Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane Zion National Park

When Springdale's prices climb, Hurricane is where savvy Zion visitors stay, and the Wingate by Wyndham is one of the town's most comfortable options. It is at 780 West State Street, on the main route through Hurricane, the fast-growing town that sits between St. George and Springdale. The drive to the park's South Entrance takes about 40 minutes along State Route 9 through La Verkin, Virgin and Rockville, and the same road passes the start of Kolob Terrace Road, the route to The Subway and Northgate Peaks. Rooms are all non-smoking and well equipped, with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, Keurig coffee maker and a 50-inch flat-screen TV with Roku for streaming, and suites are available for families. A free breakfast gets you on the road early, and after a long day in the park the heated outdoor pool and jetted hot tub are the place to unwind. There is also an on-site fitness center, guest laundry for washing trail clothes, a business center and a small convenience store. The hotel describes itself as convenient to Zion, Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek State Park, as well as the St. George Regional Airport. Rates are usually well below Springdale's, especially in peak season, and you can often book closer to your dates. The trade-off is the daily drive, but for travelers with a car and a budget, it is a smart one.

Location logic. Hurricane puts you in the middle of the Greater Zion area. Springdale and Zion Canyon are about 40 minutes east; Kolob Canyons is a straightforward drive north on Interstate 15; Snow Canyon State Park and St. George's dinosaur museum are about half an hour west; and Sand Hollow State Park, with its red-rock reservoir and dunes, is just outside town. The town has supermarkets, fuel and a growing number of restaurants, which helps budget travelers stock up. Remember that when the Zion Canyon shuttle is running, you will need to park in Springdale or at the visitor center, so leave early to find a space.

Room advice and tips. Ask for a suite if you are a family of four or more, and a ground-floor room if you are hauling gear. Use the laundry midway through your trip, and take advantage of the in-room fridge for picnic lunches in the park. The outdoor pool and hot tub are heated, but check their hours in winter. Confirm the hotel's pet policy before booking if you travel with animals.

Who should stay. Budget-minded families, road-trippers covering Zion, Kolob Canyons and St. George, and travelers who booked late and found Springdale full. Those who want to walk to the park should pay more to stay in Springdale; those who prefer to save and drive will find the Wingate a comfortable, modern base.