and bacon lardons ($36).
Rates at Driftwood Lodge start from $239 per night.
Related: How to plan your 1st visit to a national park
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In a secluded location about a 30-minute drive from Springdale and Zion’s main entrance, Lazalu is a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to disconnect and spend time with family and friends while still enjoying Zion’s dramatic scenery. Located on the western fringes of Zion National Park, the property is just a 20-minute walk to hiking trails that lead directly into the park.
Owned and operated by PBS filmmaker and writer Robert Perkins (who lives on the property), Lazalu comprises two cozy rental homes (each sleeps up to eight people) decorated with rustic-chic Southwestern accents: stone floors with colorful rugs, wooden furnishings, artworks and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning canyon views. The property’s low light pollution ensures prime stargazing, and there’s a common area where you can gather and prepare meals, as well as a library with more than 2,000 books.
In addition to incredible hiking, guests can visit ancient caves with petroglyphs and a reservoir that’s great for cooling off in the hot summer months.
Just know that having a car is essential here, and the property is not pet-friendly.
Rates at Lazalu Zion Retreat start from $700 per night, and a two-night minimum stay is required.
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Located less than 2 miles from Zion National Park’s main entrance and within walking distance of the Zion shuttle bus stop, this modern, functional collection of bungalows works especially well for travelers who value privacy, seclusion and efficiency over historic charm and convivial public spaces.
Accommodations are in either stand-alone, two-story duplex apartments or compact one-story bungalows, making them ideal for solo travelers or couples. The bungalows maximize space and light and have tasteful minimalist furnishings, including compact desks, white-tiled walk-in showers and kitchenettes with Keurig coffee machines, microwaves and minifridges.
Larger duplex apartments have primary bedrooms with king-size beds and second-floor loft spaces with workspaces, half-bathrooms and queen-size sleeper sofas.
A pool and on-site restaurant are not available here, but grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, outfitters and bike rentals are all just a short walk away.
Rates at The Bungalows at Zion start from $349 per night.
Best credit cards for booking accommodation at Zion National Park
There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you’re loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.
Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.
Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize are some hotel-specific benefits, including:
Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum)*Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel CollectionComplimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott BonvoyUp to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select*Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits, plus a $20 bonus in December)*Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membershipA $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up-to-$85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first)Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion loungesPriority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights; limited to six annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)**Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees
Read our review of the Amex Platinum card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates: Earn an unlimited 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Benefits: Cardholders get up to $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees
Read our review of the Capital One Venture X
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar spent on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurancetrip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage among other policies.
Annual fee: $95.
Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Related reading:
A beginners guide to visiting Zion National Park: Everything you need to know, see and doTPG’s favorite national parks: A month-by-month guide11 of the best national parks to visit during winterVisiting a national park this summer? Better plan ahead6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large familyFor rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here
Title: The best places to stay near Zion National Park
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/best-zion-national-park-hotels/
Published Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:30:51 +0000
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