Big Horn Lodge, Moab

I love Moab; I love the national parks nearby and the hiking and biking trails that can be found in any direction. I have spent a lot of time in the area over the years and have ridden many trails and hiked countless bluffs. Regardless of where I hike and where I bike, I always play hard. and after a hard day of playing there’s nothing I look forward to more than a good night’s sleep.

Last time I was in Moab, I stayed at the Big Horn Lodge, a great hotel right on bustling Main Street in the Heart of Moab.

The Big Horn Lodge is a great place for the adventure traveler. They have taken every chance to accommodate the needs of bikers, hikers and other adventure travelers. For example, if you are taking three days to go down the Colorado River, you can spend a night at the Big Horn Lodge and leave your luggage locked up in their storage area while you go rafting. When you get back, they will have it waiting for you in your new room.

I think it is that type of service and consideration for Moab vacationers that makes the Big Horn Lodge so special. They understand that we come to Moab to play and they do everything they can to help us play hard without compromising a good night’s rest.

The rooms are very clean and comfortable. They are not huge, but there is enough space to store your bikes in the room. Of course if you don’t want your bike in the room with you, you can always use the bike storage that is offered to all guests.

The pool is not huge so I don’t suggest lap swimming, but it is perfect for soaking and relaxing in after a long day of hiking. If you need a bit more for your relaxation, you can also head across the street to their sister property where, as a Big Horn Lodge guest, you can soak in their hot tub.

The other benefit of the sister property is the laundry facility. You can do your laundry while you kick back in the hot tub and get the best of both worlds.

The Big Horn Lodge is right across the street from a grocery store, which makes replenishing your supplies very convenient. When grocery food doesn’t hit the spot, you can eat at the affordable Smitty’s Golden Steak Restaurant, which is part of the lodge.

When I stayed at Big Horn Lodge, I was very impressed with how knowledgeable the staff was about the area and the trails nearby. They were also helpful in providing an overview of the area restaurants when I checked in, and even showed me some of the locals’ favorite places to eat. Their extra efforts helped me feel far more comfortable with venturing out into the city for the evening.

Overall I was impressed by my comfortable stay for such an affordable price. The Big Horn Lodge is a great place to stay while you are playing in Moab.

To learn more about the Big Horn Lodge visit http://www.moabbighorn.com/.

Jackson Fork Inn, Huntsville: Quiet and Quaint

I have been past this little hotel many times before, very near Pineview Reservoir, and I always thought it looked like a special place and wondered how it would be to stay there. Well, I finally had the opportunity to check it out.

I was welcomed by the owner upon my arrival and check-in was a breeze. When I entered the room, my first impression was that it reminded me of the warm, privately owned hotels I have experienced in Europe. Because this hotel consists of seven suites in a converted dairy barn, the layout of each room is very unique. In this particular room, just past the entrance, there is a step down into the sitting/living room area. Then, up a small winding staircase is the bedroom with a queen size bed on the level above. This bedroom was delightful with a slanted ceiling, like being in a cozy loft. I thought the separate bedroom seemed like a good idea for those who would like to sleep while others in the room could watch TV or stay up late talking below. I was in one of the rooms with a whirlpool tub and it was the largest I have ever seen. Often the complaint about those tubs is that they are too small for any adult, especially a tall person, but there is plenty of room in this baby. I imagine that after a long day on the slopes, that tub would be heaven on Earth.

I really liked the variety in the collection of furniture which gave the place a personal feel. The bedroom set, wall décor, side tables and chairs were all unique and inviting. There was a small couch and a table with a lamp in the sitting area that could seat two people to enjoy the complementary continental breakfast. In the bathroom were an assortment of natural bath products to match the country style of the place (I especially liked the goat’s milk soap). I left feeling that the overall experience at this hotel was like that of staying with family. Not those annoying relatives, though, but people who keep the place really clean and that will leave you alone and let you have a good night’s sleep!

I didn’t have the chance to try dinner at the adjoining, family-owned restaurant, but the menu looks amazing. They also serve Sunday brunch, which would be a great way to end a stay here. If you are looking for a quiet but close-to-town place, this is the spot for you. I also think this hotel would be just right for families or groups skiing at any of the Ogden resorts (Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Wolf Mountain are just minutes away). In fact, the rate for renting the whole place, maybe for a ski group or family ski trip or reunion is VERY reasonable and this would be the perfect spot for that. I think it is important to note too, that there are two rooms available that are pet-friendly. So, if you are seeking a little peace and quiet in a unique atmosphere, head on up to the Jackson Fork Inn.

Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab

Not long ago I took a short scenic drive just outside of Moab. It led me onto a road (Highway 128) north of town that winds down the canyon adjacent to the Colorado River. The view was great as I saw rafters pulling off to some of the beaches and campers setting up their tents by the river.

Up this road about fourteen miles I came to a little resort lodge where I stayed the night. The Red Cliffs Lodge offered not only a great place to sleep but it offered an extension to the scenic drive that made the Moab experience rich and enchanting.

Before I settled down for the night I enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Cowboy grill. The view at dinner was an absolutely stunning spectacle. I ate on the back porch of the restaurant and watched the sunset reflected off of the red rock cliffs and the Colorado River. The view was breathtaking with a completely new palate of colors ever y minute or two. I said then, and still contend that it was perhaps the most beautiful view I had ever seen during dinner.

The gentleman next to me ate Elk that literally fell apart as he cut it with his fork. It was all very well prepared and appealing to the eyes as well as the taste buds. Make sure to try the artichoke dip as an appetizer, it was worth every calorie. I had the trout for my entrée and was very impressed.

I stayed in one of the honeymoon cabins at the Red Cliffs Lodge. The Cabins sit twenty yards away from the Colorado River. It was a great and relaxing moment to look out from my porch and not see any sign of civilization.

The property also offered the beauty of a working vineyard and winery the grounds are so lovely, with the deep greens from the vineyard contrasting the red cliffs that surround on all sides the lodge.

Red Cliffs Lodge is not only a great lodge and vineyard; it is also a working ranch and museum. I got to experience the “ranch lifestyle” with one of their guided horseback rides. I am not very experienced on horses so I was not really sure what to expect on a trek that took us up mountain trails and over rough terrain. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and comfortable the ride was. It was a few hours of riding and provided yet another fantastic view of the native area. The wranglers were knowledgeable and very helpful. They were very professional even when some guests struggled with some of the very basic directions. It was a great way to spend an afternoon, although my horse was named Blunder.

In the basement of the main lodge there is a museum which details not only the history of the lodge but also the history of the movie industry in the area. With artifacts from films dating back into the 40’s and including hundreds of pictures of old stars hanging out on the sets of films shot right on the grounds of the Red Cliffs Lodge or in the surrounding area. It is a fascinating group of films that have been made in the area. I had to stop and have my picture taken with the cut out of John Wayne.

Overall the Red Cliffs Ranch offered a fantastic getaway. It was well worth the extra fourteen mile drive from the heart of Moab.

You can find out more on their website...

http://www.redcliffslodge.com/

Best Western Travel Inn, St. George

Convenience, Service and Affordability

This 1950s-style roadside motel is as neat as a pin. It is located on St. George Boulevard, the main east-west avenue on the north side of town, with other motels and is very easy to find.

When we checked in, I was really not looking forward to hauling all the accessories associated with a family of small children into yet another motel room. Then we would need to find a kid-friendly place to eat. There was also the issue of finding directions to our planned hike the next day.

When I entered the lobby, I was sweaty and grouchy and had a big headache. The front-desk agent changed my mood immediately. I have a background in the hotel industry with a brand associated with full-service, five-star hotels, and this Best Western employee was right on par with that type of service. He was knowledgeable and fast, and he offered suggestions, directions and details to help us get settled and enjoy our stay.

Best Western and the management of this small motel obviously take customer service very seriously and give their employees the tools to do their job well. The agent detailed numerous restaurants and fast-food options and told me exactly how to find our trailhead at Zion National Park the next day. He directed us to our room, where I was very pleased to see that we could back our car up to the door and move in without losing any kid equipment. No stairs!

This motel is incredibly efficient. The room was very spacious and included some really great modern amenities, such as a small refrigerator and a microwave located in a large cabinet that also housed a flat-screen LG TV and a set of drawers. The beds were very comfortable, and the Bath and Body Works soap, lotion and shampoo in the bathroom were products I was eager to use.

The pool was clean and the perfect temperature (it's also heated in winter). It is adjacent to a clean, small hot tub. The free wireless internet access was a piece of cake to use. The motel is within walking distance of a few really good restaurants in beautiful St. George. My husband and I remarked on the beauty of the landscaped roads, gardens and fountains, and how the architecture blended in with the area's geology.

In the morning we enjoyed the free and surprisingly substantial breakfast. There was cereal, pastries, muffins, coffee and juices, but also a few more items, such as hard-boiled eggs and even waffles.

