Kanab Hotels Utah: Where to Stay in Kanab, My Honest Picks and Why It Is the Perfect Base (2026)
Kanab is one of those places you drive through on the way to somewhere else, until you realize it is the somewhere else. In the end, we based ourselves here for The Wave, Peekaboo Slot Canyon and the Great Chamber, and it was the right decision.
If you are comparing Kanab hotels and wondering where to stay in Kanab, this guide covers the hotel we stayed at and would book again, more good options for different budgets, the best area to stay, how Kanab compares to Springdale and Page, and where to eat near your hotel.
Of course, I will be honest about which places I know from my own stay and which ones are simply good options in town.
Let’s get into it.
In a Rush?
Our Pick
Mid-Range
Budget
- Kanab Hotels: Where We Stayed and Why
- Why Kanab Is the Perfect Base
- 1. SpringHill Suites // Where We Stayed
- 2. Best Western Red Hills
- 3. Quail Park Lodge // Best Cheap Motel
- 4. Best Friends Roadhouse
- Best Area to Stay in Kanab
- Kanab vs Springdale vs Page
- Tips for Booking Your Hotel
- Where to Eat Near Your Hotel
- Get Ready for Your Trip to Kanab
- Frequently Asked Questions
Kanab Hotels: Here Is Where We Stayed and Why
Short answer: we stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab*, and I would book it again without thinking twice. Looking back, this is what made it the right choice for us:
- Almost next door to the visitor center. Our Wave permit got lost in the mail, so we had to pick it up in person, and it could not have been easier.
- Big, modern rooms with their own small living area.
- A pool and a whirlpool with views of the red cliffs, which we had all to ourselves on two afternoons.
- A generous breakfast before our early starts.
Below, you will also find more about it, plus the other Kanab hotels I would look at for different budgets and travel styles.
- Our pick: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab, where we stayed
- Most central: Best Western Red Hills on Center Street
- Best cheap motel: Quail Park Lodge
- With your dog: Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile
- Best area: Kanab Downtown, along Center Street
- Book: early for spring, fall and Wave season
Why Kanab Is the Perfect Base
Kanab sits right on the Utah and Arizona border, on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. In fact, that location is the main reason to stay here. Instead of changing hotels every night, you unpack once and reach Zion, Bryce Canyon, The Wave, Peekaboo Slot Canyon and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes as day trips. The local visitor guide calls it Base Camp Kanab, and that is exactly how it works.
| From Kanab to | Distance | Drive time |
| Peekaboo Slot Canyon staging area | about 9 mi / 14 km | about 15 min |
| Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park | about 20 mi / 32 km | about 30 min |
| Zion National Park, east entrance | about 30 mi / 48 km | about 35 min |
| Zion Canyon and Springdale | about 43 mi / 69 km | about 1 hr |
| The Wave, Wire Pass Trailhead | about 49 mi / 79 km | about 1 hr |
| Lake Powell | about 65 mi / 105 km | about 1 hr 15 min |
| Bryce Canyon National Park | about 77 mi / 124 km | about 1 hr 30 min |
Besides, Kanab is small, easy to get around and has everything you need for a multi night stay: hotels in every price range, restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores. Prices are often lower than in Springdale right outside Zion.
Kanab Then and Now: How the Town Has Changed
That was not always the case. When we came for The Wave for the first time eleven years ago, there were only a few places to stay. Because there was hardly anything else, we rented a small cabin without breakfast, and our breakfast on Wave day was a gas station coffee and a granola bar. Today there are many more hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food chains like Wendy’s, Subway and Pizza Hut, so finding a good base is much easier.
Tip: Zion’s east entrance is much closer to Kanab than the main entrance in Springdale. If you want to hike in Zion Canyon itself, plan about an hour each way. And check the road status before you go: when we were in Kanab in October 2026, the east entrance was closed.
Red cliffs all around town.
1. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab // Where We Stayed and Loved It
As mentioned, we stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab, and I would book it again without thinking twice.
Above all, the hotel is new and modern, and the rooms are big, with their own small living area. In addition, there is a pool, a whirlpool and a fitness room. What is more, on two afternoons we had the whole pool area completely to ourselves. A generous breakfast is included, which we really appreciated before long days out, and from the breakfast area you look straight at the red cliffs around town. Especially after a day in the sand, that view is hard to beat.
- Location: almost next door to the visitor center, which saved us when our Wave permit got lost in the mail.
- Space: big, modern rooms with their own small living area.
- Pool time: pool and whirlpool with views of the red cliffs, all to ourselves on two afternoons.
- Breakfast: a generous breakfast included, perfect before early starts.
