Xanterra is the company that runs lodges in Yellowstone where I work. Having a monopoly as at Zion is a trap of complacency. There are numerous things to complain about justifiably. However, to be situated right there beneath the towering cliffs and alongside the walking paths, to be able to drive your own car in where everyone else has to ride the bus, to be able to walk out in the middle of the night or early morning before the buses run is atmosphere more valuable than the expense or the rudimentary service. I will take it over commuting in. It’s all about atmosphere. It is worth it.

This was our first trip to Zion National Park and wow oh wow the views are incredible. Don’t come to Zion Lodge if you want to sit around in your phone. Service is not great and WiFi is basically useless unless you are in the lodge. But why would you need to sit inside when you can take a number of hikes right from the lodge. Or read a book outside and watch the deer and they young come graze on the front lawn. Or see the Milky Way clear as day at night. I’ve never seen so many stars. You won’t be disappointed.

My husband and I stayed one night in one of the west cabins. The cabins look rustic from the outside, but the furnishings were very nice inside. Staying at the lodge allowed us to drive into the park after the parking lots were already full (at 11:30am). We enjoyed the last day of shuttles before they were stopped due to Covid-19, but the second day we were allowed to access all of the park by car, so we were very happy to have the lodge driving permit. The staff was very helpful and could not have been nicer. The main downside was lack of internet throughout the property, which we understood as you are in and surrounded by the park. Also, a mini-fridge in the room would have been nice for water/snacks for hiking. There was a variety of options for dinner, and the breakfast buffet (not included, but reasonably priced) was excellent. It's a little pricey for the room, but worth it for the uniqueness.

Mixed feelings about staying here. The location is idyllic but let down by poor accommodation. We stayed in a lodge cabin. The cabin itself is rustic but has the basic amenities you need for a stay. Unfortunately the beds are uncomfortable, the cabin was cold and the walls paper thin. You can hear everything from the adjoining cabin, just our luck to have screaming children in the adjoining cabin who stayed up all night, as did we as a result. The onsite restaurant has adequate but pricey food and patchy service. If you do eat there be sure to finish before sundown as the Lodge is poorly lit or have a good torch, it can be confusing with the cabins being identical. Being within the park allowed us to get a jump start on the trails ahead of the crowds but that was just about the only benefit of staying there. If we go to the area again we'll stay in Springdale and get one of the free buses into the park..

Zion lodge is in a great location to see the park. Other accommodations are a ways away in Springdale. The rooms are rustic but comfortable and close to the main lodge. Food in the lodge is basic and not very fancy. Service in the restaurant is poor and the staff needs to get organized on how to keep track of guests and stop at tables. Our first morning breakfast there were 5 or 6 staff and just 2 of us in the whole restaurant. One would think one of them could come over and offer service . The just stood around the kitchen. I finally just got up and served my self for coffee. The staff appears to have no training management on how to serve guests