The Best Western Travel Inn is the perfect motel for a stop near Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon. It is also a great choice for families traveling from the Salt Lake area to California or for any traveler making a planned or unplanned stop while on the road. It has all the charm and convenience of a 1950s-style motel with a big helping of modern amenities and fabulous service.

Best Western Coral Hills, St. George

When we arrived at this hotel, my husband and I experienced instant nostalgia from this delightful motel-style building. We felt like kids again pulling up to the front office with the pool beckoning to us from across the way. Check-in was a breeze, and we found our way to our room with a map and details from the helpful and efficient front-office employee.

Even with the retro outward appearance -- which we found charming -- the rooms were beautiful, spacious and modern. The newly renovated room seemed to have lots of space to move around in.

No typical hotel furniture and tacky bedspreads here. There was a large entertainment center with a large flat-panel LG TV and a spacious desk. The beds were very modern looking and had comfort-top mattresses with four down pillows and beautiful striped duvets. The bathroom was equally impressive in cleanliness and tasteful décor. The Bath and Body Works lotion, shampoo and soap were products I would actually use. My husband was impressed with the showerhead mounted high in the shower -- no ducking!

The air conditioning was very easy to use since it was controlled by a thermostat on the wall rather than the typical hi/lo settings you have to try to adjust in the dark with the air blowing in your face. The wired and wireless internet connection was free, super fast, and a cinch to log on to.

After a great night of sleep we were off to the free continental breakfast. Wow, Best Western has hit the nail on the head with this great value. It included more than just cold and hot cereals. The had hard-boiled eggs, pancake/waffle maker, juices, coffee and fruit as well as bagels and English muffins. The dining room is quite large, and it was nice to be able to sit and have a leisurely breakfast while watching TV.

Since we had our small children with us, there was no way we would be leaving without experiencing the pools. We went to the outdoor pools in the morning and had the place to ourselves. I loved the kiddie pool because it was spacious and only 1 foot deep. My 3- and 5-year-old boys could play and swim on their own while I sat in one of the very nice lounge chairs to watch them and relax in the sun.

The larger outdoor pool on the same patio has a lovely water feature that flows into the pool. There was also a spa, just far enough away from the other pools that travelers without kids could enjoy a nice soak. The indoor pool is probably the best-kept secret at this hotel. It was incredibly clean and quiet with its own adjacent bathrooms. We had our lunch by this pool and its gorgeous spa.

Best Western's location on St. George Boulevard is central to many activities and businesses. The average room rate for this hotel is very affordable, which makes your stay here an amazing value!

Best Western Abbey Inn, St. George: Affordable Luxury and Amazing Value!

By Julie Child

Wow! This hotel is truly a jewel in the Best Western crown. I had read a few reviews about this place before our stay and there was a pattern to the comments. Most commonly written was that this was an amazing hotel for the money. That is an understatement.

The lobby is very well decorated, new and clean. The décor throughout the hotel is a neo-traditional style. When we checked in, the front desk staff was very professional and efficient. We stayed in one of the hotel’s advertised family suites. The room looked so new I felt like we were the first people to ever stay there.

The bathroom had a separate jetted tub and a shower with a glass door. There were lots of towels and spa-grade toiletries. There was a full closet with a vanity separate from the bathroom with plenty of room for all our stuff. It was all so lavishly decorated that I had to keep reminding myself this was a Best Western!

The small living room had a fireplace, couch and large flat-screen LG TV, along with an office area with a spacious desk. My husband could watch the Tour de France in one room while the kids watched cartoons in the bedroom.

The beds were very comfortable with modern linens and pillows. The air conditioning was climate-controlled with a thermostat, which was perfect. There was free, fast wireless internet, of course, which was easy to use.

I was dreading nightfall with three small children in a hotel on the Fourth of July, however. I was thinking there would be fireworks around town until late, but we heard nothing but silence in our room. This hotel is located right off the exit from I-15, but still far enough away from the noisy freeway for a quiet night's sleep.

The next morning we hit the deluxe, hot breakfast buffet. All I can say is toast, cereal, pastries, cheese, fruit, waffles, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and more. Eggs and chorizo?! It was awesome and complimentary.

We spent about three hours at the pool, which was very nice, with a covered patio and spa at one end and an indoor spa off the main pool area. There was a kids’ pool as well, which my children used until they had prune hands. The pool area was fairly busy this time of year, but there were always plenty of towels and someone coming around to keep things picked up.

I noticed the coin-operated laundry, lots of parking and other amenities that would make this a very nice place to stay for a few days or longer. I imagine that golfers and those in town to attend the Tuacahn Theater would find this hotel to be just right.

