Moab Motel Guide · Reviewed by Locals
Bowen Motel: Moab's Family Run Main Street Classic
Two generations of one family, eight decades on Main Street, and a simple formula that still works: clean rooms, fair prices, and a five minute walk to dinner. Here's our honest local take on the Bowen — and how to decide if it's the right basecamp for your trip.
Why We Recommend It
A Real Moab Original, Still Run the Old Way
The Bowen Motel has anchored the north end of downtown since the 1940s, and it's been in the same family since 1975, when Dennis Lesmeister bought the property. His son Tyson runs it today, and it shows — this is the kind of place where the owner actually walks the grounds, the rooms get remodeled on a regular cycle instead of once a decade, and repeat guests greet the front desk by name.
We named it the best overall pick in our guide to Moab motels because it nails the three things that matter most for an adventure basecamp: it's reliably clean, it's priced fairly for a town where lodging costs climb every year, and it sits close enough to downtown that you can walk to dinner after a long day on the trail.
Every room — not just select ones — comes with a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, which quietly saves you real money on trail lunches and morning caffeine. Add the seasonal heated pool, the bike wash station, and a dedicated trailer parking lot behind the property, and you have a motel that clearly understands who visits Moab and why.
It's a classic motel, not a resort. There's no on-site restaurant, no hot tub, and no pets allowed. If those are dealbreakers, we'll point you to better fits below — that's what this guide is for.
Local tip: The Bowen's good-value rooms are among the first in town to sell out for spring weekends — especially Easter Jeep Safari week in April. Book 2–3 months ahead for March through May, and check our best time to visit guide before you pick dates.
Rooms & Rates
Six Ways to Stay, From Solo Trips to Full Reunions
Rooms have been remodeled repeatedly over the years — real wood furniture, composite counters, and commissioned wall art of local landmarks. Every room includes air conditioning, satellite TV with movie channels, free WiFi, free local calls, a mini fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker.
Queen Room
The value pick for solo travelers and couples. One queen bed and the full standard amenity set — nothing extra, nothing missing.
Double Queen Room
Two queen beds for families or riding buddies splitting the bill. The most flexible room in the house.
Deluxe King Room
A roomier layout with a king bed and seating area — worth the small upgrade after back-to-back trail days.
Family Room
Two queens plus a double bed in one larger room. One of the cheapest ways to sleep a family of five in downtown Moab.
Bowen Guest House
The former Lesmeister family home, next to the office: three bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a fenced patio with a BBQ.
Bowen Luxury House
Across a side street from the motel: five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a large modern kitchen, covered BBQ area, and generous parking.
Amenities
Built for People Who Come Home Dusty
Skip the resort brochure list — these are the amenities that actually change your trip, and the Bowen has the ones adventure travelers use every single day.
Seasonal Heated Pool
An outdoor heated pool for hot afternoons between hikes. Closes for the cold months — confirm it's open for your dates.
Bicycle Wash Station
A dedicated bike wash to blast Slickrock grit off your drivetrain — a rare perk that riders genuinely love.
Fridge, Microwave & Coffee in Every Room
Standard in all rooms, not a paid upgrade. Cold drinks, packed lunches, and morning coffee without leaving your door.
Guest Laundry
On-site laundry for multi-day trips. Red dirt gets into everything — pack lighter and wash mid-trip.
Free Parking + Trailer Lot
Drive-up parking near your room, plus a separate lot behind the motel for trailers and toy haulers — a real advantage for off road crews.
Free WiFi & Satellite TV
Solid WiFi for uploading trail photos and planning tomorrow, plus satellite TV with movie channels for recovery evenings.
Location
North Main Street: Walk to Dinner, Drive to Everything
The Bowen sits at 169 North Main on the quieter north end of downtown — close enough to walk to restaurants, gear shops, and outfitters, and positioned for fast morning starts toward Arches National Park. Swanny City Park and the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center are a short walk west.
How Far Is Everything From the Bowen?
Walking times on foot · driving times from the parking lot, light traffic
That drive-time math is the quiet argument for staying here: you can be in the Arches entrance line before sunrise, ride the Slickrock Trail before it bakes, day trip to Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point, and still walk to dinner without moving the truck again.
