Hurricane's Hidden Gem: Days Inn Zion National Park Escape!
Hurricane's Hidden Gem: Days Inn Zion National Park Escape! - A MESSY, HONEST Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from what should have been a blissful Zion escape at the Days Inn in Hurricane, Utah, and let me tell you, it was a trip. Not always the kind of trip you plan for, mind you, but a trip nonetheless. This isn’t a perfectly polished travel brochure, folks. This is me, unfiltered. Grab your coffee (or, you know, your anxiety medication, depending on your tolerance for honest reviews!), because we're diving in.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (because apparently, the internet gods demand it):
- Keywords: Days Inn Zion National Park, Hurricane Utah, hotel review, accessible hotel, wheelchair accessible, family friendly, pool, free breakfast, Zion National Park, COVID-19 safety, cleanliness, spa, fitness center, internet, free wifi, budget hotel, value for money, travel review, quirky hotel review, West, Utah, USA
- Metadata Description: Honest, messy, and detailed review of Days Inn Zion National Park Escape in Hurricane, Utah. Covers accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, food, and overall experience with a healthy dose of real-life imperfections.
The Location & First Impressions (or, "Where the Heck is Hurricane, Anyway?")
Hurricane. Sounds like a dramatic entrance, right? Well, it is, if you're expecting a hurricane. Turns out, it's a charming (and dare I say… slightly dusty) little town, the gateway to Zion. The Days Inn itself looks…well, it looks like a Days Inn. You know the drill. Typical motel exterior, plenty of parking ( Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] - check!), and that slightly-too-bright yellow sign that's practically yelling, "WELCOME! (We're affordable!)".
Accessibility - The Real Test:
Alright, let's get to the REAL reason I chose this place: my Aunt Mildred uses a wheelchair, and finding a truly accessible hotel is always a gamble. Here's the good, the bad, and the slightly-terrifying (for Mildred):
- Wheelchair accessible: YES! Facilities for disabled guests are definitely present. We got a room that actually worked. Doors were wide enough, the bathroom was…well, it wasn't a luxury bathroom, but Mildred could maneuver. The elevators and hallways were clear. This was a BIG win. Huge.
- Elevator: Definitely present, so moving between floors was easy for my aunt.
- Accessibility Imperfection: One tiny, tiny thing…the ramp to the pool. It was a LITTLE steep, so Mildred needed a hand. Minor, easily remedied.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the "Where's My Sleep?"
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Refrigerator, Seating area, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Absolutely! The room was pretty standard. Not fancy, but clean, and everything worked—thank God. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, because that Utah sun is BRIGHT. I actually slept really well first night!
- Internet Access – Wireless, Free: The WiFi was a lifesaver. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Yes! No more paying extra for that, this is what I want! Easy to connect and fast enough to stream a movie (because, let's be honest, that’s what vacations are for…).
- Other Stuff: Decent sized Closet, small In-room safe (never used it; I trust the staff), Hair dryer. It was all fine. Basic, but fine.
- The Nightmare: Oh god the kids. Seriously. I'm talking screaming, running, door-slamming kids. Non-smoking rooms were available! We specifically chose one, but it didn't seem to do much good. I think I'm permanently scarred from the ear-splitting shrieks. The room was mostly Soundproofing, but not always.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Conundrum
- Cleanliness: The room looked clean. I mean, it passed the "first glance" test.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I have no idea if they specifically used these, but the staff wore masks and seemed genuinely interested in keeping the place tidy.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Probably. But, I didn't see someone in hazmat suits come in before we got there.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which, honestly, made me feel a lot better.
- Physical Distancing: They tried! The reception area had markers. But…people are people, and some people just don’t care.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or, the Existential Dread)
- Breakfast [buffet]: Free breakfast? YES, PLEASE! Breakfast buffet was included. It wasn't gourmet, but it had the essentials: waffles, cereal, fruit, and that weird, processed sausage that I secretly love.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Okay coffee was an absolute fail! Think brown water.
- Poolside bar, Snack bar: Didn't see either, but I also didn't look that hard.
- Restaurants: There was a Restaurant and Food delivery was available! Yay!
- Other Stuff: Bottle of water, Fruit, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Daily disinfection in common areas, Essential condiments were available.
The Pool (AND the Spa?): Does the Pool Really Have A View?
