Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [79]
Bryce View Lodge
991 S. Utah 63 (P.O. Box 64002), Bryce, UT 84764. ☎ 888/279-2304 or 435/834-5180. Fax 435/834-5181. www.bryceviewlodge.com. 160 units. A/C TV TEL. Summer $73–$93 double; rest of year $52–$72 double. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted.
This basic modern American motel gets our vote for the best combination of economy and location. It consists of four two-story buildings, set back from the road and grouped around a large parking lot and attractively landscaped area. Rooms are simple but comfortable, recently refurbished, and quiet. Guests have access to the amenities across the street at Best Western Ruby's Inn (see above).
Foster's
1150 Utah 12 (1½ miles west of the national park access road turnoff; P.O. Box 640010), Bryce, UT 84764. ☎ 435/834-5227. Fax 435/ 834-5304. www.fostersmotel.com. 52 units. A/C TV TEL. Summer $50 double; winter $35 double. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Clean and economical lodging is what you'll find at Foster's. A modular unit contains small rooms, each holding one queen-size or two double beds and decorated with posters showing scenery of the area; bathrooms have showers only. Also on the grounds are a restaurant (see "Where to Dine," below) and a grocery store (open daily 7am–10pm) with a rather nice bakery.
Where to Dine
INSIDE THE PARK
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Bryce Canyon National Park. ☎ 435/834-5361. www.brycecanyonlodge.com. Reservations required for dinner. Main courses $4.95–$10 breakfast and lunch, $13–$22 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6:30–10:30am, 11am–3:30pm, and 5:30–9:30pm. Closed Nov–Mar. AMERICAN.
We would come here just for the mountain-lodge atmosphere; the restaurant has two large stone fireplaces and large windows looking out on the park. But the food's good, too, and quite reasonably priced considering that this is the only real restaurant in the park. The menu is subject to change; at dinner it's likely to include house specialties such as garlic roasted pork loin with raspberry chipotle glaze, and grilled trout amandine. The menu also offers steaks, chicken, and several vegetarian selections. The lodge's specialty ice creams and desserts include the exotic (and very tasty) wild "Bryceberry" bread pudding. At lunch, you'll find sandwiches, salads, and other lighter items. Breakfast offers all the usual American standards and an excellent buffet. The restaurant offers full liquor service.
NEAR THE PARK
Bryce Canyon Pines
Utah 12, about 3 miles west of intersection with park entry road. ☎ 435/834-5441. www.brycecanyonmotel.com. Sandwiches $3.95– $8.95; full dinners $10–$20. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6:30am–9:30pm (may close earlier in spring and fall). Closed mid-Nov through Apr. AMERICAN.
A country cottage–style dining room, with an old wood stove and white eyelet-trimmed curtains, is a good setting for the wholesome American food here. Especially popular for its traditional breakfasts, the restaurant is also known for its homemade soups and pies. Both sandwiches and full dinners are available at lunch and dinner. Recommended are the hot sandwiches, the Utah trout, and the 8-ounce tenderloin steak. Beer and wine are available.
Canyon Diner/Picadilly Pizza
At Best Western Ruby's Inn, 1000 S. Utah 63, Bryce. ☎ 435/834-5341. www.rubysinn.com. Reservations not accepted. Menu items $3–$6.95; meals $5.50–$9.50. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6:30am–9:30pm. Closed Nov–Mar. AMERICAN.
This fast-food restaurant is a great place to fill up the kids without going broke. Breakfast, served until 11am, includes bagels and several egg croissants; for lunch and dinner, you can get hoagies, burgers, hot dogs, particularly good stuffed potatoes, fresh pizza, a broiled chicken sandwich, and salads. We especially recommend the Piccadilly (English-style) chips. Specialties include bratwurst with homemade sauerkraut and a halibut fish-and-chips