where to stay in moab
Where to Stay in Mo B: A Practical Guide to Comfort, Culture, and the Great Outdoors
Moab, Utah is a small desert town that packs a mighty punch. It’s the gateway city to two of the nation’s most iconic national parks—Arches and Canyonlands—as well as the triumph of red‑rocked scenery, world‑class biking, and a laid‑back cowboy vibe. But no matter how you’re traveling—rough‑riding, hiking, family‑friendly, or just soaking in the sunset—finding the right place to crash is half the adventure.
Below, we’ve broken Moab down by budget, lifestyle, and practical factors (proximity to parks, road conditions, family friendliness). The details are current as of 2025; if you’re booking months out, check the latest seasons and availability, especially for the high‑traffic summer and winter getaway periods.
1. Hotels & Resorts: “Home‑Away‑from‑Home” with Comfort
| Hotel | Price Range (per night) | Highlights | Crowdedness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moab Springs Hotel | $250–$400 | Rooftop pool, a poolside bar, an intimate spa, and a new, modern hotel built around natural sandstone. Steps to the highway, large parking, and emphasized “desert‑y” theming. | Generally busy in July, August, and winter holidays. |
| Arches Lodge | $200–$350 | Luxury lodge built by the same group that runs Arches National Park’s visitor center. The lodge itself is a growing eco‑friendly structure—off‑grid solar power, composting systems. Eat at their downtown‑attached eateries. | High during summer, but a bit quieter in late fall. |
| Entrada de Moab | $160–$260 | A mid‑range resort on the edge of town. Sleeps up to 500 guests. Rooftop pancake house during sunrise, pool, and accessibility for families. | Busy July–August & Christmas. |
| Venture Hotel & Suites | $120–$200 | Value‑conscious yet spacious; on the 128th street, not far from the park. Exterior décor designed to mimic outer‑space / desert theme, comfy king rooms, extra free Wi‑Fi. | Moderate all year; fewer crowds in spring. |
| The Sportsmen’s Club | $100–$180 | Golf, creative cultural events, star‑ostensibly-quiet, and they offer dog‑friendly rooms—great for adventure travelers with furry companions. | Low during the day, but peak for tours. |
Why Hotels Matter
Hotels give you a dedicated concierge, laundry haul, daily housekeeping, and often the easiest way to secure a spot for dinner reservations at Moab’s acclaimed eateries. If you’re splurging on a 4‑starly experience, it also smooths PET‑SAT‑MOV (P-Point, Eat, See, Meet, Observe, Video, Explore), giving you more time for the park or waterfall climbs.
2. Bed & Breakfasts: A Southern‑Charm Co‑zy Refuge
| Booth | Price | Unique Feature | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Desert B&B | $150–$220 | Guest rooms on a private ranch; starters include homemade pies. A 70‑ft reflective stone slab for sunrise photography. | Couples on a romantic getaway; stargazers. |
| Arches View B&B | $140–$210 | Communal breakfast featuring locally grown kale and citrus. Close to Arches – 10 min by drive. | Early‑bird couples who enjoy back‑to‑back tours. |
| Moab Mountain Lodge B&B | $120–$190 | Rustic decor with high‑resolution condensing heating, pet accommodation available. | Avenues for avatars of wanderers who crave old‑Western grit. |
| Sunset Vista B&B | $110–$170 | Large overhanging patio, perfect for sunset viewing; seasonal BBQs on the property. | Backpackers & solo-travelers who like social seaming. |
B&B perks: personalized host, local recipes, usually a more intimate story-telling atmosphere, and sometimes you can take corn on the cob off the roof at sunset. But keep in mind limited space; some B&Bs brand “budget” since it’s a family operation.
3. Glamping & Tiny‑Homes: For the Eco‑Adventure Seeker
| Option | Cost | Capacity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redbud Glamping | $200–$350 | Up to 6 guests | Campsites in a creekyard, dark‑sky license, solar‑charged spots. |
| Desert Pines Cabin | $160–$280 | 2–4 guests | Private kitchen, 2 bed+1 tub, fully insulated. |
| Motel-In-Raft (structured tents) | $80–$150 | 1–2 guests | Hand‑crafted pitch in a cactus‑free lot. |
| The Moab Tiny House Park | $130–$210 | 1–4 guests | Reasons for jealousy: tiny parlors with big living spaces and a 48‑hr check‑in. |
Why go glamping: You get a roof over your head, an electric generator or solar power, and you stay closer to nature. 10‑minute walk from the highway where the 11, 12 km “Moab Flat Trail” goes.
Do it in late spring or early fall for moderate temperatures, and be equipped with warm sleeping bags because nights in the desert can freeze.
4. Basic Motels & Hostels: Save Money, Save the World
| Post | Rate | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked Camel Motel | $70–$110 | Basic 50‑ft poles, minimal amenities, 24‑hour "open door" service. | No dining area, limited Wi‑Fi. |
| Moab Camp & Cottage | $90–$160 | Shares a backyard with a small gazelle ranch. | Half open roof; rustic design. |
| Backpacker Inn | $60–$90 | Crew‑man nights; free breakfast (boiled eggs, bread). | 4‑icty in schedule; some noise. |
Advice for Hostels: The best ones often have well‑labeled “laundry & dish” spots, and lighter check‑out. They offer communal kitchens and rooms, but might come with higher “mannerism” rules.