Kanab Hotel Rooms: Choose the Right One
The rooms at the SpringHill Suites are big, with a separate living area, so you have plenty of space to spread out your hiking gear.
Tip: When you book, pay attention to the room type. The rooms with a king bed face the parking lot, while the rooms with queen beds face the pool and the red cliffs. So for the view, go for a queen room.
Still, the location was the biggest plus for us. After all, the hotel is almost next door to the visitor center. When our Wave permit got lost in the mail, we had to pick up a replacement there the day before our hike, and it could not have been easier.
Our room with its own living area, the pool, the fitness room and breakfast.
Check Rates at SpringHill Suites*
To be transparent: we only stayed at the SpringHill Suites. The Kanab hotels below are well located, popular options for different budgets and travel styles, but I have not stayed there myself. Always check the latest reviews before you book.
2. Best Western Red Hills // Best Central Hotel in Kanab
Above all, the Best Western Red Hills sits right on Center Street, the main street of Kanab. From here, you can also walk to restaurants, shops and the liquor store in the evening and leave the car parked.
In short, it is a familiar, reliable option for road trippers who want a central base without surprises.
► Click Here for Prices & Availability: Best Western Red Hills*
3. Quail Park Lodge // Best Cheap Motel in Kanab
On the other hand, Quail Park Lodge is a restored retro motel with a lot of charm for the price. If you are on a road trip and mostly need a clean, simple place to sleep between adventures, this is where I would look first to keep costs down.
It is a motel style property, which makes it easy to load and unload the car for early starts.
Kanab motels or hotels? In general, Kanab has a lot of motels, many of them along Center Street and Highway 89. For a road trip they are practical: you usually park right in front of your door and can head out early without carrying your gear through a lobby. If you want a pool, breakfast and a bigger room, a hotel like the SpringHill Suites is the better choice.
► Click Here for Prices & Availability: Quail Park Lodge*
4. Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile // Best Pet Friendly Hotel in Kanab
Traveling with your dog? The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is run in connection with the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary just north of town and is built with pets in mind.
► Click Here for Prices & Availability: Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile*
Tip: Kanab fills up in spring and fall, especially around popular Wave dates. Book as soon as your plans are fixed and choose a free cancellation rate.
Best Area to Stay in Kanab
Kanab is compact, so you cannot really go wrong. Still, a few location tips help you pick the right hotel.
Kanab Downtown: Center Street and the Town Center
Most hotels in Kanab* sit along Center Street and the streets right around it. From here you can walk to restaurants in the evening, which is a big plus after a long day of driving or hiking. So this is where I would stay on a first visit.
- ✅Restaurants, shops and the liquor store within walking distance
- ✅Biggest choice of hotels and motels
- ✅Easy access to Highway 89 in both directions
- ❌Can feel a bit busy along the main road
- ❌Popular hotels book up early in spring and fall
Near the Visitor Center
If The Wave is on your list, staying close to the visitor center in town is practical. Daily Lottery winners have to be at their pickup location early in the morning, and if your mailed permit does not arrive, you may have to pick it up in person, like we did. Our hotel, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab*, was almost next door, and it saved us a lot of stress.
► Click Here for Prices & Availability: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab*
- ✅Easy permit pickup and Daily Lottery briefing
- ✅Still central, close to Center Street
- ✅Short drive north to the Peekaboo staging area
- ❌Only a handful of hotels are right next to it
Vacation Rentals Outside Town
If you travel as a family or group, or want more space and a kitchen, look at vacation rentals and cabins around Kanab*. However, you trade walkability for space and views of the red cliffs.
- ✅More space and a kitchen
- ✅Quiet, often with views of the red cliffs
- ✅Great value for families and groups
- ❌You need the car for everything
- ❌No hotel breakfast or pool, depending on the rental
Kanab vs Springdale vs Page: Where Should You Stay?
Naturally, many travelers compare Kanab with Springdale at Zion’s main entrance and Page in Arizona. To sum up, here is how I would decide:
- Stay in Kanab if you want one base for several highlights: The Wave, Peekaboo, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the east side of Zion and day trips to Bryce. It is the most central option.
- Stay in Springdale if you mainly want to hike in Zion Canyon and do not want to drive about an hour each way. Expect higher prices and more crowds.
- Stay in Page if your focus is Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. It is about an hour and a quarter from Kanab.
On our trip, Kanab was the clear winner. We did The Wave, our UTV tour and still had easy drives everywhere else.
► Read our full guide on the best things to do in Kanab
Tips for Booking Your Hotel in Kanab
- Book early in spring and fall. These are the busiest seasons, and good hotels fill up fast.
- Choose free cancellation. If you are applying for The Wave, your dates may change depending on the lottery.
