Courtyard St. George: Utah's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel?
Courtyard St. George: Utah's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel? (Maybe… Let's Dive In!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dissect the Courtyard St. George. Is it a hidden gem? Is it even a slightly sparkly pebble? I'm here to tell you, after a recent stay, it's… complicated. Let's break this down like I'm trying to explain quantum physics to a goldfish, shall we? (Because, honestly, some hotel reviews are that dense).
First Impressions (and the Awkward Elevator Ride):
Okay, so the exterior? Not gonna lie, it's a classic beige box. But hey, St. George isn't exactly known for architectural masterpieces, right? Check-in was…efficient. Contactless, which is fine. No warm welcome, no "Welcome to Utah!" vibes. Just a transaction. Fine. The elevator… Well, it’s an elevator. It works. No spectacular views, just the vague hum of machinery. I remember thinking, "Okay, this is very… functional." (Which, spoiler alert, sums up a lot of the experience).
The Room: A Tale of Towels and Blackout Curtains
My room? Clean. Seriously, clean. That's a major win these days. And the blackout curtains? Game changer! I'm a light sleeper, and these things could block out the sun itself. Bravo. The bed was comfortable enough, nothing to write home about, but I certainly slept. The Wi-Fi? Free and fast. (Bless you, Courtyard, for that. Essential).
Now, the towels. Ah, the towels. They were…a little thin. I'm used to fluffy, luxurious towels. These were more like… well-loved dishcloths. Minor quibble, really. But it stayed with me. Kind of a symbol, right? Symbol of efficiency over all-out luxury.
Food & Drink: Navigating the Buffet Labyrinth (and the Inevitable Coffee Situation)
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. The buffet. Okay, here's where things get real interesting. They had a "buffet," a fairly standard affair. Scrambled eggs, sausage, some sad-looking fruit. What wasn't sad? The coffee. The hotel offered the perfect morning coffee, it was delicious. I may have had three mugs.
The Poolside Bar: I did not visit the pool bar. More on that later. The Restaurants: The hotel seems to have one restaurant, where I ate breakfast. The other options were the fast food joints nearby.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams Deferred (and the Phantom Sauna)
Okay, let's be honest. St. George is all about the outdoors. So, the hotel's amenities are secondary. But they had a pool! Yes, an outdoor pool! And it had a view! Of… the parking lot. Okay, maybe not spectacular. But the pool was nice, and refreshing after a hot day of hiking.
Now, the Spa/Sauna/Steamroom situation… This is where things got weird. There was no visible spa, at least, no sign of one I could find. No sauna. No steamroom. Nada. I checked, re-checked, and even asked a staff member who looked at me like I was speaking Martian. "No spa," she said, with a bewildered shrug. So, spa dreams… dashed. Maybe the sauna was a myth. A legend passed down through generations of weary travelers.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Mostly)
They were serious about cleanliness. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff in masks. The room felt genuinely clean. They're taking those precautions really seriously, which is absolutely what I want to see.
Accessibility: Navigating the Hotel Landscape
Didn't personally require accessibility features, but I did notice the following: I noticed a good amount of the hotel was very accessible. The elevators were easy to find.
Services & Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (and a Mild Case of "Meh")
They offered the usual suspects: Laundry service, dry cleaning, business facilities, a convenience store. Nothing particularly stood out. Everything was… functional. The staff was polite, but not overly friendly -- efficient but not that welcoming.
For the Kids (and the Parents Who Survive Them):
Didn't see many kids there. They have the basics, like kid-friendly meals, etc. and the hotel is pretty family-friendly overall.
Getting Around: Parking Paradise (and Maybe a Bike Ride)
Free parking? YES! Hallelujah! Easy peasy lemon squeezy. They had bike storage, so you can bring your bike, or rent one and explore the area.
The Verdict:
So, is Courtyard St. George a hidden gem? Maybe not. Is it a bad hotel? Heck no. It's a solid, clean, efficient, comfortable place to stay, especially if you're mainly using it as a base for adventures. The location is great, the internet is fast, and the blackout curtains are a gift from the gods. I give it a solid 7.5/10. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you're looking for a reliable, no-frills hotel. Just don’t expect a spa. And bring your own fluffy towels.
Escape to Modesto: Your Perfect Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. We're heading to St. George, Utah, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be SOMETHING. Here's my attempt at a "travel itinerary," but honestly, knowing me, it's more of a suggestion.
Day 1: Arrival and Desert Daze (and the Great Bed Confusion)
Morning (8:00 AM-ish): Arrive at St. George Municipal Airport (SGU). Honestly, this airport is TINY. Which, on the one hand, is a blessing. No marathon sprint through terminals. On the other hand, I swear the baggage claim is outside. Did I hallucinate that? Maybe. Jet lag is a real monster. Grab my rental car. Fingers crossed I didn't accidentally book a clown car again. My brain is still mostly in "coffee-please" mode.
