You’re driving through northern Arizona. It’s hot. The red rocks are starting to look the same after four hours behind the wheel, and all you want is a clean bed and a shower that doesn't feel like a weak garden hose. This is where most people panic-book whatever is closest to the highway. But if you’re heading toward the slot canyons or the big lake, you’ve likely seen the Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell pop up on your map. It’s a staple. It’s also one of those places that people tend to overlook because it isn't a "luxury glamping resort" costing nine hundred dollars a night.
Honestly, that’s a mistake.
Page is a weird town. It was basically built to house the workers for the Glen Canyon Dam back in the fifties, and because of that, the layout is functional rather than aesthetic. The Clarion sits right in the middle of this high-desert hub. It isn't trying to be a five-star boutique experience, but it hits a sweet spot that seasoned road trippers actually care about: location, space, and a breakfast that doesn't taste like cardboard.
The Reality of Staying at Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell
When you pull into the parking lot, you notice the size. It’s a massive property. This matters because Page gets absolutely swamped in the summer. If you’ve ever tried to park a dually truck or a trailer near a smaller motel in the city center, you know the nightmare of tight turns. Here, you actually have breathing room.
The rooms are exactly what you’d expect from a mid-tier Choice Hotels property, but they’re notably larger than the newer "express" hotels nearby. You get that extra bit of floor space to explode your luggage, which is a godsend when you’re traveling with hiking gear, coolers, and half the dust from the Grand Canyon on your boots. Most rooms come with the standard kit: microwave, fridge, and Wi-Fi that actually stays connected when more than three people are using it.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a room on the second floor if you're a light sleeper. The walls are solid, but heavy-footed neighbors are a universal law of hospitality.
- Dining: You are walking distance to several local spots. El Tapatio is right there, and it’s basically a rite of passage for tourists in Page.
One thing people get wrong about the Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell is thinking it’s just a stopover. It’s actually positioned perfectly for "hub-and-spoke" travel. You can stay here for three nights and hit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and the Wahweap Marina without ever driving more than fifteen minutes. That saves a lot of gas and a lot of frustration.
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Breaking Down the Amenities
Let’s talk about the pool. It’s seasonal. In the Arizona summer, when the thermometer is hitting 105 degrees, that water is the only thing that matters. It’s an outdoor setup, and while it isn't a Las Vegas pool party, it’s clean.
Then there’s the breakfast. It’s included. Is it gourmet? No. But it’s hot, and there are waffles. In a town where a basic sit-down breakfast can easily run you twenty-five bucks per person once you include the tip, having that included in your room rate is a massive win for your budget.
Why the Location Wins Every Time
If you look at a map of Page, the Clarion is on N. Navajo Dr. This puts you right near the Safeway and the various tour operator offices. If you’ve booked a slot canyon tour—which you absolutely should do months in advance—you’re likely meeting your guide just a few blocks away.
Think about the logistics.
You wake up. Eat the hotel breakfast. Drive five minutes to the Antelope Canyon tour office. Do the tour. Come back, drop your dusty clothes in the room, and walk over to a local brewery for lunch. It’s efficient. Most people stay out at the Lake Powell resorts, which are beautiful, sure, but they’re expensive and a twenty-minute haul just to get a bag of ice or a decent taco. Staying in town at the Clarion gives you the convenience of civilization while being minutes away from some of the most alien landscapes on Earth.
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Navigating the Local "Must-Sees" from Your Base
Most guests at the Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell are there for one of three things.
- Antelope Canyon: Whether it's Upper, Lower, or Canyon X.
- Horseshoe Bend: The iconic meander of the Colorado River.
- Lake Powell: For boating, kayaking, or just staring at the blue water against red rocks.
What people don't tell you is that the "secret" spots are often better. Take Waterholes Canyon, for example. It requires a permit from the Navajo Nation, but it’s less crowded than Antelope. Or consider the New Wave trail—right behind the Glen Canyon Dam—which looks like the famous "Wave" but doesn't require a lottery win to see.
Addressing the "Aged" Reputation
Is the hotel brand new? No. Does it have some wear and tear? Yeah, it’s a high-traffic hotel in a desert environment. Sand gets everywhere. Wind rattles the windows occasionally. But there’s a level of maintenance here that stays ahead of the curve. The staff knows the area better than any AI-generated travel guide ever could. They can tell you exactly which boat ramp is currently open (since lake levels fluctuate) and which gas station has the cheapest diesel.
There's a sort of "honest" vibe to the place. It’s a hotel for people who actually like to travel, not just people who like to take photos of their hotel rooms. It’s comfortable. It’s predictable in a good way.
The Value Proposition
Let’s be real about the price. Page has become incredibly expensive over the last decade. Since Instagram turned Horseshoe Bend into a global sensation, hotel prices have spiked. The Clarion remains one of the more competitive options. You get the loyalty points if you’re a Choice Rewards member, and you get a level of reliability that the "budget" motels on the edge of town can't always guarantee.
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It’s about the peace of mind. Knowing your car is in a well-lit lot and your room is going to be cool when you walk in from a hike.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of your time at the Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell, don't just wing it. This region rewards people who have a plan.
- Book Your Tours Yesterday: If you show up in Page expecting to get a walk-in spot for Antelope Canyon, you’re going to be disappointed. Book at least three to four months out for peak season.
- The 6 AM Rule: If you’re visiting Horseshoe Bend, go at sunrise. Not only is the lighting better for photos, but you’ll beat the busloads of tourists who arrive by 9 AM. It’s a short drive from the hotel.
- Check the Lake Levels: If you're planning on bringing a boat, check the National Park Service (NPS) website for Glen Canyon. Ramps close and open based on the water, and it changes fast.
- Hydrate Beyond Water: The elevation and dry air will wreck you. Grab some electrolyte packets at the Safeway down the street from the Clarion.
- Eat Local: Skip the chains. BirdHouse is a local favorite for fried chicken, and State 48 Tavern is great for a burger and a beer after a long day of exploring.
The Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell isn't a destination in itself. It’s the support system for your adventure. It’s the place where you recharge, wash the red dust off your face, and plan the next day’s trek into the desert. When you factor in the proximity to the rim trails and the ease of access to the main highways, it remains one of the most logical choices for anyone doing the grand circle tour of the American Southwest.
Pack some extra sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. The desert doesn't care about your aesthetic, but it sure is pretty to look at.