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool area was…decently-sized. It was clean, and the water was cool and refreshing after a hot day of hiking.
- Pool with view: Okay, so the view wasn't exactly breathtaking. It definitely wasn't a "pool with an Instagram-worthy mountain backdrop." But it was relaxing.
- Spa/sauna, Sauna: I think there was a sauna, but I didn’t use it. The brochure promised a spa, with Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Steamroom, But, honestly, I’m not sure I even saw it.
Stuff to Do (Beyond Surviving the Kids)
- Things to do, ways to relax, Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: They had a small, sad excuse for a gym. One treadmill, a couple of weights, and a lot of dusty equipment. I didn't even attempt it.
- For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: The hotel seemed extremely family-friendly, and that was…both a blessing and a curse.
- Getting Around, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Plenty of parking, thank god.
Services & Conveniences: The Stuff That Helps (or Doesn't)
- Air conditioning in public area: That's a godsend in the desert heat.
- Concierge: Nah, not really.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Pretty sure you can get cash at the front desk.
- Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]: Someone's always there, which is nice.
- Elevator, Elevator.
- Laundry service: Needed it!
- Luggage storage: Yep! Used that.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good thing.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Made me feel safe.
- Food delivery: Lots of options.
- Daily housekeeping, Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests.
The Verdict: The Good, The Bad, and Why You Might Still Stay Here
Look, the Days Inn in Hurricane is not the Ritz-Carlton. It's not even a fancy motel. It's a budget-friendly, accessible hotel that gets the job done.
The Good:
- Accessibility: HUGE win for Aunt Mildred!
- Location: Conveniently close to Zion (driving distance)
- Free Breakfast: Always a plus.
- Free Wi-Fi: Essential for modern travelers.
- Cleanliness: Generally clean.
- Price: Affordable.
The Bad:
- Noise: The kids. Oh, the kids.
- The Atmosphere: It is a basic. Not much charm.
- "Spa" Situation: Not sure if the spa actually exists.
- Coffee: A genuine affront to coffee.
The Messy Truth:
Would I stay there again? Probably. For the accessibility. For the price. And because, sometimes, a simple, functional place to crash is all you need after a day of hiking in Zion. Just…pack earplugs. And maybe a flask of something caffeinated. And, if you see me there, definitely buy me a drink.
Dayton's BEST Kept Secret: Courtyard South/Mall Miamisburg Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving headfirst into my chaotic adventure in Hurricane, Utah, base camp for conquering Zion. This isn't your polished travel brochure, it's more like… well, let's call it a beautifully messy tapestry woven with questionable decisions, triumphant moments, and a whole lotta sunscreen.
Days Inn by Wyndham Hurricane/Zion National Park Area - The Great Escape (and possibly, total meltdown) Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and the Shock of Beige
- Afternoon (Because who WAKES UP early on vacation?!): Arrive at St. George Airport (SGU). Holy moly, is it HOT. That wall of heat smacks you right in the face as you step off the plane. Seriously, could fry an egg. Drive the short distance to the Days Inn. My expectations weren't high, let's be honest, it's a Days Inn. But… the beige. The sheer, unrelenting beige-ness of the place hit me like a tranquilizer dart. Everything. Beige carpets. Beige walls. Beige curtains. Beige… I swear, even the air smelled faintly of beige. Thought I was going to lose it right then.
- Late Afternoon: Check in. The front desk clerk looked incredibly bored, like she'd seen a thousand beige-clad families come and go. Found our room. It was… beige. Okay, I'll accept it. Unpack the bare essentials. Discover the AC unit is sputtering like a dying hamster. Sigh. Already regretting my life choices a little.
- Evening: Food! Drove into Hurricane and found a place called "Lonny Boy's BBQ." (Why do these places always have names like that?!) Ribs were decent. The coleslaw? Not so much. It tasted like vaguely sweet swamp. Learned to embrace imperfections. Then, back to the hotel. Attempted to drown my sorrows, and the sputtering AC, in a questionable hotel pool that felt like bath water at 10 PM. Wondered if my tan would be beige by the time I left.
Day 2: Zion's Embrace (and My Own Self-Doubt)
- Morning (Sort Of): Woke up to a light that even the beige couldn't mask. Hit a "continental breakfast" that mostly consisted of stale bagels and suspiciously orange juice. Fueled up, though. Gotta have energy to, you know, conquer mountains.
