I spent 3 nights at the El Rio, while visiting Zion. My goal was to save money, and I did -- the El Rio is clearly the cheapest place to stay in town.

My room was on the second floor. It had a sliding glass door with a simple key lock. Inside there were two beds, facing different directions (kinda weird), some paneling on the walls, a bathroom countertop that included 3 different mismatched shades of formica. The bathroom was small, and the shower/tub was a little moldy. Aside from bars of soap and clean towels, there were no fancy amenities.

After a night or two, I came up with the most accurate way to describe the El Rio: it's a lot like staying in a friend's basement. It's not what you'd expect to find in a motel or hotel, but it's ok. It's clean, it's safe, and you don't complain because the price is right.

I would stay here again, and I probably will, since Zion is one of my favorite places.

One tip: I'd suggest not riding the shuttle to the park. It takes too long to wait around for it, and if you get an early start, you can easily drive up and park at the visitor's center. Also, if you do use the shuttle busses, when you're returning to the motel, be sure to get off at the stop *before* the El Rio. It's a long walk back if you get off at the stop *after* the motel, especially when you've already spent the day hiking.

My husband and I spent labor day weekend at the El Rio Lodge. As mentioned by others, the rooms are small and spartan (the matresses could be updated) , but very clean.
The reception was very helpful and friendly.
Our room was on the ground floor and we enjoyed sitting outside in the morning drinking coffee (we brought our own little stove). THere is also a picnic area on the premises.
I wasn't at all concerned with the sliding glass door, however, I would probably reserve an upstairs room next time for the sake of the views.
The price was fantastic--56 dollars a night. We bought breakfast supplies from the gas station across the street and enjoyed breakfast outdoors in the picnic area.
Save by staying at the El Rio and splurge for dinner at the Bit-n-Spur (best food in town).
Springdale is a fun little town full of friendly helpful people.
Can't wait to go back.

Overall the lodge is good and comfortable enough if you just sleep in there, and we'd stay there again!

We stayed at room #7 on the 2nd floor. As other reviewers commented, the building was old and the room was small. The room was clean, but the bathroom was not so clean. I found hair in the bathtub. No hair drayer, no shampoo, but there were extra towels and rags for hiking gears. There is no phone in the room, but they have a phone room on the 1st floor with a small table and chairs, and guests can make local calls free. I didn't feel unsafe at all with the glass sliding door. There is no check-out proceess - you just leave your key in the room.

The location is very good. The Pizza and Noodle restaurant is just a few minutes walk. Their pizza was very delicious!!

Springdale, El Rio Lodge, Zion National Park: “Disappointing”
Date: 21 September 2007
Reviewer: A TripAdvisor member, Regina, Canada

Title: An Unpleasant Experience

I booked a room by phone at El Rio Lodge for the night of August 28 for $90 plus tax. When I arrived there at about 3.30 pm I found that the room was without a phone, and there was no freezer compartment in the fridge. But what made the room unacceptable were the Venetian blinds: they had large gapes one could see through. I had two ladies accompanying me and the room, which was on the ground level, provided no privacy. I pointed this out to the Management and was told that some previous guest had ruined the blinds. That may be so, but it is no excuse where a renter is concerned.

I refused the room because it lacked privacy. The Management asked for the cancellation fee of $11.27 which I paid by cash. I then moved to the Zion Park Motel next door and got a room which was slightly cheaper and much better. I would like to recommend this motel to travelers.

On returning home, I wrote to the Management of El Rio Lodge expressing my dismay with the accommodation they had offered me. I requested them to refund the cancellation fee because the room they had booked for me was sub-standard—one lacking in basic necessities such as proper curtains or blinds. They acknowledged my letter but made no reference to the cancellation fee or my complaints about the room.

While booking a room over the phone, it is not possible for a guest to seek every detail concerning the accommodation. It should be up to the Management to tell the guest if any basic amenities are lacking—such as phones, proper curtains, etc.

Zion National Park is magnificent, but an unpleasant lodging experience such as mine takes away some of the charm.