Motels in Moab, Utah
Your Budget-Friendly Basecamp for Red Rock Adventures
Discover comfortable, affordable motels perfectly positioned for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Clean rooms, easy parking, outdoor pools, and straightforward value—everything you need to maximize your time on the trails and minimize your lodging costs.
Why Choose a Motel in Moab?
Motels offer unbeatable value for active travelers who spend their days exploring Utah's iconic red rock landscape. If you're here to hike, bike, climb, or raft—not to lounge in your room—a Moab motel delivers exactly what you need without unnecessary extras inflating the price.
💰 Budget-Friendly Rates
Save $50-150+ per night compared to resorts and upscale hotels. Spend your money on adventures, not accommodations. Most motels range from $70-150/night depending on season.
🅿️ Free Easy Parking
Drive right up to your room with space for trucks, trailers, bike racks, and kayaks. No valet fees, no parking garages, no hassle—just pull in and unload your gear.
🏞️ Prime Trail Access
Most Moab motels sit along Highway 191 between downtown and Arches National Park, putting you minutes from trailheads and allowing early morning starts to beat the crowds.
🏊 Pool & Essential Amenities
Cool off after dusty desert adventures in outdoor pools. Many motels offer kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and mini-fridges—perfect for multi-day trips.
⚡ Quick Check-In/Out
No lengthy resort check-ins or formalities. Get your key, drop your bags, and hit the trails. Early check-outs are easy when you're starting a sunrise hike.
🎯 No-Frills Efficiency
Clean, comfortable rooms with air conditioning, WiFi, cable TV, and private bathrooms. Everything you need, nothing you don't—maximizing value for adventure travelers.
Top-Rated Motels in Moab
These consistently high-rated motels offer proven value, reliable service, and convenient access to Moab's outdoor attractions. Each has been chosen by thousands of adventurers for their combination of affordability, location, and essential amenities.
Adventure Inn & Motel
$$ • Budget-Friendly
Friendly independent motel just minutes from Arches National Park entrance with simple, comfortable rooms in a peaceful garden-style setting. Perfect for adventurers who want quiet nights after active days.
- Close to Arches National Park
- Garden setting & courtyard
- Free parking for trucks/trailers
- Locally owned & operated
Bowen Motel
$$ • Great Value
Centrally located classic Moab motel with outdoor pool and easy walking distance to downtown restaurants, shops, and outfitters. Reliable, clean, and well-maintained with friendly service.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Walk to downtown Moab
- Free WiFi & cable TV
- Air conditioning & heating
Expedition Lodge Moab
$$ • Family-Friendly
Adventure-themed lodge with playful retro vibe and family-friendly amenities including outdoor pool, hot tub, and fire pit. Great for families exploring the parks together.
- Hot tub & outdoor fire pit
- Adventure-themed rooms
- Complimentary breakfast
- BBQ area with picnic tables
Moab Rustic Inn
$ • Best Budget Option
Downtown location with compact, clean rooms that keep costs low. Outdoor pool, kitchenettes available, and pet-friendly options make this a smart budget choice for cost-conscious adventurers.
- Most affordable rates in town
- Outdoor pool (seasonal)
- Kitchenettes in select rooms
- Pet-friendly with fee
Moab Valley Inn
$$ • Mountain Views
Family-friendly motel with stunning mountain and valley views, outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and comfortable rooms. Great middle-ground option between budget and upscale.
- Mountain & valley views
- Free continental breakfast
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Family rooms & suites available
Red Stone Inn
$$ • Solid Value
Comfortable rooms with excellent value and convenient access to local services, restaurants, and outdoor outfitters. Well-maintained property with friendly staff and essential amenities.
- Consistently clean rooms
- Good access to services
- Free WiFi & parking
- Reasonable nightly rates
Explore All Moab Lodging Options
From budget motels to luxury resorts, RV parks to vacation rentals—find the perfect accommodation for your Moab adventure.
View Complete Lodging GuideWhat to Look For When Choosing a Motel
Not all motels are created equal. Use this guide to identify the features that matter most for your specific Moab adventure and ensure you book the right property for your needs.
📍 Location Strategy
Choose based on your primary activity. North of downtown (Highway 191 near Arches) for early park access. Downtown for restaurants and nightlife. South of town for Canyonlands access and quieter atmosphere.
🚗 Parking Capabilities
Verify space for your vehicle setup—bike racks, kayak carriers, small trailers, or toy haulers. Most motels offer free parking, but truck/trailer space varies. Call ahead if you have special requirements.
🏊 Pool Availability
Outdoor pools are seasonal (typically May-September). If cooling off after trail days matters, confirm pool status when booking. Some motels also offer hot tubs for sore muscles.
🍳 Kitchenette Options
For week-long stays, kitchenettes save significant money on meals. Look for mini-fridge, microwave, stovetop, and basic cookware. Even a fridge helps store drinks and snacks.
🧺 Laundry Facilities
Multi-day mountain biking and hiking trips mean dirty gear. On-site laundry (coin-op or free) lets you pack lighter and keep clothes fresh. Essential for trips longer than 4-5 days.
⏰ Flexible Check-In
Sunrise hikes require early checkouts. Late arrivals after long drives need accommodating check-in. Ask about luggage storage if you're checking out early but not leaving town immediately.
🐕 Pet Policies
Many Moab motels welcome dogs (with fees $15-25/night). Confirm weight limits, breed restrictions, and if pets can be left unattended in rooms. Some have designated pet-friendly rooms.