The Honest Rundown
Who Should Book the Bowen — and Who Shouldn't
Book it if you're…
A couple or family who wants a clean, fairly priced base within walking distance of downtown. A mountain biker who'll actually use that bike wash. An off road crew hauling a trailer that needs somewhere legal to park. Anyone who values a well run independent over a chain.
Look elsewhere if you're…
Traveling with a dog — pets aren't allowed here, and a few motels in our Moab motels guide welcome them for a small fee. Wanting breakfast included, a hot tub, or hotel-level polish — compare the options below or browse Moab hotels.
Compare Before You Book
Bowen Motel vs. Other Top Moab Motels
All four earn spots in our motels guide. Here's the head-to-head so you can book the right one the first time.
| Motel | Standout Strengths | Pool | Breakfast | Pets | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowen Motel Our best overall pick |
Family run since 1975, downtown walkability, bike wash, trailer parking, fridge and microwave in every room | Heated, seasonal | No — cafés nearby | No | Check rates |
| Expedition Lodge Best for families |
Retro adventure theme, hot tub, fire pit, BBQ area — kids love it | Yes, plus hot tub | Included | Confirm with property | Check rates |
| Moab Rustic Inn Best budget |
Among the lowest rates in town, kitchenettes in select rooms, downtown location | Seasonal | No | Yes, with fee | Check rates |
| Moab Valley Inn Best views |
Mountain views, family rooms and suites, more polish than a classic motel | Yes | Continental, free | Confirm with property | Check rates |
How to Book
Lock In Your Room in Four Steps
Pick Your Dates Wisely
Spring and fall are peak — book 2–3 months out. Winter brings the year's best rates. Our month-by-month guide breaks it down.
Match the Room to Your Crew
Couples: queen or deluxe king. Families of five: the family room. Groups: ask about the Guest House or Luxury House when you book.
Compare Rates & Book
Check live rates on Expedia — look for free-cancellation options so weather or plan changes don't cost you.
Call Ahead If Needed
Arriving after 10 PM? Hauling an oversized trailer? Call (435) 259-7132 in advance and the front desk will sort you out.
Quick Answers
Bowen Motel FAQ
How much does the Bowen Motel cost per night?
Most nights fall in the $90–150 range depending on season and room type, with winter rates often dipping lower and peak spring weekends running higher. That's solidly mid-range for Moab motels and well below the $150–350 typical of Moab hotels.
How far is the Bowen Motel from Arches National Park?
The Arches entrance station is about five miles north — roughly a 10 minute drive. That makes pre-sunrise starts easy, which is the single best way to beat the crowds from March through October.
Does the Bowen Motel allow pets?
No, pets are not allowed at the Bowen Motel. If you're traveling with a dog, several properties in our Moab motels guide — including the Moab Rustic Inn — welcome pets for a nightly fee.
Does the Bowen Motel serve breakfast?
There's no on-site breakfast, but that's less of a loss than it sounds: several well-liked breakfast spots sit within a short walk or drive on Main Street, and every room's fridge, microwave, and coffee maker cover the early-start mornings.
When is the pool open?
The outdoor heated pool is seasonal, generally open through the warm months and closed in winter. If a post-hike swim matters to your trip, confirm the pool is open for your dates when you book.
Is there parking for trailers, bikes, and off road rigs?
Yes — free drive-up parking near your room, plus a dedicated lot behind the motel for guests' trailers. There's also a bicycle wash station on the property, so your drivetrain doesn't have to live with Slickrock grit.
Can big groups stay at the Bowen Motel?
Yes. Beyond the family rooms that sleep five to six, the Bowen Guest House offers three bedrooms, two baths, and a full kitchen, and the Bowen Luxury House has five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Both work well for reunions and multi-family trips.
What time is check-in, and what if I arrive late?
Check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. If you'll arrive after 10 PM, call the front desk in advance at (435) 259-7132 to arrange late check-in.
Ready to Make the Bowen Your Basecamp?
Eight decades of Moab travelers can't all be wrong. Lock in a clean, fairly priced room a short walk from downtown — and put the savings toward the red rock adventures you actually came for.
Check Rates & Book Your StayKeep Planning Your Trip
Moabing.com is a participant in affiliate programs including Expedia. When you book through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep our guides free. Rates, policies, and amenities are set by the property and can change — always confirm details when booking. Property details verified against the motel's published information and local sources; last reviewed July 2026.