Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon offers a unique and upscale "glamping" experience, seamlessly blending outdoor adventure with luxurious comforts on a high alpine plateau near Bryce Canyon National Park. Selected by the Michelin Key, this property is lauded for its stunning natural setting, commitment to stargazing, and exceptional service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "unique experience" that often "exceeded expectations." Review platforms show high scores, with cleanliness, staff, and service often rated around 9.8 out of 10. While some acknowledge the premium pricing, the sentiment leans towards a highly enjoyable and memorable stay for those seeking a comfortable yet immersive nature retreat.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects:

• Glamping Concept: The safari-inspired luxury tents provide home comforts within an outdoor setting, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional camping.
• Location & Scenery: The property's proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park (just 15 minutes away) is a major draw, providing breathtaking views of mountains, red rocks, sunrises, and sunsets.
• Stargazing: As a DarkSky-certified resort, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is a prime location for experiencing incredible night skies, a feature particularly enhanced by Stargazer tents. Communal fire pits with s'mores sessions add to the evening magic.
• Staff & Service: The team is frequently praised for being friendly, helpful, exceptional, and eager to please.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the wood-burning stoves, comfortable beds, and communal activities like yoga classes and outdoor games.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations consist of 50 luxury canvas tents, including various suites and Stargazer options. Each tent is safari-inspired and designed for comfort, featuring:

• Beds: King-size beds with plush linens are standard, often described as very comfortable. Memory foam beds are also noted.
• En-suite Bathrooms: Most tents include private bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and showers, equipped with organic bath products.
• Climate Control: Wood-burning stoves with complimentary firewood ensure warmth on colder nights, and battery-powered fans are provided for warmer conditions. Hot water bottles are a beloved amenity for chilly mornings.
• Design & Features: Tents boast private decks, seating areas, and West Elm furnishings. Stargazer tents notably include sky-viewing windows for constellation spotting from bed.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Embers, offers a laid-back dining experience in a "fairylit tent" with an expansive terrace, featuring impressive sunset views.

• Cuisine: Dishes offer a Utah spin on classic American comfort food, prepared with locally inspired, seasonal ingredients.
• Breakfast: Available daily from 7 am to 10 am for a fee (typically $10-$20 per adult), with options like crispy bacon, eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. Some past guests, however, have reported issues with cold breakfast deliveries or limited options, such as being out of yogurt.
• Dinner: Served from 5 pm to 10 pm, with a rotating menu of chef specials.
• Other Options: Grab-and-go items like sandwiches, salads, and power bars are available for excursions. A coffee shop/cafe is on-site, with complimentary 24/7 coffee and tea in common areas. There's also a bar offering local beers, wines, and canned cocktails. Food is generally not allowed inside the tents.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon consistently receives high praise for their hospitality. Guests describe them as "amazing," "friendly," "helpful," "well-informed," and "exceptional." Guest experience coordinators are on hand to assist with recommendations and booking expert-guided adventures.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated on 700 to 750 acres of high-alpine juniper forest, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon offers a secluded yet convenient location.

• Proximity to Attractions: It is approximately a 15-minute drive from the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park. Other nearby attractions include Peekaboo Gulch (11 km) and Red Canyon (35 minutes drive).
• Transport: Free uncovered self-parking is available on-site. Major airports like Las Vegas (Nevada) or Salt Lake City (Utah) are approximately a 4-hour scenic drive away.
• Connectivity: Intentional for a "disconnect to reconnect" experience, there is generally no TV and limited to no Wi-Fi, along with limited cell phone service.

7. Value & Pricing

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is considered an upscale glamping experience. While it brings significant comfort to an outdoor setting, some guests perceive the pricing as high, stating it can be "overpriced for what it was." A two-night stay in August, for example, could cost around $741. It is a seasonal property, typically open from May to September.

It's important to note an approximate 9% resort fee, which covers services like parking, guest services, yoga classes, kids' activities, and evening s'mores. This fee, covering "complimentary" services, has been noted by some as "cringe-worthy."

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms include:

• Pricing: The most common complaint is the perception of being overpriced for the experience, particularly given that breakfast is not included in the room rate.
• Shower Mechanism: The pull-chain showers, while functional, can be inconvenient for washing hair, as the water only runs when the chain is held.
• Food Consistency: Although generally well-regarded, specific complaints about the dining experience include cold breakfast items and a limited dinner menu. One reviewer also noted a lack of availability for certain breakfast items.
• Mattress Comfort: One guest specifically mentioned an uncomfortable mattress that needed replacement.
• Lack of Amenities (Perception): Some guests accustomed to traditional hotels might find the lack of in-tent Wi-Fi, TV, or amenities like a pool (which is intentional for the glamping experience) as a drawback, especially considering the price.
• Cleanliness (Isolated Incident): One review mentioned issues with tent cleanliness, specifically hair in the shower and on sheets.

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