❄️ Seasonal Considerations
Summer: Essential A/C (100°F+ days). Winter: Verify heating and if pools are heated. Spring/Fall: Book 2-3 months ahead during peak seasons (March-May, September-October).
Motel vs. Other Lodging Options
Understanding how motels compare to hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals helps you choose the right accommodation style for your budget, trip length, and priorities.
| Lodging Type | Price Range | Best For | Key Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Motels | $70-100/night | Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious adventurers | Lowest rates, easy parking, quick access | Basic amenities, minimal services |
| Mid-Range Motels | $100-150/night | Families, groups, multi-day trips | Good value, pools, breakfast options, kitchenettes | Not luxury but very functional |
| Hotels | $150-250/night | Business travelers, comfort seekers | Modern amenities, on-site dining, brand consistency | Higher cost, less trail-focused |
| Resorts | $250-500+/night | Luxury seekers, special occasions | Premium amenities, spas, fine dining, resort pools | Expensive, may be too fancy for dusty outdoor adventures |
| Vacation Rentals | $150-400/night | Large groups, extended stays, full kitchens needed | Space, privacy, full kitchens, cost-effective for groups | Cleaning fees, minimum stays, less consistent quality |
| RV Parks/Camping | $30-100/night | RV owners, tent campers, ultimate budget option | Lowest cost, outdoor experience, community atmosphere | Requires camping equipment, less comfortable |
Bottom Line: Motels hit the sweet spot for most Moab adventurers—significantly cheaper than hotels and resorts, more comfortable than camping, and more convenient than vacation rentals for short trips. They're designed for people who view lodging as a basecamp, not a destination.
Essential Moab Travel Tips
Maximize your Moab motel stay and outdoor adventures with these insider tips from locals and frequent visitors who know the area's rhythms and best practices.
🌅 Beat the Arches Crowds
Arrive at Arches National Park before 7:00 AM or after 4:00 PM, especially March-October. Lines can be 1-2 hours mid-day during peak season. Early morning also offers the best light for photography and cooler temperatures for hiking.
📅 Book Early for Peak Season
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are peak seasons. Book motels 2-3 months ahead. Last-minute bookings during these periods often mean no availability or inflated rates. Summer and winter offer better availability.
🍽️ Downtown Dining Access
Most motels are within 1-3 miles of downtown Moab's 50+ restaurants. Walking from motels near downtown (under 1 mile) is possible, but most visitors drive or bike. Popular spots like Moab Brewery and Quesadilla Mobilla fill up fast—arrive early or make reservations.
🚴 Bike & Gear Rentals
Downtown bike shops (Poison Spider Bicycles, Rim Cyclery, Chile Pepper) offer rentals, repairs, and trail advice. Book popular bikes (full-suspension mountain bikes) 1-2 days ahead during peak season. Most shops open 8:00-9:00 AM.
💧 Hydration is Critical
Desert conditions dehydrate you faster than you think. Carry 1 liter per person per hour of activity. Motel mini-fridges are perfect for keeping water bottles cold. Buy gallon jugs at City Market (downtown grocery) to refill throughout your trip.
⛽ Gas Up Strategically
Moab gas prices run $0.30-0.50/gallon higher than nearby cities. Fill up in Green River (50 miles north) or before arriving if coming from the south. Several gas stations along Highway 191 near motels.
🌡️ Temperature Swings
Desert temperatures can swing 40°F between day and night. Verify motel A/C for summer (100°F+ days) and heating for winter/spring nights (can drop to 30°F). May and September are ideal temperature-wise (70s-80s days, 40s-50s nights).
🗺️ Trail Conditions & Permits
Check Arches and Canyonlands websites for current conditions, closures, and permit requirements. Some popular trails (Angels Landing style experiences) now require permits. Motel front desks often have current trail information and maps.
Plan Your Complete Moab Adventure
You've found your motel—now plan your activities! Explore our specialized Moab guides for detailed trail information, dining recommendations, and adventure planning.
🥾 Hiking Moab
Comprehensive trail guides with difficulty ratings, distance, elevation gain, and insider tips for Arches, Canyonlands, and surrounding desert trails. From easy walks to challenging slot canyons.
Explore Trails →🚵 Mountain Biking Moab
Detailed guides to world-famous trails including Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, and the Whole Enchilada. Trail maps, difficulty ratings, and bike rental recommendations.
Find Rides →🏍️ Off-Roading Moab
Complete guide to 4x4 trails, ATV routes, and Jeep tours. Hell's Revenge, Poison Spider Mesa, Fins & Things—everything you need to explore Moab's backcountry.
Plan Routes →🍽️ Eating Moab
Restaurant reviews and dining recommendations from budget-friendly cafes to special occasion dining. Local favorites, food trucks, breweries, and coffee shops.
Browse Restaurants →⛰️ Canyoneering Moab
Technical canyon routes, guided tour information, gear requirements, and safety tips for exploring Moab's slot canyons and technical terrain.
Explore Canyons →🎒 More Activities
Packrafting, ziplining, bikepacking, and more specialized Moab adventures. Complete activity guides with operator recommendations and booking information.
Discover More →Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book Your Moab Motel?
Compare rates, check availability, and reserve your budget-friendly basecamp for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Your red rock adventure awaits!
Browse Featured Motels AboveNeed more lodging options? Explore our complete Moab Lodging Guide featuring hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, RV parks, and camping options for every budget and travel style.