Late Morning (9:30 AM-ish): Check into the Courtyard St. George. Okay, first impressions… it's a Courtyard. You know what you're getting. Clean-ish. Functional. The real drama happens inside the rooms. The beds! Let me tell you about the beds! I spent a solid five minutes of my precious vacation time staring into the depths of the mattress, trying to figure out if I had accidentally ordered a twin. Why are hotel beds always so… engineered? Like, scientists spent years perfecting the optimal level of firmness. Anyway, after much internal debate, I've made the difficult decision to simply lie down and accept my fate.
Lunch (11:30 AM-ish): Find a place called The Habit Burger Grill. My inner child demands burgers but I can never decide on a burger. So I order two fries. One with ranch one with ketchup. Am I proud? No. Do I regret it? Yes.
- Anecdote: I almost got a lecture from a woman who knew the manager about my choices. I politely just walked away.
Afternoon (1:00 PM-ish): Zion National Park - The Gateway. Now, this is why we're here. I've been dreaming of Zion. This is gonna either be amazing or it is going to make me miss my cozy bed and the room service i can't afford. Start with the Visitors Center. Sigh a bit at the crowds. Pretend I am not doing the classic tourist thing I am doing. Hop on the shuttle.
- Quirky Observation: The shuttle drivers probably have seen it all. I bet they could write a book about the things they've witnessed. Like all the near-misses toddlers have had running around.
Afternoon (2:30 PM-ish): Stop at the Emerald Pools Trailhead. Okay, so I am not a hiker, a walker, or even a person who goes near exercise. But this is supposed to be "easy". So I push through the initial climb of the trail hoping for a stunning sight.
- Emotional Reaction: So. Many. Rocks. And then I arrive at the pools. Now I understand the beauty of nature. It's beautiful.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM-ish): Shuttle back to the Visitors Center. Exhausted. Hungry. Maybe a little bit in love with red rocks.
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: I am pretty sure I saw someone fall. Like, actually fall and I am not sure if I stopped to help. Look there's kids everywhere and I was just ready to head back.
Evening (7:00 PM-ish): Dinner at a restaurant. Seriously, any will do. I'm not picky. Tired and wanting to not get lost. Some sort of Southwestern cuisine. Maybe. Pray the food is good and the drinks are strong. Otherwise, it's straight to the bed situation.
Night (8:30 PM-ish): Collapsing into that questionable bed. Praying for a sleep that doesn't involve me dreaming of staircases, toddlers, or the absence of ranch dressing.
Day 2: Red Rocks & Retail Therapy (and the Great Donut Debate)
Morning (8:00 AM-ish): Wake up (or, more accurately, be gently nudged awake by the unforgiving sun). Coffee! Must. Have. Coffee. Seriously a life or death situation.
Morning (9:00 AM-ish): Drive to Snow Canyon State Park. This place is seriously beautiful. Even more amazing than the first one. No crowds, no kids. Perfection. I decide I like it better than Zion?
- Anecdote: I almost drove off the road while trying to take photos. My bad. This is why I am not a professional photographer.
Late Morning (11 AM-ish): Hike a trail! (Yes, another one! Sort of.) The Pioneer Names Trail. It's not too long, not too strenuous. And the views are… yeah, still amazing. But mostly, I'm thinking about donuts.
Lunch (12:30 PM-ish): The Great Donut Debate. Okay, this is crucial. I've heard whispers of a donut shop called "The Sweet Spot." Should I go? Is it worth it? Or should I just get a sad, store-bought donut from the gas station? This is truly a life-altering decision. So, I did (You are all on the edge of the seat, I know.) I got three donuts, one with sprinkles.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: The first bite. Pure, sugary bliss. (I am not sure if I can find the words. I just know I saw colors and angels. I am now going to build a monument to Donuts.)
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I'm deeply moved. I want to cry. I want to laugh. I want to marry the donut maker. I'm not sure.
Afternoon (2:00 PM-ish): Attempt some retail therapy. Trying to not buy everything. And I mean everything.
- Opinionated Language: The stores look okay. But they all, sadly, sell just stuff. Just, well, stuff that you can easily buy at home. I am disappointed.
Late Afternoon (3:30 PM-ish): More views. Still. Really beautiful stuff.
Evening (6:00 PM-ish): Return to the Courtyard , and shower off the day. Maybe try the pool. Or maybe just collapse in the bed again, and contemplate the meaning of donuts.
Night (8:00 PM-ish): Dinner. I might try a fancy restaurant. Actually, no. Probably just the same place as last night. Comfort food is calling.
Day 3: Departure (and the lingering aftertaste of donuts)
Morning (8:00 AM-ish): One last cup of coffee. One last look at the red rocks. (Slightly teary-eyed this time.) Check out of the hotel.
Morning (9:30 AM-ish): One last donut. (Okay, two.)
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Am I addicted? Maybe. But I have no regrets. None.
Late Morning (10:00 AM-ish): Drive back to the airport. Surprised about how fast there was no more views.
Afternoon (12:00 PM-ish): Fly home. Feeling slightly sunburned, slightly exhausted, and deeply, deeply satisfied. And forever changed by a donut.
Remember: This is just a framework. Go where the wind takes you. Get lost. Make mistakes. Eat too many donuts. And most importantly, enjoy the ride.
Knights Inn Canton, OH: Your Surprisingly Amazing Stay Awaits!