The hotel is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, and here is the best part: The rates are surprisingly affordable! I overheard a guest in the hall outside his suite telling his daughter what he paid for the night. It was an unbelievable price for such deluxe accommodations. I recommend checking the rates for a suite at this hotel. It was so nice, I was sad we would only be staying one night. We will certainly be back again.

Learn more about the Best Western Abbey Inn at http://www.bwabbeyinn.com/.

Courtyard Marriott, St. George

I love St. George. I have been traveling to St. George my entire life and I have always loved the Southern Utah city with the red rocks and the prominent cliffs.

The other day I visited St. George again, this time for business. While there I stayed somewhere new, the Courtyard by Marriott. It is a new property with a classy look and feel. The room had an amazingly fresh and clean feel. The wireless internet was a breeze to hook up to and was fast and reliable. It was clearly a first class establishment.

My room had a great view overlooking the finely groomed courtyard and the red cliffs. It was only a few minutes after my arrival that I could resist the courtyard no longer and I just had to go take a look. The area was not particularly large but it was very well done with a nice seating area and beautiful trees all situated next to the outdoor pool and hot tub.

The onsite gym was modest, I was able to run on the tread mill and spend some time on the stationary bike while watching the news and the swimmers in the indoor pool across the hall. However if I had more time I would have taken advantage of their unique offering at the local gym (Gold’s Gym).

The Courtyard offers a one day pass to the local gym for all patrons. There they have full work out facilities, aerobics classes, spinning classes and all the other amenities you would expect at a nice gym. That partnership really sets them apart from most properties that I stay with.

They also had a partnership with a sports bar & grill right next to the hotel called Iggy’s. Through Iggy’s they provide room service to guests until late in the evening. A luxury when you need a bite to eat while you are preparing your presentation for the next day.

The property was very convenient to the Outlets at Zion, a fun group of outlet shops from major brands. I have a habit of buying new dress shirts every time I visit St. George so it was particularly convenient for me.

When I finally got a chance to visit the hot tub myself, I met a gentleman from Salt Lake City who visits St. George once or twice a month for business. He always stays at the Courtyard and had nothing but good things to say about the property and its staff. He was particularly complimentary of the General Manager Russ. It says something about a property when guests can get to know the General Manager without having to complain to them.

I feel that when I travel for business the mark of a good hotel is one that allows me to focus on my work and that helps me to relax when the day is over. The Courtyard by Marriott in St. George did just that. It made for a successful St. George trip.

For more information about the Courtyard in St. George visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sgucy-courtyard-st-george/.

Homestead Resort, Midway

By Michael Johnson

Immediately upon arrival at the Homestead Resort in Midway, UT you know that you are in for more than a typical hotel stay. Not only is the location amazing, nestled between Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs right in the middle of the Wasatch Mountain State Park, but the resort itself is a natural escape from the normal grind we are all used to.

As I drove up to The Homestead Resort I was impressed with the beautiful grounds. With mature trees and large grassy areas the entrance to the resort feels more the entrance to southern mansion home. At once I noticed that rather than large blocks of rooms the resort was made of small cottages neatly arranged to give you the sense that your room was one of only a hand full in the complex.

Upon arrival I was greeted with an amazing piece of their home cooked fudge. I thought that maybe they knew I had a weakness for fudge and thought that this little token would win me over. I was saddened to find out that they treat all of their guests this way. A tasty treat to entice you to visit their gift shop where you can find all sorts of home made delicacies.

I headed to the golf course after checking in to find not only a very helpful golf pro, but a gorgeous course that led you right up into the mountain side. It was a bit breezy that day but the fairways were lovely as the course weaved in and out of natural woods and large ponds.

Later I had to visit the Crater. A large diving hole used for scuba certification and casual swimming. The Crater is 70 feet deep and is naturally fed by a geothermal spring keeping the temperature warm all year round.

My room was on the ground floor and looked out not only on the golf course but also over Deer Creek Reservoir. Sitting on my private porch I could look out and watch the squirrels running around aimlessly looking for nuts or the golfers doing the same looking for stray balls.

The room was quaint and comfortable, it felt like somewhere you could stay for days and really settle into. Unfortunately I only had one night, so I had to make the most of it. Upon seeing the enormous jetted tub and I quickly determined how I was going to spend my evening.

Overall the facility was great. I really enjoyed my time, I just wished I could have stayed longer to visit the spa and to visit some of the trails nearby…I guess it just gives me one more reason to visit again.

Visit the Homestead at http://www.homesteadresort.com/ for more information.