- Late Morning: Drove to Zion National Park. The drive itself was stunning. Red rocks everywhere, the Virgin River snaking through the canyon. My jaw actually dropped. Suddenly, the beige was a distant memory. Approached the visitor center. Packed with people. The crowd overwhelmed me, and anxiety started to bubble up.
- Afternoon: Rode the park shuttle. Attempted the "Riverside Walk" which is supposed to be "easy". Easy for who, exactly? Navigating the river water was more challenging than I gave it credit for. My water shoes filled up at first, and I was seriously over it. But then, the light hit the canyon walls just right, and it was magical. Pure, unadulterated glory. Briefly forgot about the damp socks.
- Evening (The Canyon's Revenge): Did the "Emerald Pools Trail." Let's just say, my definition of "easy" and the park's definition of "easy" are vastly different. Ended up covered in red dust, soaked in sweat, and questioning my life choices at least three times. My legs were screaming. My lungs were burning. Still, the view from the top of the Emerald Pools was… well, it was stunning. So, worth it. Collapsed back in the hotel, covered in dirt and a slightly defeated smile.
Day 3: Kolob Canyons and the Art of the "Almost Hike"
- Morning: Tried to eat breakfast. Could barely look at another stale bagel. Considered skipping it altogether, but then I thought about my energy.
- Late Morning: Drove to Kolob Canyons. Wow. Even more dramatic scenery! Driving up the scenic road you would want to stop around every turn and gasp. I stopped a lot. Decided I would do the "Taylor Creek Trail".
- Afternoon: Started the Taylor Creek Trail. A beautiful and easy hike. I quickly realized I wouldn't make it to the end, the water and the sun was getting to me. I turned around. Back at the car, I felt like I had a full day anyway.
- Evening: Tried to find a good restaurant again. I don't know why it is so difficult, but I found a place called "Stray Dog Cantina". It was wonderful and the bartender was even better to talk to. I felt like this was a good way to finish this trip.
Day 4: Departure and the Beige Farewell
- Early Morning: Wake up, pack, and head to the hotel's "breakfast". I would probably pass on anything this time.
- Morning: Get to the airport. The flight out was surprisingly uneventful. Was it my imagination, or did the plane seats seem beige?
- Afternoon: Land. I don't know about you, but I am glad to be home.
Quirky Observation/Emotional Reaction:
- I discovered a deep and abiding love for trail mix. It got me through some tough spots.
- I hate sunscreen. It's sticky, smells weird, and always manages to get in my eyes. But I used it, because sunburns make me miserable.
- I almost fell into the Virgin River. Twice.
- The red rocks are mesmerizing and I'll never get tired of them.
- I have learned a lot about myself in this trip.
Missing Categories (because, let's be honest, I'm a mess):
- Budget: Let's just say, I'm going to be eating ramen for a while.
- Packing List: Basically, everything I needed, and a whole lot of things I didn't. (I'm looking at you, extra cardigan.)
- Things I Regretted: Not bringing a better water bottle, and not training harder.
- My Biggest Win: Actually making it to the top of that hike.
In Conclusion:
This trip was a glorious, sweaty, slightly beige-tinged adventure. Zion stole my breath. The Days Inn, well, it gave me a place to crash. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Maybe I'll even buy some different color curtains for my room. Maybe. And next time, I'm bringing a better water filter, and maybe another level of courage. The beauty of this place is amazing! Now, I'll need to process everything that has just happened.
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Hurricane's Hidden Gem: Days Inn Zion National Park Escape! - The *Real* Deal FAQ (Prepare Yourself)
Okay, so… is this Days Inn actually “hidden,” or am I being bamboozled by marketing?
Alright, real talk. "Hidden Gem" is... well, let's call it aspirational. It *is* in Hurricane, which, let's be honest, isn't *in* Zion. It's a solid drive away, maybe twenty minutes, depending on traffic (which, surprisingly, in peak season can be epic). So, hidden? No. Convenient? Kinda. Especially after a long day of hiking, you *do* appreciate not having to fight for a parking spot in Springdale. I arrived at 2 AM. Exhausted. And it was... there. That's the realest truth.
