Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase
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Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional Service:** The staff receives consistent praise for being "super friendly," "attentive," and going above and beyond to ensure a great stay.
Expert Review: Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase
Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase, a Michelin Key selected property, offers a distinctive luxury glamping experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest. This resort is highly praised for its unique concept, exceptional staff, and breathtaking natural setting.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as an "excellent," "wonderful," and "unique experience." It achieves an impressive 8.8 rating on Booking.com and a 19.3 out of 20 score from verified Michelin Guide guests, highlighting its high standards and thoughtful service. Many recommend it as a must-try for those seeking to disconnect in a beautiful way.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the property for several key aspects:
- Location & Views: Perched on a canyon rim plateau, the resort boasts sweeping views of Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It's also recognized as the world's first International DarkSky-certified resort, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
- Unique Glamping Experience: The concept of luxury tents with modern amenities is a significant draw, providing an elevated camping experience.
- Exceptional Service: The staff receives consistent praise for being "super friendly," "attentive," and going above and beyond to ensure a great stay.
- On-site Activities: The resort offers camp programming, including morning yoga, kids' activities, and access to an on-site slot canyon (Elephant Slot Canyon) for hiking. Nightly fires with complimentary s'mores and live music are also popular.
3. Room Quality
The accommodations at Under Canvas Lake Powell are luxurious, safari-inspired canvas tents set on elevated decks. Guests find the beds "super comfy" with plush king-size beds and luxury linens. Each tent is furnished by West Elm, featuring a mix of weathered raw wood, top-grain leather, and sleek metal accents, complementing the desert landscape.
Room types include Deluxe, Stargazer, and Suites, with options for adjacent kids' tents, accommodating families. All tents come with a private ensuite bathroom, which includes a hot shower (often pull-chain), a sink, and a flushing toilet. Wood-burning stoves are provided for warmth on cooler nights, with complimentary firewood. While electricity is not in the tents, USB battery packs are provided for charging devices, and portable fans are available.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Under Canvas Lake Powell is centered around "Embers," a café-style restaurant offering seasonal, adventure-fueling fare with vast canyon views.
- Breakfast: Hot breakfast items, including options like s'mores-inspired granola bowls and vanilla French toast, are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee. Professional cappuccinos and coffee are also highlighted.
- Dinner: Dinner is served between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, featuring American cuisine with vegetarian options, fresh salads, burgers, and vegan pasta dishes. Guests can enjoy dining al fresco with unparalleled views. Specialty cocktails, wine, and locally crafted beers are also offered.
- Other Options: Grab-and-go options like sandwiches, snacks, and parfaits are available for lunch or day trips. Nightly s'mores by the fire pit are a complimentary and beloved tradition. The food is generally considered good, though some guests have found it pricey.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Under Canvas Lake Powell consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently describe the staff as "the best thing about our stay," "super friendly," "helpful," and "attentive." They are noted for being accommodating, resourceful, and willing to go the extra mile, whether it's assisting with luggage, providing needed items, or helping with reservations. Guest experience coordinators are on-site to assist with arranging guided hikes and other activities.
6. Location & Accessibility
The resort's location is a significant highlight, offering a secluded yet accessible base for exploring the American Southwest.
- Natural Surroundings: It is perched on a canyon rim plateau with views of Lake Powell and borders the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It's also home to the on-site Elephant Slot Canyon.
- Nearby Attractions: The property provides easy access to major attractions like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon, and Lone Rock Beach.
- Proximity to Towns: While described as a "little far out of town," it's approximately 14 miles from the main Lake Powell Marina and within a 30-minute drive to Page, Arizona, and less than an hour to Kanab, Utah. Free parking is available on site.
7. Value & Pricing
While specific price ranges can vary by season and tent type, the experience at Under Canvas Lake Powell is generally considered an upscale glamping option. Some guests have noted that the overall comfort can be "quite limited" in regard to the high price paid, suggesting it can be "overpriced camping" for some expectations. However, many guests feel the unique experience, stunning location, and excellent service justify the cost. For instance, breakfast spreads are available daily from $10 to $20.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- Lack of In-Tent Electricity and Wi-Fi: Tents do not have traditional electrical outlets; instead, guests are provided with USB battery packs for charging devices. There is also no Wi-Fi directly in the tents or throughout the entire property, which some guests found disappointing given the price.
- Water Pressure and Temperature: Some guests have experienced low water pressure in the showers and limited hot water volume.
- Lack of Air Conditioning: Tents do not have AC, and while portable fans are provided, some guests found them insufficient during hot summer days. Misting systems are available in common areas but only operate until a certain time.
- Privacy and Proximity of Tents: A few guests felt the tents were too close to each other, lacking desired privacy.
- Dining Price vs. Quality: While generally good, some found the restaurant food to be expensive for the quality.
- Maintenance Issues: Isolated incidents like metal objects on private roads damaging tires and unaddressed calls for help have been reported. There have also been instances of rain leakage in some Stargazer tents.
- No Food in Tents Policy: The camp has a strict no food in tents policy.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- •Privacy and Proximity of Tents:** A few guests felt the tents were too close to each other, lacking desired privacy.
