We stayed in late December, when the rates are about 40% of peak season (not "off," mind you).
The place was sold-out, but we managed to find a spot in the parking lot. It was quiet, despite the throng. The office was closed, and an envelope with my name on it was taped to the front door. The key card was inside. I thought that was fantastic. For one thing, it implicitly communicates "we don't have crime here."
I found a heated laundry room (coin-op washer & dryer on site, for you rugged types). The rooms are simple, clean. The kitsch is cute, but basically it's a motel room. There's a fridge and a microwave, and plastic cups rather than glasses for your whisky.
The web site failed to mention that the restaurant was "closed for the season." That was a disappointment. But there are plenty of restaurants nearby, as the entire strip of road is for tourists. The owners are a family, as far as I could tell. They provided free coffee, espresso and latte to their guests in the "internet cafe," which is also the motel lobby. I enjoyed eavesdropping on and occasionally participating in the banter between the two attending desk persons, I assume sister and brother. She was especially sassy, mildly snarky in way that I thoroughly enjoy because it's definitively not Faceless Corporation.
I thought Pioneer Lodge would be a good stop on the Northeast-Southwest drive. On Google Maps it appears sit on a highway connecting I-15 and I-70. Here's the bad news: The road costs $25, even if you're not planning to hike, pan for gold, grill rattlesnakes, etc.
The view is amazing, and Zion's park entrance is spitting distance. I hope to return when the restaurant is open.
Internet was spotty because their wireless modem had not been fully enabled. I'm sure they fixed that problem once I'd explained it.
- Pioneer Hotel Springdale
