Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, United States, is celebrated as a highly pet-centric and welcoming establishment, earning it a Michelin Key selection. It stands out for its thoughtful design catering to both human and animal guests, with proceeds supporting the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary's mission.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating. Review scores often reach 9.6 and above, with particularly high marks for cleanliness (9.9), staff (9.9), comfort (9.8), and location (9.8). Guests frequently describe it as an "exceptional place to stay" and one of the "top hotels" they've experienced globally. It has also received awards such as the "Best Motel" by Best of State Utah in 2022 and 2023, and the "Travelers' Choice Award" from Tripadvisor in 2023 and 2024.

2. Key Highlights

The most prominent highlight is the hotel's unparalleled pet-friendliness, with no additional fees for up to four pets of any size, including dogs and cats. This includes a range of specialized amenities such as pet nooks with pull-out beds, a fenced dog park with a splash zone, and a complimentary pet washing station. Guests also appreciate the "marvelous introduction to the wonder of Best Friends" through the hotel's connection to the animal sanctuary. Other key highlights include the friendly and accommodating staff, the complimentary vegan continental breakfast, and the clean and beautifully styled rooms. The hotel also features an electric vehicle charging station and free on-site parking.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile are described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with thoughtful design catering to both humans and their furry companions. Standard rooms offer a choice of a king bed or one or two queen beds, typically around 360 sq ft. Each room features a sitting area separated by a slatted wall, and tiled bathrooms with an open vanity area, a separate toilet, and a shower, often utilizing sliding barn doors for privacy.

For pets, rooms are equipped with pet introduction doors to prevent them from slipping out, sleeping nooks, or comfortable slide-out pet beds right next to the human beds. Some rooms are even designated as "cats only" for felines who prefer not to share space with dogs. In-room amenities for humans include air conditioning, free WiFi, Bluetooth-capable HDTVs, Nespresso coffee makers, refrigerators, and convenient power and USB charging stations. Suites offer more space (490 sq ft or 721 sq ft) and may include kitchenettes with seating, a small refrigerator, cooking surface, and microwave.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a complimentary vegan continental breakfast daily, typically served in the Mercantile building between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Guests have praised the breakfast as a "great start to the day" and "plant-based and fresh." Coffee is also available earlier, starting at 6:30 a.m. The Mercantile also offers vegan grab-and-go food, drinks, and Best Friends-branded merchandise. Additionally, a stay at the Roadhouse includes two free all-you-can-eat vegan lunch buffet tickets for Angel Village Café at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional service and friendly, eager, and welcoming staff. Employees are noted for going "above and beyond to help" and being "delightful to talk with." The 24-hour front desk, private check-in and check-out, and housekeeping services further contribute to a convenient stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is conveniently located in the heart of Kanab, Utah, just five miles south of the renowned Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of the American Southwest, being close to major attractions like Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. Other nearby attractions include Moqui Cave, Temple of Sinawava Trail, Peek-A-Boo Gulch, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. The area also offers various dining and shopping options within walking distance. The motel is approximately 75 miles from Page Municipal Airport.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered "affordable luxury," the average price per room at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is around $180, which is noted to be higher than Kanab's city average of $115, but guests often find it offers exceptional value. Room prices have been observed to range from approximately $147.49 to $299, with variations depending on the season and day of the week. Pets stay for free, which is a significant value for travelers with animals. Parking and internet access are also complimentary. Best Friends members may also be eligible for reduced room rates.

8. Common Complaints

While overall sentiment is extremely positive, some potential areas for consideration, though not frequently cited as explicit complaints, include:

• A fee is charged for renting a crate if guests do not bring their own for pets left unattended in the room.
• Pets must remain on a leash in all common areas except the dog park, and guests are responsible for cleaning up pet waste to avoid additional cleaning fees.
• Cancellation policies involve charges for cancellations made within 30 days of arrival.
• Additional guests 16 years or older are charged $25 per night, beyond the single or double occupancy rate.

Sources

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