Moab — a small but well-touristed town wedged between two national parks in Utah’s spectacular red rock country — may look, aesthetically, like another planet, but award travelers will feel right at home here. The town has a sizable roster of points hotels, and it just added another one: Red Cliffs Lodge Moab, Tribute Portfolio, which is now bookable through Marriott Bonvoy.

Half an hour outside of downtown Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge leverages its natural surroundings and nearby outfitters — including a horse ranch next door — for a serene, country-inspired getaway. The property was independently owned before undergoing a full renovation and reopening as a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio property, and I recently spent a weekend here for a first look. Here’s what my stay was like.

Related: Marriott is leaning into the great outdoors with new hotel collection and booking platform

First impressions

Sweaty and dust-coated after a long day exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, my husband and I were not exactly looking forward to the half-hour drive to our hotel. But when we turned east onto Highway 128, which winds alongside the Colorado River beneath towering red rock formations, time melted away.

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

With a color palette of gray, red and sandy hues and the occasional Southwestern-patterned rug, the hotel’s decor reflects its surroundings without going too far into kitsch territory. (No animal heads on the walls here, to this vegan’s delight.) Like the rest of Moab, the vibe is laid-back, and it lets 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 area with a gas fireplace, a work desk and kitchenette, two bedrooms with their own TVs, and a Jack-and Jill-style bathroom. There was also a spacious deck facing the river with a dining table and seating area.

We were disappointed that our kitchenette didn’t offer much more than what you’d expect from a standard hotel room. There was a sink, a mini fridge and coffee/tea supplies, but a microwave or range top would have been convenient for reheating leftovers or cooking our own food. There were no dishes or silverware, either, but the dishwashing supplies under the sink suggested the hotel plans to add these later.

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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 tough to swallow. The two sinks in my cabin, in the bathroom and kitchen, were outfitted with a standard faucet as well as a second one labeled “drinking water.” Unfortunately, they both tasted the same, though I assume the hotel plans to implement a filtration system for the drinking water spout. Until then, we availed ourselves of the ample free bottled water provided in our minifridge.

Dining at Red Cliffs Lodge

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

Despite Moab’s general veg-friendliness, I found scarce (filling) vegan options and staff members seemed reluctant to accommodate my dietary needs. Carnivores will be in heaven here, though, with elevated dishes like grilled steelhead trout ($34) and red wine braised bison short ribs ($40), but guests with more finicky palates may need to make the long drive into town to find food.

The recently opened restaurant still had a few kinks to iron out: Although it was mostly empty during the two times we visited, the service was a bit slow, and the communication between staff seemed a little chaotic.

Still, my husband and I were both impressed by the flavor 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 food quality was second only to the restaurant’s stunning views over the Colorado River.

Amenities and service

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

• Fitness center: This was under construction when I visited but is expected to reopen in June 2026.
• Pool and hot tub: You just can’t beat the views.
• Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, dedicated to the many films that have been shot in the area: Supposedly admission is included for two guests and additional guests must pay a $15 entry fee, but no one was there to charge admission when we visited.
• Free s’mores every night around a communal fire pit
• An impressive playground for the kiddos
• Two full-sized tennis courts
• Grab-and-go shop with snacks, toiletries and souvenirs
• Activity desk where guests can book all kinds of adventures through Paradox Adventures

The hotel is kid- and pet-friendly, but it seems to draw mostly grownups; I ran into just one family with kids during my Mother’s Day weekend stay. So it could be a good choice if you’re looking for a couples’ getaway or friends’ trip, though adventurous kids will likely feel at home here as well.

Outdoor adventures

Nicknamed the “adventure capital of the West,” Moab is an adventurer’s paradise. You can hike, climb, or bike across 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 sundown; Moab is home to three International Dark Sky Parks and is perfect for stargazing.

If you’re unsure where to start, the hotel’s relationship with Paradox Adventures makes it easy to sign up for something new. You can stop by the activity desk to book everything from national park tours and hot air balloon rides to rock climbing and skydiving excursions.

I opted for a two-hour horseback ride with Red Cliffs Ranch, located next door to the property, and it was fantastic. It’s a good idea to double check your reservation, though, because some communications can fall through the cracks. We ended up having to reschedule our trail ride because the activity desk staff didn’t confirm it with the outfitter.

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

Related: The best red rock parks in Utah, 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 the four or so hours to Moab. You’ll want to have a vehicle during your trip anyway, as this is the best way to explore all the area has to offer.

Just be aware that the hotel charges $20 per night for onsite parking, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget.

Related: The best road trips for visiting national parks

What it costs 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 as low as $215 or 56,000 Marriott points per night for a creekside suite, or $441 for the riverside two-bedroom cabin I stayed in. The cabins don’t appear to be bookable with points at this time, but they should be after the Tribute Portfolio transition.

Accessibility

Red Cliffs Lodge offers mobility-accessible guest rooms with features like accessible vanities and toilets, roll-in showers with hand-held wands, bathtub grab rails and more. There are also hearing-accessible guest rooms with special kits.

In addition, all common areas are wheelchair-friendly — including the pool and fitness center — and service animals are welcome without a fee.

Bottom line

In a town where points hotels tend to be low-frills affairs, Red Cliffs Lodge stands out with more upscale accommodations and more extensive amenities, a little further removed from Moab’s touristy core.

If you’re seeking a home base with easy access to Moab’s shopping and dining and the national parks, you may prefer a more central option downtown. If, however, you want a relaxing retreat that still feels authentic to Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge is a great choice.

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