Courtyard St. George: Your Home Away From...Well, a Crappy Motel? (Or Maybe Just My Anxiety) - FAQs
Is Courtyard St. George REALLY a "hidden gem?" I see it on… well, everything.
Okay, okay, "hidden gem" might be pushing it. If you've got access to Wi-Fi, you've probably seen the ads. But here's the thing: compared to those dusty, overpriced motels that populate St. George like tumbleweeds... yeah, it *feels* like a gem. I mean, the pool isn't filled with mystery algae, and the breakfast buffet (more on that later) doesn't feel like a post-apocalyptic wasteland. I've stayed in some *places*, you know? One time, a...thing...scuttled out from under the bed in a motel near Zion. So, for me? Courtyard St. George is practically the Ritz. My expectations are low, okay?
What's the deal with the pool? Is it actually swim-able?
Yes! And this is crucial. I HATE hotel pools. They're usually filled with shrieking kids, sunburned adults, and the vague scent of chlorine and regret. This one? Actually... pleasant. Okay, *sometimes* it's filled with shrieking kids, and *sometimes* there's a touch of chlorine, but the *regret* is usually manageable. It's generally clean, the water's a decent temperature, and there are actual lounge chairs. I even saw a book being read by the pool. Mind. Blown. That's my kind of vacation! Although, I will say... one time, a rogue inflatable flamingo almost took me out. Seriously, watch out for those things.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they clean? Spacious? Do they have enough outlets for my million devices?
Clean? Yes! Mostly. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I bring my own wipes (don't judge). I usually give everything a once-over, just in case. The rooms are generally spacious enough. For a couple, maybe. For a family? Eeeh, might be a bit cozy. Outlets? Yes! Thank the heavens. That’s a *huge* win. I practically live off my phone. It's my lifeline. I once stayed in a hotel that only had *one* outlet. I had to choose between charging my phone and my laptop. The drama! The humanity! The sheer inadequacy! Courtyard St. George understands the modern traveler's need for juice. Plus, the beds are actually pretty comfortable. Which is a huge deal, especially when you've spent the day hiking in blazing heat and your legs feel like lead.
What about the breakfast? Is it the usual sad hotel continental situation?
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get… complicated. First off, it's not *terrible*. It's a notch above the "stale donut and questionable coffee" level. They at least have scrambled eggs, sometimes bacon, and the usual carb suspects (toast, bagels, pastries). BUT... and this is a big but... it depends on the day. Monday morning breakfast? Usually pretty decent, and the coffee seems relatively fresh. Sunday morning, after a busy weekend? Prepare for a feeding frenzy. It's a battle to get near the waffle maker. Think of the apocalypse. You're a survivor trying to fight off the breakfast hordes. Honestly, I've developed a preemptive breakfast strategy: grab two waffles right away and hide them under a napkin. Judge me all you want. Survival of the flakiest!
Is there anything I should be wary of? Any hidden fees or gotchas?
Hmm... not really, but read the fine print. Always. The usual hotel rules apply: parking fees, resort fees (ugh!), extra charges for… well, everything. (Is it just me or are hotels constantly adding new fees?). But nothing major. I’d say the only real "gotcha" is the location. It's technically in St. George, which is convenient for *some* things, but if you're primarily interested in Zion National Park, it's about an hour's drive. (traffic can be a beast!). That hour felt like an eternity one time when I was severely craving a Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch – but I digress. Plan your trips carefully and factor in travel time. Also, remember your sunscreen. Seriously. You’ll thank me. And maybe pack some snacks. Just in case.
Overall, should I stay there? Would *you* stay there again?
Okay, the big question! Honestly? Yes. I would. *I have*. It’s not perfect. It's not the Four Seasons. It's a Courtyard. But it's a *good* Courtyard. It's clean-ish, the pool is lovely (most of the time), the beds are comfy, and there are enough outlets to keep the modern digital age satisfied. Plus, it's in a decent location for exploring the area. More importantly... it's a step up from sleeping in my car. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just don't go expecting a spa day or Michelin-Star breakfast. Go expecting a comfortable, convenient, and hopefully, mostly drama-free stay. And if you see me by the waffle maker, don't try to steal my stash. It's a survival of the fittest, people!
Anything else I should know? Like, what's the best time to go to avoid the chaos?
Oh, good question! Okay, here are some extra tips gleaned from my *many* visits. Firstly, *avoid holidays and long weekends at all costs*. Unless you love crowds, parking wars, and the general feeling of being herded like cattle. Seriously. Secondly, try to book in advance, especially if you're going during peak season (and peak is basically... every season in St. George. The crowds are out there, perpetually). Thirdly, be prepared for the sun. I mean, really prepared. Bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need. Reapply constantly. Wear a hat. Drink water. Hydration is key. I made the mistake of not bringing enough one time, and it was a nightmare. Consider it a lesson learned. Finally, and perhaps most importantly: pack your patience. You're on vacation. Embrace the chaos (or at least try to). And try to appreciate the little things – a clean pool, a decent waffle, and a bed that isn't haunted by a particularly grumpy… something. Happy travels!
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