This hotel near Zion National Park may be the best SpringHill Suites on Earth
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While SpringHill Suites properties are usually solid places to lay your head, unlike a high-end posh hotel, over-water villa, or even a tree-top hotel, they aren't usually anything to write home about. But, there are exceptions to almost every unwritten rule.
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park is one that is absolutely worth writing about -- at least here, if not all the way home.
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First opened in 2017, not only is this property new and nice in its own right, but its claim to fame is unquestionably its location in the literal shadow of Zion National Park.
Check out the view from the hotel:
@thepointsguyThis is the view from the Marriott outside Zion Park. According to Google, you can stay here for $165/night. Wanna visit? #nationalpark #beautifulview♬ ROXANNE - Arizona Zervas
More than 4 million people visit Zion each year, and all of them need somewhere to sleep, making lodging in the surrounding areas a hot commodity.
With the natural beauty and outdoor and naturally distanced nature of the national parks calling to travelers louder than ever before, here are five things to know about the SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion.
The hotel is 1 mile from the entrance to Zion
The town of Springdale, Utah, is a great spot to be if you want to visit Zion. The entire town is located within a mile or two of the entrance to the park and there's a shuttle stop very close to the hotel that will take you to Zion if needed as parking can be a challenge.
Keep in mind that unless you are renting an electric bike or are really planning to walk miles and miles (and miles), you need to plan how to get into Zion using the park's shuttle service or a third-party private service. In either case, you need to plan in advance. Just know that the park service's shuttle is much more affordable (just $1) and are actually more distanced than the third-party shuttles we experienced, but availability can be scarce.
In other words, when staying at the Springhill Suites Zion, you're very close to the park entrance, but you still need a strategy to get in Zion and explore.
Related: Guide to visiting Zion National Park
Breakfast is free and good -- even during COVID
While visiting a national park is often a very affordable vacation (and can even be free if you have a 4th or 5th grader in the family), eating in and around national parks isn't always affordable. Food in Springdale, just outside Zion, can be pretty expensive, so we looked to cut food costs where we could.
The SpringHill Suites Zion has free breakfast for everyone, and while it is obviously modified right now due to the pandemic, we were still big fans.
Everything is grab-and-go and pre-packaged, but there were options we loved such as microwavable biscuits, single-serve brand-name cereal or oatmeal, granola bars, along with Uncrustables you could throw in your backpack for a "free" lunch later on in the day.
Related: Highlights of a bucket-list trip through southern Utah
The rooms are suites
As the name implies, the SpringHill Suites Zion offers ... suites.
For the four of us, we booked a two-queen larger suite. This room type is a true suite and worth the relatively modest additional charge over the basic suites with just the half wall.
The living room had a West Elm sofa bed and desk, perfect for the road schooling and working from anywhere lifestyle. There was also a patio, which meant we could easily open the door to allow for some extra in-room ventilation.
The hallway to the bedroom was where you would find the mini-fridge, microwave and sink.
In the bedroom were two comfortable queen beds, a large walk-in closet and the bathroom, which was home to an actual bathtub (great news for parents of kiddos).
Our family of four has started to feel very cramped in a traditional hotel room, but we never felt cramped in this suite as there was plenty of truly separated space to spread out, along with dedicated spots to store our stuff.
Related: Use points to stay near national parks
You can cash in your Marriott points -- or not
This is a Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy property, so a free night costs 40,000 to 60,000 points to book a standard room at the SpringHill Suites Zion. Of course, on nights that cost 50,000 points per night or less you could also opt to use an up to 50,000 point Marriott certificate at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program (certain hotels have resort fees) that is awarded annually with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
During the peak summer season, when rates can skyrocket to $350 per night, points or 50k certificates can be a good option. However, I'd argue that the fall shoulder season is the best time to go to Zion and rates drop as low as $125 per night here during the non-peak months. At those off-peak prices, you probably want to earn Marriott points and save them for another trip.
We visited over Thanksgiving week, and found it to be the perfect time to experience the park. As an added bonus, rates were low enough at the hotel that we just paid cash and earned points.
Related: Best National Parks to visit in the fall
No parking or resort fees
While I very much enjoy the Marriott Bonvoy program, a bummer can be when parking and resort fees come to bite you -- even on award stays. Unlike with Hyatt and Hilton, resort and parking fees aren't waived with Marriott regardless of your elite status or whether you are cashing in points.
Thankfully, there are no resort fees or additional parking fees, though you will receive a permit to display in your windshield to park your car. If you pay cash or redeem Marriott points you won't be surprised with any additional mandatory fees.
Oh, and if you happen to drive an electric car, there are three charging stations available in the parking lot.
Bottom line
Our Marriott Platinum status didn't do very much for us here, though thanks to it we were able to pick a complimentary non-alcoholic item from the market upon check-in. Naturally, we went for the otherwise $10 Ben & Jerry's ice cream pint.
But, this isn't the hotel you pick to indulge and max-out elite status perks. This is the hotel you pick to enjoy a truly majestic backdrop while staying very close to the entrance of one of the top national parks in the country.
You're going to get a stay in a suite that still looks and feels new. Breakfast is free for everyone, the onsite pool (when open) and hot tub are both inviting and relaxing. Spending some time each evening on the back patio by the fire pit turned out to be the perfect way to cap a day.
I know SpringHill Suites aren't usually thought of as aspirational hotels, but I'd argue that this hotel is not only exciting but also the perfect spot from which to headquarters a trip to Zion and the surrounding area.
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.