When you’re visiting Moab, you’ll quickly learn there are two kinds of travelers: those who just need a clean bed after a day in the parks, and those who want a true home base with all the extras. I fall firmly in the second camp, and that’s why I booked the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton—and this Hoodoo Moab review explains exactly why. Spoiler: it was perfection.
If you’re building your Moab itinerary, you’ll also love my guide to Where to Stay in Moab: From Luxury to Budget, which compares options before choosing Hoodoo.
You cannot beat Hoodoo’s location. The hotel sits right in the heart of downtown, which meant I could walk to shops, restaurants, and the Moab Food Truck Park across the street (yes, I went there multiple times for sushi and gelato).
The convenience made it easy to split my days—hiking in Arches or Canyonlands in the morning, then strolling through boutiques like The Sundry and Moab Made in the evening without ever getting back in the car.
Walking into the lobby, it immediately felt warm and welcoming. The chandeliers caught my eye, along with the desert-inspired décor that nodded to Moab’s hiking and red rock vibe without being over the top. It was stylish but still felt true to the place.
Here’s the deal: if you stay at Hoodoo, book a casita. Seriously. It felt less like a hotel room and more like a vacation rental wrapped in Hilton service.
Our casita had:
Two bedrooms and two bathrooms (perfect since I was traveling with a friend—no bathroom-sharing drama).
A full kitchen with a big dining table (handy for snacks, coffee, and spreading out all my hiking gear).
A spacious living room with a sectional couch and electric fireplace.
Large TVs in every room (not that I watched much with Moab outside, but still).
Private parking right at the door—no lugging gear across a huge lot.
One bedroom had a king bed, the other two queens, plus the couch had a pullout, so it could easily fit a family. The only downside? Our room was upstairs. If I’d known, I would’ve requested ground level because, well, me and luggage don’t mix.
The bathrooms were big and smartly designed with plenty of hooks (a lifesaver for hanging my favorite travel bathroom caddies), large countertops for all the “stuff,” and showers that didn’t feel cramped.
Hoodoo has two pools:
A private casita pool just for casita guests—quiet and easy to access.
A larger resort pool in the middle of the property, surrounded by desert landscaping and mountain views.
The main pool had padded lounge chairs with umbrellas, a hot tub, waterfall features, and fountain jets. It felt lush but still very “Moab.” After long, hot days in the parks, this was exactly where I wanted to be.
If you’re staying at Hoodoo because it’s close to the parks, check out my Top 5 Stops in Arches National Park to help plan your day.
The hotel has its own restaurant, which I didn’t try, but I did eat at their sister spot, Pasta Jay’s, and loved it (hello, tortellone Alfredo and garlic bread trio). Based on that, I’d bet the Hoodoo restaurant is just as solid.
That said, one of Hoodoo’s best perks is that it’s walkable to downtown dining. I went to Antica Forma for wood-fired pizza, Thai Bella for curry, and Desert Bistro for upscale dining—all within minutes on foot.
Perfect Location: Downtown, walkable, close to everything.
Casita Comfort: Spacious, private, with full amenities.
Luxury Touches: Gorgeous pools, stylish décor, and thoughtful details like fireplaces and hooks (yes, hooks matter).
Great for Groups: With multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, and parking, casitas are ideal for families or friends.
Sure, you’ll find cheaper motels in Moab, but this is luxury that feels worth every dollar—especially if you’re here for more than a quick weekend.
Moab is all about adventure—hiking, biking, rafting, off-roading—but when the day is done, you want a comfortable place to crash. For me, the Hoodoo Hilton casita was more than that. It was the perfect home base: spacious, stylish, and just steps from downtown.
If you’re deciding where to stay in Moab and want luxury with convenience, this is it. Splurge on the casita, spend your afternoons at the pool, and let Moab’s red rock magic unfold right outside your door. For even more ideas to round out your trip, read my Spend a Weekend in Moab: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary before you go.
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Hundreds of motorcycles. Tweed suits. Tennessee roads.🏍️
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global charity event, classic and vintage bikes, dressed-up riders, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The bikes are stunning. The outfits are even better.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗 | @gentlemansride
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