Red Cliffs Lodge hotel review

Moab — a small however well-touristed city wedged between two nationwide parks in Utah’s spectacular purple rock nation — could look, aesthetically, like one other planet, however award vacationers will really feel proper at residence right here. The city has a large roster of factors inns, and it simply added one other one: Red Cliffs Lodge Moab, Tribute Portfolio, which is now bookable by means of Marriott Bonvoy.

Half an hour exterior of downtown Moab, Pink Cliffs Lodge leverages its pure environment and close by outfitters — together with a horse ranch subsequent door — for a serene, country-inspired getaway. The property was independently owned earlier than present process a full renovation and reopening as a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio property, and I not too long ago spent a weekend right here for a primary look. Here is what my keep was like.

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First impressions

Sweaty and dust-coated after a protracted day exploring Arches and Canyonlands Nationwide Parks, my husband and I weren’t precisely trying ahead to the half-hour drive to our resort. However once we turned east onto Freeway 128, which winds alongside the Colorado River beneath towering purple rock formations, time melted away.

The breathtaking surroundings led us to Pink Cliffs Lodge, a sprawling assortment of cabins and motel-style rooms nestled in a bend within the river beneath the shadow of a pair of the world’s iconic purple mesas.

With a shade palette of grey, purple and sandy hues and the occasional Southwestern-patterned rug, the resort’s decor displays its environment with out going too far into kitsch territory. (No animal heads on the partitions right here, to this vegan’s delight.) Like the remainder of Moab, the vibe is laid-back, and it lets its spectacular environment take middle stage.

The rooms

Pink Cliffs Lodge is a 110-key property with 40 creekside suites, 39 riverfront suites and 31 riverfront cabins.

My two-bedroom cabin featured a residing space with a gasoline fire, a piece desk and kitchenette, two bedrooms with their very own TVs, and a Jack-and Jill-style lavatory. There was additionally a spacious deck going through the river with a eating desk and seating space.

We had been disenchanted that our kitchenette did not supply far more than what you’d anticipate from an ordinary resort room. There was a sink, a mini fridge and occasional/tea provides, however a microwave or vary prime would have been handy for reheating leftovers or cooking our personal meals. There have been no dishes or silverware, both, however the dishwashing provides beneath the sink steered the resort plans so as to add these later.

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As we rapidly realized, the faucet water on this a part of Moab could also be protected to drink, however it has a robust chemical style that makes it powerful to swallow. The 2 sinks in my cabin, within the lavatory and kitchen, had been outfitted with an ordinary faucet in addition to a second one labeled “consuming water.” Sadly, they each tasted the identical, although I assume the resort plans to implement a filtration system for the consuming water spout. Till then, we availed ourselves of the ample free bottled water offered in our minifridge.

Eating at Pink Cliffs Lodge

Pink Cliffs Lodge accommodates one restaurant, Ember, which presents elevated nation fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed, rustic setting.

Regardless of Moab’s common veg-friendliness, I discovered scarce (filling) vegan choices and employees members appeared reluctant to accommodate my dietary wants. Carnivores shall be in heaven right here, although, with elevated dishes like grilled steelhead trout ($34) and purple wine braised bison quick ribs ($40), however friends with extra finicky palates could must make the lengthy drive into city to search out meals.

The not too long ago opened restaurant nonetheless had just a few kinks to iron out: Though it was principally empty throughout the two instances we visited, the service was a bit gradual, and the communication between employees appeared somewhat chaotic.

Nonetheless, my husband and I had been each impressed by the flavour of all the things we tried. Highlights included the pomegranate margarita ($16), inexperienced goddess hummus ($14), Western Inconceivable burger ($20), New York steak ($56) and blueberry bread pudding ($12).

The meals high quality was second solely to the restaurant’s gorgeous views over the Colorado River.