- Plan at least three nights. Kanab works best as a base, not a one night stop.
- Look for a pool or whirlpool. After a day in the desert heat, you will use it.
- Check parking. If you rent an SUV or a bigger car, make sure the hotel has easy parking.
Where to Eat Near Your Hotel in Kanab
Restaurant Tip: Los Tapatios
Simply put, a Mexican family restaurant with fantastic food and huge portions. We liked it so much we went twice. As a result, it is always busy, no matter what time you go. In the evening, try to be there before 6 PM.
Los Tapatios in Kanab. Come hungry.
Many More Options in Town
Los Tapatios was our favorite, but you will not go hungry in Kanab. Today there are many more restaurants in town, from other Mexican places to fast food chains like Wendy’s, Subway and Pizza Hut, plus several big supermarkets if you want to stock up for your hikes.
Utah has strict alcohol laws. Grocery stores only sell lighter beer, while wine, spirits and stronger beer are sold in liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays. For example, in Kanab, we bought ours at the liquor store at 297 W Center St, right on the main street. If you want a glass of wine at your hotel after a day in the desert, plan ahead and do not wait until Sunday.
Get Ready for Your Trip to Kanab
Book Your Accommodation
For Kanab I use Booking.com*. Our hotel was the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab*. I also cross check on Hotels.com* and Expedia*. Alternatively, for cabins and vacation rentals, check Vrbo*. Compare rates on Kayak*, and when the big sites show sold out, I check Agoda*.
Book Your Flights and Rental Car
For most travelers, however, Las Vegas is the closest big airport, about three and a half hours away. For flights and rental cars, I also compare on Kayak*. If The Wave or Peekaboo are on your list, an SUV makes life easier.
Advertising: affiliate links. No extra cost to you.
Kanab Hotels: Frequently Asked Questions
🏨 What is the best hotel in Kanab?
Without a doubt, our pick is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab. Moreover, it is new and modern, has a pool and a whirlpool with views of the red cliffs, and it is almost next door to the visitor center
💰 Is Kanab expensive?
Not compared to Springdale right outside Zion, where hotels are often pricier. Also, in Kanab you find everything from simple motels to newer hotels. Prices go up in spring and fall and around popular Wave dates, so book early.
🏷️ What is the best cheap hotel or motel in Kanab?
If you want to keep costs down, Quail Park Lodge, a restored retro motel, is where I would look first to keep costs down. We have not stayed there ourselves, so check the latest reviews.
🐶 Is there a pet friendly hotel in Kanab?
Yes. The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is built with pets in mind and is connected to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary just north of town.
🏞️ Is Kanab a good base for Zion National Park?
Yes, especially for the east side of Zion, which is about 35 minutes away. Zion Canyon and Springdale are about an hour, so Kanab is a good, often cheaper alternative to Springdale.
⚖️ Is it better to stay in Kanab or Springdale?
Springdale is better if you only want to hike in Zion Canyon. Kanab is better if you want one base for Zion, Bryce, The Wave, Peekaboo and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and it is often cheaper.
🌊 How far is Kanab from The Wave?
The Wire Pass Trailhead is about an hour from Kanab, including the dirt road section on House Rock Valley Road.
🌙 How many nights should I stay in Kanab?
At least three nights if you want to do The Wave, Peekaboo and the Great Chamber, and a day trip to Zion or the sand dunes. Plan more if you are entering the Daily Lottery for The Wave.
🌮 Where should I eat in Kanab?
Above all, our favorite was Los Tapatios, a Mexican family restaurant with huge portions. Go before 6 PM in the evening, because it is always busy.
Final Thoughts on Kanab Hotels
All in all, Kanab is the kind of base that makes a road trip easier. In other words: short drives, great food, a hotel with a whirlpool and red cliffs outside the window. So pick a hotel near Center Street, book early and plan a few nights. It simply works.
Pick your hotel early. Get to Los Tapatios before 6 PM. Check availability in Kanab here* and give yourself a few nights. Happy travels.
Check Out My Other Utah Travel Guides
Great Chamber Kanab: The Giant Sand Cave
Kanab Utah Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The Wave Permit: How We Won the Lottery Twice
The Wave Hike: My Honest Trail Guide
Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab: Our Self-Drive UTV Tour to the Great Chamber
Things to Do in Kanab: Belly of the Dragon, Sand Dunes, UTV Trails and More
Kanab Itinerary: My Perfect 3 Days
Best Time to Visit Kanab: Season by Season
Is Kanab Worth Visiting: My Honest Verdict
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon: 7 Trails I Actually Hiked
Belly of the Dragon Utah: The Ribbed Tunnel Near Kanab
USA Travel Guide: Road Trips, National Parks and Islands