As we've told you many times, the great national parks of the American West did not overflow with visitors this summer, and blame finders are pointing their fingers in two different directions. One says it's all the fault of the many forest fires in western states, the other that too much publicity about overcrowded parks last year scared people away. Of course, both reasons hold true---but who cares? With rooms empty, the hotels in and around the parks are lowering their rates, and you can take good advantage of that. How does "pay for first night and get the second one 50% off" sound?
That's the case at Zion National Park's Zion Lodge this fall, from November 1 through 25, 2002. The full room rates then are $107 for a standard room, $116 for a cabin and $135 for a suite. November is beautiful in the park, with pleasant weather and a late autumn, the reds and yellows of leaves turning the canyon walls into a landscape of fire and gold.
From December 1, 2002, through March 12, 2003, there is a Zion in Winter rate for just $70 per night for standard, $80 in a western cabin or $105 in a suite. From Sunday through Thursday, breakfast for two is also included, with the exception of the holiday blackout period of December 23, 2002 to January 1, 2003. The package prices don't include taxes or tips.
If you want a romantic hideaway New Year's Eve, the package for that includes a room for the night of December 31, a "deluxe" dinner and a breakfast buffet for two people on January 1, 2003. The rates are $135 for a standard room, $145 for a cabin and $160 for a suite. Each additional person in the room is $35, a charge which includes the meals.
Looking forward, you might want to consider their Valentine Week package, available February 7 to 16, 2003. It includes overnight lodging, chocolates, a deluxe dinner and breakfast buffet for two. Rates are $125 for a standard room, $135 for a cabin and $160 for a suite. Additional persons $25 each. Taxes and tips not included.
For room reservations, contact Zion Lodge at www.zionlodge.com, phone 888/297-2757 or 303/297-2757.
