First off there are dozens of motels lining the main route to Bryce Canyon. The closer you are to…read moreBryce, the more expensive per night. Therefore, the fewer choices for non-monopolistic groceries, gas and amenities, like Ruby's.
Old Panguitch town is a leisurely 30 minute country drive to the park entrance. Close knit residents serve the town, hospitality, farming and ranching industries.
There are a few restaurants, Antique/Gift Shops, 2 grocers, and a Chevron Gas. Oh, you need to hit the State Liquor store if you want booze or Wine.
FYI 6/2021 They are currently building a new "Travel Lodge."
Managers/Owners David (Cowboy) and Chrissy are friendly, garrulous, accommodating and usually are found on property cleaning, improving or involved with local events. They have clearly assimilated to Utah from Texas.
When we arrived we were upgraded to an awesome kitchenette because we did not have TV cable in one room. Since we were hiking and riding, it was great to store beverages and prepare a few dinners comfortably.
The grounds are not manicured but clean. The Motel Rooms are rustic and thread-bare worn but they are clean enough for a couple of nights.
You might need to drop a few bucks at Joe's or Family Dollar if you want to cook a meal. I did and had fun figuring how to cook and serve a great family Bolognese pasta dish without tongs or a colander.
Are there certainly some things that could be improved: another mirror, mounted TV, bathroom layout, clean window treatments, new carpet, basic kitchen tools, a coat of paint, trimming sticking doors, recycling bins, rickety chairs, on and on and on.
However, this review of our personal expectations are realistic and tempered with locale, price, convenience and availability. I expected that this would not be the Ritz-Carleton in Paris, France.
We needed TP, a wine opener and suggestions beyond the park (Cedar Break) and they were welcoming to those who were as equally friendly and non-judgemental.
We don't know what else is out there, but you have our 2-cents for this little, safe and friendly place.