Sun-n-Sand Motel
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About
3.5
#3 of 7 motels in KanabLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
We are a older "drive right up to your door" Motel that provide clean, affordable lodging by the night or the week. We accept pets for small fee. All rooms have fridges and microwaves. We also have "family rooms" which have 3 beds and two rooms with big "kitchen" area with dining table, fridge & microwave. We have been American owned and operated since 1949. Thank you for reading and have a great day!!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Board games / puzzles
Books, DVDs, music for children
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Microwave
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quaint
Location
347 S 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741-3653
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 76 out of 100
76
Harry Reid International Airport
257.7 km•
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Detailed Reviews
Sun-n-Sand Motel, Kanab is an old motel and, looking closely, it is pretty decrepid, needing some TLC. Our room seemed to have the aircon connected to the rooms on either side so that if one room chose cold aircon the other two got it too! We had to move rooms which was allowed without fuss. Good parking is available and the motel's location is close to the town centre. There are more modern offerings in Kanab at competitive prices.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
But, it was fine. Check in was kind of weird. The key was beneath the floor mat of the room. Parking space is in front of your room. The room fit the bill. It provided a place to sleep and bathe. The room has a frig and a microwave. The pillows up against the head board smelled weird, so didn't use. The shower is small and functional (reminds me of European bathrooms). Check out was easy. I had to leave at 6am for Zion. There is a drop box for room keys and you're out. I would stay here again despite the shortcomings.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Towards the back would be quieter
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
With few alterations, the Sun-n-Sands Motel could be the set for a low-budget indie film, the kind that relies on clipped dialogue and quirkiness (think Harry Dean Stanton).
When our regular motel-of-choice in Kanab was unavailable, my friend Ulrich and I went searching for old neon (character, as he says)—and the Sun-n-Sands does offer that. We’d barely pulled into the parking area and exited the truck when Wayne came up, dressed like Alley Oop, and handed me a pan of freshly made vegetable soup and two spoons. Without realizing it, I was now part of the cast.
A few minutes later Wayne had a fire going in a portable metal pit in the courtyard, chunks of dry pine expertly laid out. The flames stayed low as smoke curled above the table and chairs set out for guests. Being mid-October, the night cooled quickly and the fire was welcome. We shared it with the motel’s owner, a silver-haired woman who’d been a nurse, and two men who, like us, were just traveling through the area. When was the last time you talked to other guests at a motel or hotel except to make perfunctory comments?
We eventually checked in, a process that went as smoothly as any I’ve had. Minimal paper work, maximum trust. “We don’t need your driver’s license number.” Wayne was well past unnecessary details. Been in the service, been around, knew what counts.
The room. Some here have said “wonderful” or “best bargain around,” others “disgusting” and “rather sleep in my car.” I don’t carry a pry bar to check behind wall panels, nor a magnifying glass to locate errant hairs. (My wife would tell you my tolerance for “low-budget” is far greater than hers.) If there’s an odor—any odor—I’ll move along to another place. Passing that test, I discovered the shower head only drooped when the water wasn’t on—turn the handle and it came to life with a fine spray, hot water at the ready. Sheets? Clean. Pillow? OK, but I’m not home. Sleep? Continuous and sound.
In the morning another cast member arrived to pick up mail at the office. He stays for extended periods whenever he’s in town. Wayne had doughnuts and coffee in the office, which rightfully earns my award for Most Outwardly Disorganized. But like Klinger in M*A*S*H, he knew where everything belonged. Yeah, the pastries came from the grocery, and the coffee was instant, but it’s what you expect in a no-frills movie.
The Big Question—would I stay at the Sun-n-Sands again (or recommend it to you)? No—but I don’t regret my night there. Yet quirky only goes so far, even for the adventurous. This is roll-of-the-dice accommodation. If you value impeccable cleanliness and efficiency, or are traveling with children, you’ll be happier spending a bit more elsewhere.
As a footnote, Wayne said he’d be moving along at the end of October. The motel was set to close for the winter then, for the first time in many years, and he and his wife were unsure of its future. We wished him well before hitting the road towards Page and another scene from our travels.
When our regular motel-of-choice in Kanab was unavailable, my friend Ulrich and I went searching for old neon (character, as he says)—and the Sun-n-Sands does offer that. We’d barely pulled into the parking area and exited the truck when Wayne came up, dressed like Alley Oop, and handed me a pan of freshly made vegetable soup and two spoons. Without realizing it, I was now part of the cast.
A few minutes later Wayne had a fire going in a portable metal pit in the courtyard, chunks of dry pine expertly laid out. The flames stayed low as smoke curled above the table and chairs set out for guests. Being mid-October, the night cooled quickly and the fire was welcome. We shared it with the motel’s owner, a silver-haired woman who’d been a nurse, and two men who, like us, were just traveling through the area. When was the last time you talked to other guests at a motel or hotel except to make perfunctory comments?
We eventually checked in, a process that went as smoothly as any I’ve had. Minimal paper work, maximum trust. “We don’t need your driver’s license number.” Wayne was well past unnecessary details. Been in the service, been around, knew what counts.
