Moab hotels

Staying at Under Canvas Moab, a “glampsite” that has safari-style tents the whole family can appreciate, is such a treat. Set about seven miles north of Moab and a stone’s throw from Arches National Park, the deluxe tents – complete with king-size beds, private bathrooms, decks with lounge chairs and wood-burning stoves – make the perfect jumping-off point for adventures.

One of the best hotels in Moab, days begin with a hearty breakfast on site. Then, the activities concierge can book guided hikes, mountain-biking adventures and white-water rafting to suit you and your travelling companions.

Don’t forget to look up each evening – Under Canvas Moab is one of the first dark sky resorts in the world. I particularly appreciate that they throw regular star parties and offer culinary treats with a celestial theme.

If dreamy views of the Colorado River from a private veranda are your thing, then Sorrel River Ranch is a solid choice. One of the best hotels in Moab, the working ranch has custom-built cabins right on the river and 240 acres to explore. You don’t even need to leave the property to see arches, canyons and red-rock mesas.

Learn what it takes to keep a ranch running with the resort’s expert wranglers, pick fresh veggies from the garden and stop by the country shop for farm-fresh groceries, coffee and baked goods.

This resort also caters to children with evening bonfires (where they can learn how to make s’mores, the delicious and quintessentially American treat), gardening sessions, time on the farm and sessions at the petting zoo where chickens, goats, miniature horses and rabbits are the stars of the show.

A rustic getaway with views of Castle Creek and the Colorado River, Red Cliffs Lodge is one of the best hotels in Moab. With cosy cabins, a cowboy theme and ranch-style architecture, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time when you stay here.

On property you can take horseback-riding lessons, enjoy cowboy cookouts, play tennis and listen to stories told around the campfire. I loved eating lunch at the outdoor tables at the Cowboy Grill while deer grazed around us.

To wind down, sign up for a massage, take a guided yoga or meditation class and roam the beautiful grounds. Choose from roomy suites to deluxe cabins complete with hot tubs. My favourite thing about this lodge is that the rooms have their own kitchenettes, so whipping up snacks and simple meals is a breeze.

Field Station Moab is a fun getaway near Arches National Park. Choose from 139 guestrooms or seven sites where you can park your car or campervan (and still have access to hot showers, Wi-Fi, an outdoor hot tub and a pool).

There’s a bike-tuning station and storage area, gear-hire closet and on-site shop selling essentials like rain coats and water bottles – and plenty of snacks which, for me, is a must. Families will appreciate bunk-bed rooms that sleep four to six. Or go for an option with king-size beds and portaledges (a hanging tent system that big-wall climbers sleep on).

After a day of adventures, sit by the fire pit and meet new friends. In the morning, grab a coffee or smoothie from the café and map out your excursions. Regardless of what type of adventure you’re planning, there’s no doubt this is one of the best hotels in Moab.

Gravity Haus is what you might call an adventure hotel. The 38-room boutique property is smack dab in the middle of Moab city centre, making it one of the best hotels for location. Each room includes a gear-storage wall, so you can keep an eye on your mountain bike. The hotel also features discounted gear hire, a gym, an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Download the Gravity Haus mobile app to hire stand-up paddleboards, bikes and camping gear. From the hotel, you can walk to my fave pizza shop, Canyon Pizza Co. And bring your dog along, as the hotel is pet-friendly.

The property offers a membership programme so you can visit their other locations in Colorado: Breckenridge, Jackson Hole, Steamboat Springs, Vail and Winter Park (as well as California’s Truckee-Tahoe area). One last thing: as a journalist who works remotely, I really appreciate the co-working spaces here.

A five-minute drive to Moab city centre, the 118-room Element Moab, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel by Westin, is one of the best hotels in Moab for families.

For me, there’s no better way to start your day than with a free continental breakfast. Kids love the bicycles for hire, the grab-and-go snacks for sale and the outdoor pool (pro tip: snag a private cabana so parents can lounge). As someone who’s often on the road, I appreciate the fact the suites come with a stovetop, sink, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, microwave oven and kitchen utensils.

In the evening, stop by the lobby bar for signature cocktails and light bites, workout in the on-site fitness room or soothe your weary muscles in the hot tub. Top it all off by resting your head on a signature Westin Heavenly Bed.

There’s a lot to love about the Aarchway Inn. For starters, the location. It’s two miles from Arches National Park and 30 minutes from Dead Horse Point. Start the day with a complimentary breakfast (think: eggs, American-style biscuits and gravy, oatmeal and cereal). The self-serve pancake maker is a nice touch that my kids loved.

Rooms come with mini-fridges and microwaves. You can also cook up meals at the outdoor BBQ pit and enjoy views of The Portal, the entrance to the Colorado River. When you’re ready to venture out, there’s a complimentary shuttle that takes guests into town.

As an added bonus, you can charge your electric vehicle at the Level 2 EV charging station on site. Fun fact: the hotel’s owners, along with local supporters, pushed for Delicate Arch to be added to Arches National Park in the 70s.

Modern and stylish, the 4-star Hoodoo Moab is the perfect base for a Moab holiday. One of the best hotels in Moab, the 117-room property is close to Main Street and has bicycle hire and picnic areas.

Eat delicious meals and sip cocktails at Josie Wyatt’s Grille – the patio there has dreamy views of impressive buttes. Make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy the spa, outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness centre.

I especially like the super spacious, two-storey casitas here, which sleep up to six and have gas fireplaces and balconies or patios. I recommend checking out Delicate Arch, which is about 17 miles from the hotel. If you’re there during peak season (from April to October), it’s best to go early to avoid the crowds. During peak season, you’ll need a reservation online.

This restored historic ranch house used to be the largest ranch homestead in Moab. That two-storey red-brick building now serves as the main house at this upscale resort. Choose from studio-style bungalows or one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses, each with private decks, balconies and – my favourite – fireplaces.

With a private park, hammocks, picnic tables and campfire circles, Moab Springs Ranch Resort is one of the top-rated hotels in Moab. Wander among vineyards, take a dip in the seasonal pool (open mid-March to mid-October) or unwind in the hot tub, which is open year-round.

I recommend biking the Moab Canyon Pathway, a paved path that goes along the upper Colorado River corridor. With so much to keep you busy, it’s easy to see why this has long been considered one of the best hotels in Moab.

This 3-star hotel, surrounded by red-rock formations and mountains, deserves it’s place on my list of the best hotels Moab.

It has a range of King, Double Queen and larger Casita rooms to choose from. Each casita comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a family room that has a pull-out couch, a kitchenette and a balcony. Whatever style room you go for, you’ll have a cosy nook with a sofa and a desk. There’s also a business centre if you need a more formal setup.

Since the hotel is about four miles from Arches National Park, I recommend a morning hike on the Devils Garden loop trail. Plan for several hours since it’s nearly eight miles return, and be sure to go early as it’s a popular trail. Canyonlands National Park should also be high on your list, especially if you like climbing, canyoneering and rappelling.