Red Cliffs Lodge Hotel Review

Moab, a small but touristy city nestled between two national parks in Utah’s spectacular red rock country, may look aesthetically like another planet, but award-winning travelers will feel right at home here. The city has a sizable list of points hotels and just added another: Red Cliffs Lodge Moab, Tribute Portfoliowhich can now be reserved through Marriott Bonvoy.

Half an hour from downtown Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge takes advantage of its natural setting and nearby outfitters, including a horse ranch next door, for a serene, country-inspired getaway. The property was independently owned before undergoing a complete renovation and reopening as a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio property, and I recently spent a weekend here to take a first look. This was my stay.

Related: Marriott leans into the outdoors with new hotel booking and pickup platform

First impressions

Sweaty and covered in dust after a long day exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, my husband and I weren’t exactly looking forward to the half-hour drive to our hotel. But as we turned east on Highway 128, which winds along the Colorado River beneath towering red rock formations, time faded away.

The stunning scenery led us to Red Cliffs Lodge, a sprawling collection of cabins and motel-style rooms nestled in a bend in the river under the shade of a pair of the area’s iconic red mesas.

With a color palette of grays, reds and sand tones and the occasional Southwestern-print rug, the hotel’s decor reflects its surroundings without veering too far into kitsch territory. (There are no animal heads on the walls here, much to this vegan’s delight.) Like the rest of Moab, the atmosphere is relaxed, letting its spectacular surroundings take center stage.

the rooms

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

My two-bedroom cabin featured a living room with a gas fireplace, a desk and kitchenette, two bedrooms with their own TVs, and a Jack and Jill-style bathroom. There was also a spacious terrace facing the river with a dining table and seating area.

We were disappointed that our kitchen didn’t offer much more than you’d expect from a standard hotel room. There was a sink, mini fridge, and coffee/tea supplies, but a microwave or stove would have been convenient for reheating leftovers or cooking our own food. There were also no plates or cutlery, but dishwashing supplies under the sink suggested the hotel plans to add them later.

As we quickly learned, the tap water in this part of Moab may be safe to drink, but it has a strong chemical taste that makes it difficult to swallow. The two sinks in my cabin, in the bathroom and kitchen, were equipped with one standard faucet and a second one labeled “drinking water.” Unfortunately, they both tasted the same, although I assume the hotel plans to implement a filtration system for the drinking water fountain. Until then, we took advantage of the plentiful free bottled water we had in our mini fridge.

Dining at Red Cliffs Lodge

Red Cliffs Lodge contains one restaurant, Ember, offering elevated country fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.

Even though Moab is generally veggie-friendly, I found vegan options scarce (satisfying) and staff members seemed reluctant to accommodate my dietary needs. However, carnivores will be in heaven here, with elevated dishes like grilled rainbow trout ($34) and red wine-braised bison ribs ($40), but guests with more discerning palates may have to make a long drive into town to find food.

The newly opened restaurant still had some issues to iron out: although it was almost empty both times we visited, service was a bit slow and communication between staff seemed a bit chaotic.

Still, my husband and I were impressed by the taste of everything we tried. Highlights included the pomegranate margarita ($16), green goddess hummus ($14), Western Impossible burger ($20), New York steak ($56) and blueberry bread pudding ($12).

The quality of the food was surpassed only by the restaurant’s stunning views of the Colorado River.

Amenities and service

Although the location is a little out of the way from downtown Moab, the hotel offers plenty to keep guests busy:

• Gym: It was under construction when I visited, but is expected to reopen in June 2026.
• Pool and jacuzzi: the views are unbeatable.
• Moab Western Heritage and Film Museum, dedicated to the many films that have been filmed in the area: Admission is supposedly included for two guests and additional guests must pay a $15 entrance fee, but there was no one there to collect admission when we visited.
• Free S’mores every night around a community campfire
• An impressive playground for the little ones.
• Two full size tennis courts
• Grab-and-go shop with snacks, toiletries and souvenirs
• Activities desk where guests can book all types of adventures through Paradox Adventures.

The hotel is child and pet friendly but seems to attract mainly adults; I encountered only one family with children during my Mother’s Day weekend stay. So it could be a good option if you’re looking for a couples getaway or a trip with friends, although adventurous kids will probably feel at home here too.

outdoor adventures

Nicknamed the “adventure capital of the West,” Moab is an adventurer’s paradise. You can hike, climb, or bike its otherworldly red rock landscapes or try a variety of water sports on the Colorado River. There are also two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and Dead Horse State Park to explore. And the fun doesn’t end at sunset; Moab is home to three international dark sky parks and is perfect for stargazing.

If you’re not sure where to start, the hotel’s relationship with Paradox Adventures makes it easy to sign up for something new. You can stop by the activities desk to book everything from national park tours and hot air balloon rides to climbing and skydiving excursions.

I opted for a two-hour horseback ride with Red Cliffs Ranch, located next to the property, and it was fantastic. However, it is a good idea to double-check your reservation, because some communications may go unnoticed. We ended up having to reschedule our tour because the activities desk staff did not confirm it with the supplier.

Even better, Moab has activities for all levels. For example, hardcore mountain bikers will find extreme black diamond terrain, while families with kids can enjoy a leisurely ride on paved multi-use trails. Kids will also love eating at the Moab Food Truck Park and oohing and aahing at the Moab Giants indoor and outdoor dinosaur museum.

Related: Utah’s Best Red Rock Parks, Without the Crowds

Location and logistics

Unless you live within driving distance, like I do, the easiest way to get here is to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), rent a car, and drive about four hours to Moab. You’ll still want to have a vehicle during your trip, as this is the best way to explore everything the area has to offer.

Just keep in mind that the hotel charges $20 per night for on-site parking, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget.

Related: The best road trips to visit national parks.

How much does it cost to stay at Red Cliffs Lodge and how to book?

Red Cliffs Lodge was recently added to Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, meaning Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and burn points here.

Rates start at $215 or 56,000 Marriott points per night for a creekside suite, or $441 for the two-bedroom riverside cabin I stayed in. Cabins do not appear to be bookable with points at this time, but should be after the Tribute Portfolio transition.

Accessibility

Red Cliffs Lodge offers accessible rooms with features like accessible vanities and toilets, roll-in showers with hand wands, bathtub grab bars, and more. There are also rooms adapted for the hearing impaired with special kits.

Additionally, all common areas are wheelchair-friendly, including the pool and fitness center, and service animals are welcome free of charge.

In a nutshell

In a city where hotels tend to be low-cost, Red Cliffs Lodge stands out with more upscale accommodations and more spacious amenities, a little further from the tourist hub of Moab.

If you’re looking for a base with easy access to Moab’s shops, restaurants and national parks, you may prefer a more central downtown option. However, if you want a relaxing retreat that still feels authentic to Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge is a great option.

So pack your Tevas and get ready to get some red dust between your toes.