Facilities and repair

Though the placement is somewhat faraway from downtown Moab, the resort presents loads to maintain friends busy:

• Health middle: This was beneath development after I visited however is anticipated to reopen in June 2026.
• Pool and sizzling tub: You simply cannot beat the views.
• Moab Museum of Movie and Western Heritage, devoted to the various movies which have been shot within the space: Supposedly admission is included for 2 friends and extra friends should pay a $15 entry fee, however nobody was there to cost admission once we visited.
• Free s’mores each night time round a communal hearth pit
• A formidable playground for the kiddos
• Two full-sized tennis courts
• Seize-and-go store with snacks, toiletries and souvenirs
• Exercise desk the place friends can e book all types of adventures by means of Paradox Adventures

The resort is kid- and pet-friendly, however it appears to attract principally grownups; I bumped into only one household with youngsters throughout my Mom’s Day weekend keep. So it might be a good selection in case you’re on the lookout for a {couples}’ getaway or associates’ journey, although adventurous youngsters will seemingly really feel at residence right here as effectively.

Out of doors adventures

Nicknamed the “journey capital of the West,” Moab is an adventurer’s paradise. You possibly can hike, climb, or bike throughout its otherworldly purple rock landscapes or strive a wide range of water sports activities on the Colorado River. There are additionally two nationwide parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and Useless Horse State Park to discover. And the enjoyable does not finish at sunset; Moab is residence to 3 Worldwide Darkish Sky Parks and is ideal for stargazing.

Should you’re not sure the place to start out, the resort’s relationship with Paradox Adventures makes it straightforward to join one thing new. You possibly can cease by the exercise desk to e book all the things from nationwide park excursions and sizzling air balloon rides to mountain climbing and skydiving excursions.

I opted for a two-hour horseback journey with Pink Cliffs Ranch, situated subsequent door to the property, and it was incredible. It is a good suggestion to double examine your reservation, although, as a result of some communications can fall by means of the cracks. We ended up having to reschedule our path journey as a result of the exercise desk employees did not verify it with the clothing store.

Even higher, Moab has actions for all ability ranges. For instance, hardcore mountain bikers will discover excessive black diamond terrain whereas households with youngsters can get pleasure from a quiet journey down paved multi-use paths. Children can even love consuming their means by means of the Moab Meals Truck Park and oohing and ahhing on the indoor-outdoor Moab Giants dinosaur museum.

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Location and logistics

Until you reside inside driving distance, like I do, the best method to get right here is to fly into Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport (SLC), lease a automotive, and drive the 4 or so hours to Moab. You will need to have a car throughout your journey anyway, as that is one of the simplest ways to discover all the world has to supply.

Simply bear in mind that the resort fees $20 per night time for onsite parking, so you will must issue that into your funds.

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What it prices to remain at Pink Cliffs Lodge and find out how to e book

Pink Cliffs Lodge was not too long ago added to Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, which means Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and burn factors right here.

Charges begin as little as $215 or 56,000 Marriott factors per night time for a creekside suite, or $441 for the riverside two-bedroom cabin I stayed in. The cabins do not seem like bookable with factors at the moment, however they need to be after the Tribute Portfolio transition.

Accessibility

Pink Cliffs Lodge presents mobility-accessible visitor rooms with options like accessible vanities and bogs, roll-in showers with hand-held wands, bathtub seize rails and extra. There are additionally hearing-accessible visitor rooms with particular kits.

As well as, all widespread areas are wheelchair-friendly — together with the pool and health middle — and repair animals are welcome with no fee.

Backside line

In a city the place factors inns are typically low-frills affairs, Pink Cliffs Lodge stands out with extra upscale lodging and extra intensive facilities, somewhat additional faraway from Moab’s touristy core.

Should you’re looking for a house base with quick access to Moab’s procuring and eating and the nationwide parks, chances are you’ll want a extra central possibility downtown. If, nevertheless, you desire a enjoyable retreat that also feels genuine to Moab, Pink Cliffs Lodge is a superb selection.

So pack your Tevas, and put together to get some purple mud between your toes.