Best Places to Stay in Moab, Utah
Moab hotel lodging mostly consists of the Hampton Inn, La Quinta, and Homewood Suites variety. But if you’re interested in staying somewhere with character and uniqueness, there are some amazing Bed and Breakfasts and other diamonds in the rough if you know where to search. To help with your lodging search, this article features some of what we think are the best places to stay in the Moab area.
It’s worth noting that lodging in Moab can demand premium prices depending upon the time of year you plan to visit. Especially if you travel here during the peak season, it’s always best to plan ahead far in advance so you can book the accommodations that you want or need. Of course, this also goes for campsites because those spots book up faster than you would think.
If you’re looking for even more information about Moab, head over to our article “Moab, Utah: Destination Guide” for additional details on all that makes Moab great!
Best Lodging Series: Moab, Utah
Bed and Breakfasts
Castle Valley Inn
Castle Valley Inn is located in Castle Valley, a suburb of Moab. Although Castle Valley is further from downtown Moab, it’s worth the extra drive because Castle Valley Inn is quite possibly the area’s best Bed and Breakfast. We like Castle Valley Inn because the owners are friendly and attentive, the rooms are affordable, and they make an excellent breakfast. Furthermore, the property is just stunningly beautiful, which makes it a great place to relax after visiting the National Parks. When we plan to visit Moab, we usually check availability here first. Hence, Castle Valley Inn receives our top recommendation for “Best Places to Stay in Moab.”
Moab Nightly Rentals (formerly Cali Cochitta)
Moab Nightly Rentals is a Bed and Breakfast located in downtown Moab, which makes it incredibly convenient and walkable to dining, shops, etc. Furthermore, there are a few options to choose from in terms of accommodations. You can opt for rooms in the main house or guest house, all at reasonable rates.
We know this place by its former name of Cali Cochitta and stayed here under previous ownership. However, in 2019, the property was sold and renamed Moab Nightly Rentals. In any case, this spot has our vote for one of the best places to stay in Moab.
Airbnb – Moab Options
If you looking for a unique stay in Moab, and prefer a house or condo rather than a standard inn or hotel, then Airbnb is the logical choice. Moab has a ton of cool Airbnb options ranging from the affordable to extremely expensive (given the time of year). Since the town of Moab is not very big, you’ll probably find a place that is close to the action of downtown Main St., but still cozy and comfortable.
Hotels and Specialty Lodging
Red Cliffs Lodge
Red Cliffs Lodge is an extremely beautiful property that has a variety of accommodations at various price levels. The views from the lodge are simply exquisite since it’s located next to the Colorado River and adjacent to majestic red rock cliffs. The rooms are decorated in a rustic fashion and are quite cozy, plus you’ll have access to a ton of recreational activities that can be arranged by their front desk. Red Cliffs Lodge also has an onsite restaurant called the Cowboy Grill that serves up some tasty menu options. Check out the lodge property below.
Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas Moab is probably best described as a “glamping” lodging option. What is “glamping” you may ask? Well, rather than staying in a basic tent with little comfort, you get the opportunity to stay in a deluxe or suite tent with a private bathroom and shower. These particular accommodations are not necessarily cheap. So, if you are looking for a more affordable option, Under Canvas Moab also has “safari tents” which cost a bit less, but you have to share bathrooms. Basically, no matter which room selection you choose, you’ll have a unique and comfortable camp-like experience, but receive hotel-type amenities.
Campgrounds
Dead Horse Point State Park Campground
Dead Horse Point State Park is about 40 minutes outside of Moab and has some truly amazing car camping with access to outstanding views. When we opt to camp outside of one of the National Parks, Dead Horse Point is usually our go-to choice. Thus, Dead Horse Point State Park Campground receives or top recommendation for “Best Places to Stay in Moab” for camping (and for its amazing ambience). If you don’t feel like sleeping in a tent, consider one of their yurts for more comfort. Plan to book early! Reservations can be made through Reserve America.
Kayenta Campground: $50/night for RV & car
Wingate Campground: $50/night for RV & car; $40/night for hike-in
Wingate Yurts: $150/night for up to six people
Moenkopi Yurts: $150/night for up to six people
Sand Flats Recreation Area
The Sand Flats Recreation Area campground is a 10-minute drive from downtown Moab and has about 140 campsites. We recommend the Sand Flats campground if you want access to amazing hiking and mountain biking trails, such as the popular Slickrock Trail. Note that the Sand Flats standard campsites are first-come, first-served that cannot be reserved in advance. Therefore, consider arriving around check-out time to secure a vacant site for your stay.
The Needles Campground
Any Moab trip should also include a visit to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park because of its stunning uniqueness and less crowded atmosphere. Although the Needles District is about 1.5 hours away from Moab, it is absolutely worth the drive. Perhaps the best way to experience the Needles District is to camp, so the Needles Campground is a perfect spot to do just that. The campsites are affordable ($20/night for a standard site or $70-$225 for group sites) and some can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov.
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