Zion Lodge - Inside The Park

“Rustic luxury in the heart of Zion”

The lodge is rustic and comfortable and a great base from which to explore Zion. The rooms do have televisions now which is a recent addition. While priced on the high side, the location helps to justify the high price. Watching the deer and turkey in the evenings on the main lawn and just takin… more

The lodge is rustic and comfortable and a great base from which to explore Zion. The rooms do have televisions now which is a recent addition. While priced on the high side, the location helps to justify the high price. Watching the deer and turkey in the evenings on the main lawn and just taking in the beauty of the surrounding rock formations completes the experience for a great Zion trip!

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“Location Location Location (again)”

You stay at the Lodge for the convenience of the location! After seeing the crowds of people waiting for the Springdale shuttle, and the park shuttle at the visitor center, it was easy to justify the extra expense. My room was in the first building closest to the main lodge, 2nd floor with a pri… more

You stay at the Lodge for the convenience of the location! After seeing the crowds of people waiting for the Springdale shuttle, and the park shuttle at the visitor center, it was easy to justify the extra expense. My room was in the first building closest to the main lodge, 2nd floor with a private balcony overlooking the grassy area in front of the main lodge. Nice size room, decent wifi, tv, clean, but the limited parking meant a bit of a walk with suitcases (no elevator). Grabbed the park shuttle right outside the lodge, early morning was not too crowded riding all the way to the end, but by the time I finished the easy Riverside Trail, there were dozens and dozens of people heading for the Narrows. Emerald Pools trails were also very crowded, except the last leg up to the Upper Pools, and I found that most people didn't know they weren't looking at the Middle Pools when they stopped where the waterfall was at the start of the Upper trail - just had to walk another minute on the main trail and there were 2 pools with no one there! Of course there were lot of people heading to the Angels Landing Trail at the start of this hike, too. Ate 2 breakfasts at the lodge restaurant, not crowded either day, decent food, served quickly. The Visitor Center was a mob scene with the limited parking and people waiting for shuttles.

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“Mismanaged and understaffed, but “location location location””

The front desk is rude and unwelcoming, and it’s hard to shake that first impression. The older lady at reception had a “what do you want” attitude. I tried to check in at 3:20 and was briskly told “check in is at 4.” Really? I asked “can you call housekeeping to see if the room is ready” and I’m … more

The front desk is rude and unwelcoming, and it’s hard to shake that first impression. The older lady at reception had a “what do you want” attitude. I tried to check in at 3:20 and was briskly told “check in is at 4.” Really? I asked “can you call housekeeping to see if the room is ready” and I’m told “I can call but they might not answer.” Yikes. After some more back and forth my room was magically available. The next morning the older lady actually challenged our private guide in the lobby and shouted “are you a guide?” When my guide responded “yes” the older lady further challenged with “do you have a card?” Umm. Is it “wrong” to have a private guide meet us in the lobby? Front desk will not pick up the phone if you try calling from the room so don’t even waste your time to try. Housekeeping left behind someone’s shower sponge behind the shower curtain and a pill on the floor next to the bed. Yuck. There is an always a long wait for lunch in the dining room, with people sitting on benches like at Red Lobster, and no priority for hotel guests. No advance reservations for dinner, only made on the morning of, and the dining room is really nothing special. Even the gift shop employee was rude. But it’s the only option inside the park, and it was worth the experience, but once is enough. Next time I’d stay in Springdale. Xanterra recently lost the management contract and I can understand why.

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