Hotels in Bluff

Lodging tax adds about 10% to room bills in Bluff.

Among the best choices for a good night's rest is the handsome Desert Rose Inn, 701 W. U.S. 191 (P.O. Box 148), Bluff, UT 84512 tel. 888/475-7673 or 435/672-2303; www.desertroseinn.com). Built in 1999, this imposing lodge-style building houses 30 attractively decorated motel rooms, all with air-conditioning, TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and queen-size or king-size beds. The attractive suite has a wraparound porch, king-size bed, and separate living room. In addition there are five pleasant cabins, a bit more rustic in appearance, each with a large walk-in shower (no tubs), two queen-size beds, refrigerators and microwaves, knotty pine walls and ceilings, porches, and cathedral ceilings with exposed beams. Rates for two people are $99 to $119 in summer, $69 to $89 November through March, and $139 for the suite. Smoking is not permitted; pets are not accepted.

This property may be a bit older -- actually it's a lot older -- but the quiet, clean, and inexpensive rooms at the 26-unit Recapture Lodge, 220 E. U.S. 191 (P.O. Box 309), Bluff, UT 84512 (tel. 435/672-2281; www.recapturelodge.com), are particularly appealing. This well-kept motel, located on the main street near the center of town, has an attractive Western decor and a nature trail that follows the San Juan River along the back of the property. Rooms contain evaporative cooling and TVs (but no phones); several budget units, with one double bed, are also available. Guests enjoy the heated seasonal outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Rates for two are $60 to $68. Pets are welcome.

Another good choice is the Far Out Guest House, 7th East Street and Mulberry Avenue (P.O. Box 307), Bluff, UT 84512 (tel. 435/672-2294; www.faroutexpeditions.com). This restored historic home has two bedrooms, decorated in Southwestern style, with artwork and photos depicting scenes of the area. Each room has six bunk beds and a private bathroom. Both share a comfortable living room, screened porch, and fully equipped kitchen. Rates are $90 for a private room for one or two people, $100 for three or four people, $110 for five or six people, and $195 for the entire house. Smoking and pets are not permitted. The house is operated by Far Out Expeditions, which offers guided day tours and backcountry trips.

Campgrounds include Cadillac Ranch RV Park, 640 E. U.S. 191 (P.O. Box 157), Bluff, UT 84512 (tel. 800/538-6195 or 435/672-2262), a down-home sort of place on the east side of town with sites around a small pond. It has 20 RV sites -- all large pull-throughs -- and 10 tent sites plus restrooms with showers. The campground is open year-round, but water is turned off in winter. Cost per site is $16 for tents and $23 to $25 for RVs.