6 Best Hotels in Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah, Utah

A pleasant surprise in the woods, this lodge is surrounded by well-built, handcrafted log cabins with kitchenettes (some with wood-burning stoves) that face a private trout-stocked lake. The great restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from April to September; dinner might include buffalo, elk medallions, or wild trout with pasta. The lodge provides recreation services like boat and standup paddleboard rentals for the lake, bike and snowshoe rentals for the land, and horseback riding in the summer. Kids will enjoy their own private fishing pond. It's a pleasant spot for bird-watching, too.

Ample amenities, including one of the few indoor pools in the region, make this chain hotel a reliable choice. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, filled mostly with warm earth tones, and featuring convenient extras like a mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and desk. Suites and most king rooms have sofa beds, and there are kitchenette rooms available for only slightly more than a standard room.

Located blocks from all downtown attractions, this independent hotel is the best known lodging in Vernal and is perfect for families, with a pool to cool the kids down on hot days. The comfortable rooms are filled earth tones and shades of green and while most have two beds, family rooms can accommodate more sleepers. All rooms are also chock full of little extras, including a microwave, refrigerator, and Keurig coffeemaker, and a tiny dinosaur in the bathroom for little ones. A hot breakfast buffet is included in the room rate.

With motel rooms and condo-style suites, a good American-cuisine restaurant, and a store just a short drive from the water, this is a practical home base for enjoying Flaming Gorge. Most important to visitors, it also rents out boats and provides guided fishing services. For groups, there are many different room options available, including two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to nine people and include full kitchens.

This mom-and-pop motel is right in the heart of town and offers simple but updated rooms at a reasonable price. The location puts you close to eateries, shops, and the town's one-screen historic movie theater. The golf course is a short drive away too. The restaurant is one of the most popular in town and serves hearty American fare like steak, fried chicken, burgers, and homemade pies. The scones are also some of the best around.

A bright, lovely atrium is the stunning centerpiece of this reliable chain option, featuring comfy rooms with a long list of standard amenities (mini-refrigerator, microwave, desk, and more). Families will enjoy the indoor pool, and suites with kitchenettes are a great option for longer stays. Ask if one of the suites with a skylight is available. This is also a favorite stop for large groups and conventions, so make sure to book ahead. Both a steak house and a separate bar are on-site.