Frommer's Review
In 1922, Harold and Nina Bowman bought a barrel of gas and opened a gas "stand" near the present-day site of the Jacob Lake Inn. Seven years later they built this inn at the junction of highways 67 and 89A. Today, Jacob Lake Inn is the main hub of activity between the North Rim and Kanab, Utah. To serve the growing summer crowds, the Bowmans' descendants and their friends travel south from their homes in Utah. Together, they run the Inn's various businesses: the bakery, churning out excellent fresh-baked cookies; the soda fountain, which serves milkshakes made from soft-serve ice cream; the gift shop, which features museum-quality pieces by Native American artists; not to mention the restaurant, the motel, and the full-service gas station. Note: The ATM at the inn is the nearest one to the North Rim.
Lodgers can choose between motel units and cabins. Though pleasant inside, the motel rooms in the front building are not nearly as peaceful as the rooms and cabins behind the lodge. Built in 1958, the motel rooms in back are solid and clean. The bathrooms have showers but no tubs, and many of them drain onto the same tile floor as the bathroom itself -- a curious design. Most people prefer the rustic cabins, which cost less than the motel rooms. The cabin floors creak, the guest rooms (from one to four per cabin) are cramped, and most smell like soggy pine needles. In other words, they're exactly how cabins should be. Another advantage to the cabins is that each has its own private porch, either attached to the building or standing alone in the ponderosa pine forest.
The Jacob Lake restaurant, with both a U-shaped counter and a dining room, serves burgers, sandwiches, and steaks, but the most appetizing entree may be the grilled trout. A potent lunch item is the Grand Bull, a thick ground beef sandwich with grilled onions, chilies, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and bacon. Even if you don't need a meal, it's worth stopping at Jacob Lake Inn to buy a few home-baked cookies or a milkshake.
Facilities:
Restaurant; playground, gift shop, service station
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
