The Majestic View Lodge is located on the main road of Springdale, the colorful town that sits at the mouth of Zion National Park. Directly across from the shuttle stop and within walking distance of a variety of shops and restaurants, the lodge’s location is one of its best features. Plus, there’s the view. It’s true: Most hotels in town offer fantastic views of the towering cliffs that surround Springdale. But Majestic View was specifically designed so that all 69 of its units have private balconies offering breathtaking glimpses of the local landscape — and you won’t have to pay extra for a room with a view here.

With its row of drive-up rooms situated along a parking lot, Majestic View appears to be a motel. But this charming, log-cabin-style lodge is anything but your typical motel. Both interior and exterior are decorated with exposed wood beams and other rustic, outdoorsy touches. The lobby houses an interesting wildlife museum that kids will love. And there’s an onsite outdoor heated pool with a hot tub.

The lodge’s drive-up design facilitates check-in and check-out, especially for large groups carrying lots of bags. Families don’t have to lug loads of luggage up elevators and down hallways; just drive up, park and walk in. Other convenient features include an onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and suites with kitchenettes and separate bedrooms.

There are three rooms from which to choose at Majestic View Lodge: deluxe suites, and king and queen guestrooms. All rooms have balconies, TV's, mini-fridges, coffee makers, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Guestrooms
The basic and most affordable options are the queen and king guestrooms. These rooms have a charming rustic feel to them, with wooden bed frames and chairs, and nature-themed artwork. You'll find Adirondack chairs on your balcony, so sit back and relax and enjoy the beautiful view.

Suites
The sizable deluxe suites are perfect for large families. Suites feature kitchenettes with mini-fridges, sinks and microwave ovens, plus a table for dining. There is a living room with a sleeper sofa and a separate bedroom with a king bed, both with doors leading to the balcony. Other perks that come with suites include a large Jacuzzi tub and two TV's (one in the bedroom and one in the living room).

Although the motel-style units are easily accessible from the lodge parking lot, rooms on the second floor much be reached by stairs. Be sure to request a room on the first floor if anyone in your family has difficulty with stairs.

Zion National Park
Utah's oldest national park, Zion is distinctive for its sandstone cliffs, which rise out of the earth to soaring heights, stand guard over the park's extraordinary natural treasures. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, with its mile-long cliff-side tunnel, was a feat of engineering when it was completed in 1930; a drive along this scenic route is an excellent way to get a panoramic view of Zion's famous cliffs.

Another fantastic way to experience Zion is on foot. You may have heard of Zion's most famous hike, Angel's Landing, a death-defying trail that winds over a narrow ridge to a precipitous, vertigo-inducing summit. This five-and-a-half-mile hike is certainly not for young children (physically fit teens who are not afraid of heights may be able to handle Angel's Landing), but there are plenty of other trails in the park that are well suited to families. Beyond hiking, activities available in and around the park that are appropriate for children and teens include horseback riding, biking, jeep tours, museums and movies.

Pool
Kids will love splashing around in the lodge's big outdoor pool, which is an especially welcome retreat after a long summer day of hiking in nearby Zion. Parents can take in stunning views of surrounding sandstone cliffs while lounging on the pool deck. There's a hot tub next to the pool, as well as several reclining chairs. Majestic View Lodge provides complimentary towels for use at the pool, so no need to pack extra. The pool is open seasonally.

North American Wildlife Museum
Located in the main building near the lobby, this impressive 3,000-square-foot museum is the perfect diversion for energetic kids on a rainy day. Grab a flyer at the museum's entrance, which provides information on the animals in the museum, and check out the diverse array wildlife on display. There are dozens of taxidermied creatures in the museum, from mountain goats to a very large bear. Bring a camera and shoot a photo of the kids in front of a wolf pack on the hunt or some gentle gazelles. Best of all, admission is free.

Arkansas Al's Steakhouse
You'll find one onsite restaurant at Majestic View Lodge, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kids' menus are available, and options for adults include burgers, salads and sandwiches for lunch and steak, seafood and pasta for dinner. Save room for dessert because they are homemade! The restaurant's best feature may be its spectacular views -- there are panoramic windows that offer glimpses of beautiful Utah scenery, plus an outdoor seating area.

Breakfast isn't included in room rates, which gives families the option to choose from a variety of restaurants located in Springdale, many of which are walking distance from the lodge or can be easily reached by free public shuttle.

All About the Extras
The friendly concierge at the front desk is willing and available to help families plan their vacations. The concierge will also provide information about the town and park shuttles, including time schedules and maps.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The Art of Smart Timing
You'll get the cheapest rates at Majestic View by traveling in the off-season during winter. The lodge offers discounts of 10 percent for AAA and AARP members, and members of the military.

Getting There
The closest airport is Las Vegas, about a three-hour drive from the southwest side of Zion National Park and Springdale. A smaller airport in St. George, Utah, is only an hour from the park. You'll need a car from either.

Getting Around
The Springdale Shuttle stops directly across the street from the lodge, and travels down Zion Park Boulevard, stopping at six restaurants, hotels and attractions in town, and, of course, the entrance to Zion National park -- and it's free! The shuttle operates from April through October, and runs as frequently as every six minutes. If you're traveling when the shuttle is in operation, your best option is to leave your car at the lodge and take the shuttle around town and into the park. Parking is limited in Springdale and at the entrance to Zion, and the shuttle is very convenient.

For Mom and Dad
Enjoy a glass of wine at the restaurant while you take in the majestic view.