The pool. Is it… usable? Reviews are… mixed.
Ah, the pool. Ah, the *pool*. Okay, here’s the thing. I went expecting a sparkling oasis. What I got was… well, let me tell you a story. I walked over mid-afternoon, ready to soak my aching muscles after Angels Landing. The water looked… green. Like, not "refreshing turquoise" kind of green. More… “algae is having a party” kind of green. There was a kid splashing around, seemingly unfazed. He looked like he’d mutated slightly from the experience, but hey, maybe he's still in the water. I noped out. Hard. Another day maybe? Still, the chair situation was on point, so if you're into semi-aquatic sunbathing, it's a win?
Is the breakfast… edible? PLEASE tell me the breakfast is edible.
Okay, the breakfast. Here's the deal: it *exists*. It's a continental breakfast, meaning your expectations should be calibrated to "free food, maybe some carbs." The waffles? Hit or miss. Sometimes golden and crispy, other times… well, let's say I saw a guy try to stab one with a plastic knife and barely make a dent. The coffee? Strong. Borderline industrial strength strong. But, hey, free coffee. And if you take the waffle situation into your own hands(ie. the lobby has a microwave), you can upgrade that experience to something *almost* tasty. The fruit? You can survive on it if you are feeling delicate. So, edible? Yes. Memorable? Probably not in a good way.
What about the rooms? Clean? Comfortable? Or, you know, a biohazard?
Alright, room quality. This is *crucial*. My room? Fine. Really fine. The bed was… a bed. Not a cloud, not a torture device. Just a bed you could crash on after a day of hiking. Clean-ish. Let's just say I didn't find any colonies of exotic mold, so that's a win, right? *However*, the first room I got? The AC sounded like a dying walrus, which, at 2 AM, is not conducive to sleep. But I asked for another and they were happy to help. The bathroom? Functional. The water pressure? Surprisingly decent. No complaints there, except maybe the slightly yellowish tinge to the towels. But who cares after a day getting covered in dirt?
Okay, let's talk location. Zion is, like, the whole *point*, right? How's the drive?
The drive. Oh, the drive. It's… a drive. It’s not *bad*, necessarily. Scenic, actually. You get to cruise through some beautiful desert landscapes, which is cool. But factor in the 20-30 minutes *each way*... And then there's the traffic *within* Zion. You're waiting in line for the shuttle like, "Are we here yet?" "No." And if you decide to drive your own car in, prepare for gridlock and parking shenanigans. So, Hurricane is a trade-off. It's cheaper and potentially less stressful if you are prepared. But... it's not *in* Zion. So, temper your expectations. Remember the drive. Especially after that coffee.
Is there anything GOOD about this place? Like, *really* good?
Hmm, let me think. The staff were mostly friendly. I mean, it’s not the Four Seasons, but they smiled, they pointed me in the right direction, they didn't laugh too hard when I asked about the pool. And, here's a big one: the price. Compared to staying *in* Springdale? It will save you a boatload of cash. And, you know what? After a long day of climbing, hiking, exploring, and experiencing the sheer *awesomeness* that is Zion, you're tired. You're sweaty. You just need a bed. And a relatively clean room. And a place to park your car. And the Days Inn? It delivers. It's not glamorous. It's not fancy. But it *works*. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Would you stay here again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yes. Probably. I'm a cheapskate, and I'm not afraid to admit it. Given the price, the location (as long as you're prepared for the drive), and the fact that I'd rather spend my money on experiences in Zion than a fancy hotel room, I'd do it again. It’s a practical choice. It's not a *luxury* choice. But it’s a choice. Now, if they could just drain the pool and clean that up...
Any random tips or things the reviews DON'T tell you?
Okay, here are some rapid-fire, unvarnished truths:
- Bring your own coffee. Seriously.
- The vending machine in the lobby is a gamble. You might get stale chips. You might get a functioning vending machine. Roll the dice!
- Check-in can be slow, especially if there's a tour bus. Patience is a virtue... and a necessity.
- Don't expect a view. You're looking at a parking lot, not the Grand Canyon.
- There’s a Subway and a gas station nearby. Pre-hike fuel is essential.
- Embrace the casualness. It’s a Days Inn. Relax.
- Don't go to the pool. Just… don't. You've been warned. It's not worth it.
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