5. Campgrounds & RV Parks: For the Wheels of Freedom
| Site | Price | Capacity | Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arches Campground | $70–$140 (per site) | 201 sites (50 RV, 151 tent) | 24‑hr firewood sell‑out, pet‑friendly, 50&25-amp. |
| BJ’s Asteroid Park | $30–$60 (per site) | 15 sites | 20 amp electricity, minimal fire restrictions, great for four‑wheelers. |
| Moab Acres | $25–$60 (per site) | 36 sites | Recyclable strip; run-of-the‑mill fuel and water. |
| Cactus Lake RV Park | $60–$95 (per 30‑min) | 80 sites | Offers “30‑min” "drive‑and‑play" but note: limited parking for two 12‑ft. |
Notice: In summer, the Arches site can line for weeks. Reserve months before. If you’re a wildlife lover, pick the lesser popular “BJ’s” or “Cactus Lake”. And remember: Moab’s 180‑mph wind speed possible at night — always keep classes, and don’t let long-term stays go without checking the National Park service fire restrictions.
6. Airbnb & Short‑Term Rentals: A Home‑Like Option
| Property | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 3‑bedroom House in Old Town | $170–$250 | Close to the highway, full kitchen, large patio, but note: separate entrance. |
| Tiny House by the Desert | $110–$180 | 1 bedroom, 10‑ft high ceilings, star‑rated. |
| Luxury Villa with 12‑ft view | $250–$400 | 2‑bed, 2‑ban, electric 12‑amp, 4‑people, plus BBQ. |
Considerations: Airbnb listings tend to offer authentic “Moab with a local touch.” Check the window counts because many owners keep windows closed to maintain energy; call the host early next to ask about local garages or bikes.
7. Tips to Maximize Your Stay
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Visit Outside Peak Season | Summer (June–August) and winter (Nov–Jan) each have record floods and 24‑hour crowd control – book in August for early booking or early November for the last season. |
| Rides & Tours | Small rental businesses (wheels, bikes, scooters) need reg‑ponts in the evenings. Book a 3‑hr “Daytour” as a complement. |
| Plan for Off‑Road | Many top scenic routes are partial off‑road, especially Verdant Valley Trail. Keep a map or a smartphone offline. |
| Gourmet Overloaded | Moab offers 20plus pet‑friendly diners (e.g., Joe’s Pizza, Machu Picchu Café). For an actual gourmet dining meal, tip form “Bridal Blossom.” |
| Stay on the 128th Street | It’s a commercial area where you can get the wine store “Wine & Eat”, particularly “Cafe Kama” that brew their own coffee. |
| Be Aware of Warm‑Cold Strategy | Daytime temperatures can hit 95° (in July) while nightly lows can dip to 30°. Bring layers & a weighted blanket for hotels with high‐quality linens. |
| Plan the Sunset & The Razor Cut | The time between sunset and twilight for the “Razor Razor” & “Boulder Cut” is best in March and January. |
8. Making Reservations: Check All Channels
- Hospitality.com splits the “hotel vs B&B vs campground” possible.
- NationalParkService.gov provides a list of official lodging inside the two parks—they’re a limited number of micro‑four‑pillion hostels; book early.
- Local Forums (r/Moab on Reddit) can give inside info on “flash deals” from small inns and hotels.
- Last‑Minute Apps (hotels.com, booking.com, Airbnb) keep updated last‑minute deals (particularly for the 7‑day window before your trip). DID you know: 7–10 year high season in October can book up to 3 months ahead, only boutique hotels, you need a “two‑person expedite” plan, and you may want to plan a “SAD – stand‑alone‑driving” pack for winter.
9. Final Checklist for the Pre‑Trip
- [ ] Confirm travel dates and visa/CRF if required.
- [ ] Check the weather forecast from Colorado Climate Adapts or TOT the Nebula Naturae.
- [ ] Reserve your lodging well in advance for the park wildlife Park (Arches & Kiwi).
- [ ] Bring a wide range of clothing layers.
- [ ] Pack a small first‑aid kit with a cactus‑specific bite sting remedy.
- [ ] Download the mobile map for offline usage — i.e., the “Off‑Road Beacon” — and the "Maps” by Google.
- [ ] Identify a “hub” (Hotel, Airbnb, Lok‑ng, or campsite) that includes BBQ, laundry, and 24‑hour service if necessary.
Quick Take‑away
Moab has something for every kind of traveller: from high‑end hotels that can keep the water warm in late‑August, to value‑friendly motels that save you on the eighth day (budget+). For the budget‑conscious: the BJ’s Asteroid Park or Moab Hendrix?. For the safari‑savant: rent a cabin or tiny‑house. For the cravings‑gourmet: Tape to the corner of the 628 tee‑pot (a boutique restaurant integrated into a pub). And for the glamping‑advocate: choose either Arches Campground or Redbud.
So get ready, buckle down, and soak up those endless red‑rock vistas that only Moab can offer. Good luck!
