I decided to stay at Cliff Dwellers Lodge (CDL) based on positive reviews on tripadvisor and we werent disappointed. It was Thanksgiving weekend and we spent 3.5 days exploring the numerous side canyons of the Colorado, including the Lees Ferry area, Lonely Dell Ranch hike into Pariah canyon etc - STUNNING SCENERY - make sure to catch dawn and sunset time - the sun's colors on the rocks/cliffs are amazing. The full moon was out and we also did a night hike which was eerily spectacular. I can also recommend hiking up the Soap Creek which is about half a mile east of the hotel - we walked along the creek bed (hopped, skipped and jumped over the tiny stream) early one morning and caught the first rays of the sun basking the cliffs in a brilliant gold/coppery color.

CDL has two sets of accommodations, older sandstone buildings (where we stayed) and on the same property they also have a newer motel building. The older rooms are VERY BASIC and it was with some hesitancy that we unpacked, but once we got settled in it was OK.

The breakfast and lunches on the on-site restaurant were good and dinner time was a huge treat. Their dinner time steaks, pasta's and specials such as duck were outstanding. They carry a wide variety of beers and a decent wine list. The day-time server took some time getting used to - she was somewhat unfriendly at first but after we have eaten there a few times she warmed up to us and even went to the trouble of taking one of my kids jackets to our room after he left it in the restaurant.

Their on-site store carry a wide variety of items needed by the trout fisherman and other general necessities, sodas, candy etc - store staff was knowledgable and friendly. The gas station was out of gas but there is another gas station 5 miles east.

All in all we had a very enjoyable time and once the kids are older we will return to do the full 5-6 day Pariah Canyon trail and make sure that we stay over and eat at CDL again.

We enjoyed 4 nights at Cliffdwellers Lodge as a base for exploring the area. Basic rooms but such a unique ambiance in the middle of nowhere in front of the Vermillion Cliffs, under the stars and around the corner from Lee's Ferry. After each busy day we relaxed on the restaurant deck and ate a delicious, really delicious, meal. The chef has created a good variety of yummy appetizers, salads and entrees, good wine and margaritas. The staff was very friendly.

I have to say that this was a great experience. The people, the surroundings were just beyond belief. I have stayed at many 5 star resorts in my time but for a place in the middle of nowhere the Cliff Dweller Lodge was just great. The people really care about how you feel and making your stay a wonderful time. I went they for the fishing at Lee’s Ferry and Lee’s Ferry Anglers made my time one of the most memorable. My Guide Natalie Jensen went above and beyond to make sure that I was into the fish. For someone that had not Fly fished in quite a while she taught me more about Fly-fishing than I could have ever learned in that short of time. I have to say that she knows that river well. The food and the service at the Cliff Dwellers restaurant was just great and the menu is not what you would expect for a place the middle of the desert. All the people there take the time to answer any questions that you may have and believe me I was a pest. Ted Welling and the staff at Lee’s Ferry Anglers are some of the most friendly people that I have met in a long time. Wendy Gunn owns the place and is always improving something to make you stay a lifetime experience. I met all types of people there, from all walks of life.
Again GREAT place, great people, that’s hard to find these days at any price.

Stayed here while taking a four week tour of the USA. OK, the rooms are basic, but so many other things make up for that: the restaurant and service is great; the stars and peaceful nights sleep, amazing; the location, perfect; oh, and you get a nice room balcony / terrace too. If you don't love it here, it's time to go home!