Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion Natl Pk Area

The focus for most heading to Zion National Park is all about embracing the natural and this property definitely capitalizes on the beauty of its surroundings. The exterior blends effortlessly with the cliffs just off in the distance thanks to its slightly reddish wooden facade and unobtrusive A-frame architecture. The grounds are well-manicured and inside the lobby, there's a southwestern look to the decor which includes paintings and framed photographs showcasing the landscape, stonework on a large fireplace, and tremendous windows facing the back of the hotel with soaring sandstone ridges in view. The lobby lounge underwent refurbishments when the hotel re-branded from a Best Western: modern decor elements like stylish new seating in shades of cream and yellow and hanging glass bulbs were added. There is a family-friendly, relaxed feeling within the hotel that is mostly frequented by guests there to enjoy the national park and its environmental splendor.

Located on the main street in Springdale, the Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Zion Natl Pk Area is simultaneously situated very close to other businesses, shops, and restaurants in the downtown area while also being a short (free) shuttle ride to the entrance of the Zion National Park. The Virgin River runs nearby in the back of the hotel, giving the immediate surroundings a peaceful, natural feel. The property is well lit at night making it feel simultaneously safe and secluded.

A sense of calm greets guests in each of the 120 simple but spotless rooms at this hotel. Decorated with a minimalistic but natural feel, there are leaf patterns on the carpets and muted browns, burnt oranges, and beige accents on the walls and bedding giving the rooms a decidedly southwestern feel. Some of the rooms on the second floor have vaulted ceilings and rooms facing the interior courtyard tend to be the quietest, but all of the rooms have a tranquility about them. The bathrooms feature standard mid-range hotel style with slightly small tubs and average-range toiletries. However, all rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free and fast Wi-Fi (which helps if your phone reception is spotty thanks to the surrounding mountains), coffeemakers, and mini-fridges (which you can stock with snacks or hiking supplies from nearby markets or the on-site gift store). And in a final nod to the environment, guests can choose not to have their sheets changed every day to help conserve water.

If the excellent hiking opportunities in the national park are not enough to wear you out (easily accessible thanks to the free National Park Service shuttle that stops frequently right outside the hotel), this property has a host of other activities to keep you busy. There is a large pool (it's heated but seasonal) as well as a whirlpool with terrific views of the surrounding vistas. The hotel also offers badminton/volleyball and basketball courts (though both could use a little upkeep), a putting green, a nature trail, horseshoes, and even board games in the lobby. The free breakfast -- at one of the two on-site restaurants -- consistently receives raves from guests thanks to the quality and quantity (think waffles, pancakes, and even an omelet bar). For those who happen to be in town for business rather than pleasure, there is also a 24-hour business center and 2,000 square feet of event space available. There's no fitness center or spa.