The room. Some here have said “wonderful” or “best bargain around,” others “disgusting” and “rather sleep in my car.” I don’t carry a pry bar to check behind wall panels, nor a magnifying glass to locate errant hairs. (My wife would tell you my tolerance for “low-budget” is far greater than hers.) If there’s an odor—any odor—I’ll move along to another place. Passing that test, I discovered the shower head only drooped when the water wasn’t on—turn the handle and it came to life with a fine spray, hot water at the ready. Sheets? Clean. Pillow? OK, but I’m not home. Sleep? Continuous and sound.
In the morning another cast member arrived to pick up mail at the office. He stays for extended periods whenever he’s in town. Wayne had doughnuts and coffee in the office, which rightfully earns my award for Most Outwardly Disorganized. But like Klinger in M*A*S*H, he knew where everything belonged. Yeah, the pastries came from the grocery, and the coffee was instant, but it’s what you expect in a no-frills movie.
The Big Question—would I stay at the Sun-n-Sands again (or recommend it to you)? No—but I don’t regret my night there. Yet quirky only goes so far, even for the adventurous. This is roll-of-the-dice accommodation. If you value impeccable cleanliness and efficiency, or are traveling with children, you’ll be happier spending a bit more elsewhere.
As a footnote, Wayne said he’d be moving along at the end of October. The motel was set to close for the winter then, for the first time in many years, and he and his wife were unsure of its future. We wished him well before hitting the road towards Page and another scene from our travels.
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Date of stay: October 2012Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arrived after dark and asked to see the room which we had booked for two nights. Owner was not pleased but gave us the key. The door did not reach top of frame - room smelled of stale cigarette smoke - no baseboards. We advised the owner we would stay only one night ; he became angry and ordered us off his property. By then there was no other vacancy in Kanab; we had to drive 1 1/2 hrs. to St. George where we found a wonderful hotel.
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Date of stay: September 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: If you must stay here, make sure you check the room so you know what you are getting
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DonandCassi M, Manager at Sun-n-Sand Motel
Responded Aug 23, 2016
LOL now that's just funny. I did not care that you needed to see the room. It was your better then everyone else attitude that got you asked to leave. Sorry but no one smokes in the rooms and have not for the 2 years we have been here so I don't see how it would smell like smoke. ( it is a nonsmoking Motel) I don't even know what you are talking about when you say the door does not fit the frame or no baseboards? There was nothing wrong with the rooms you looked at other then your attitude! Buy the way. I rented those rooms 4 min after you left to someone that was happy to take them. So why would I put up with the likes of you? Let's just face it, your wife did not like the look of this place and was giving you a hard time about it! If your wife wants the Ritzs but your to cheep to pay for it, that's on you buddy, not me!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is the type of motel that horror movies take place in. This is where Sam and Dean Winchester meet up with Demons and He'll hounds. Seriously. As soon as we drove up I was extremely wary. It could go either way, it's either a cutesy nostalgic motel or a rundown creepy motel. Unfortunately, I have to go with the latter. Upon entering the room I was shocked by how small it was, although two queen beds fit, there's not much. Yeah, there's a fridge and microwave but there's no way I would put any food in them. The remote didn't work for the TV, which did, however, have good cable TV. The room had a musty stink to it that you could smell right away. The wallpaper is peeling and the walls are dingy. The furniture is scuffed up but sturdy. Possibly the worst thing was that the deadbolt didn't work! While I know the people of Southern Utah are amazing and friendly, there's no way I trust anyone that much, especially not near a motel like this. We had to wedge a chair under the doorknob. Now on to the bathroom. The window was frosted/blurred like all bathroom windows but absolutely no curtain. I did my best to stay in the towel I laid on the floor but when I stepped off the floor was fairly tacky. The shower head was very low, which was just a big inconvenience. Some people may not have a huge problem with this stuff but for a price of 75 dollars I would have expected much more from this place.
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DonandCassi M, Manager at Sun-n-Sand Motel
Responded Jul 22, 2014
Thank you for your input. We work very hard to do what we can to make your stay a pleasant one. We have been managing the Sun N Sand Motel for three months now and have been remodeling rooms and trying to address the issues that need to be taken care of. Sorry we had not gotten to your room yet but we will... (The room that you had had comfortable beds and was very clean.) It would have been nice at the time of your stay to let use know what the problems were and we could have made things right for you or refunded you your money but without knowing what your concerns were, we can't help! Thanks again for your input. Management.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I booked this hotel only expecting a no-frills, reasonable place to stay for a couple days while we visited the National Parks. When we arrived, Steve, an affable gent who appears to be the only employee ever on duty, warned me the rooms were a little rough. But he promised that by next year everything will be freshened up.
He was indeed correct. Things are rough inside. Beyond sorely needing a remodel, the rooms are not very clean. So that's minus right there. The demerits don’t end there however. There was no free WIFI despite the sign proudly advertising it. There simply was no signal.
On morning one, We went for the advertised free continental breakfast at about 8 a.m. and there was nothing there. A half hour later, Steve showed up with a half dozen donuts, that were reasonably tasty. However that was literally the only choice. Not exactly a balanced and filling way to start the day.
Steve seemed somewhat surprised we were staying a second night. I got the impression it doesn't happen too often. However, there wasn't another place available for close the price (the one positive I can post). After a long day at the Grand Canyon we returned to find that our beds had not been made, there were no new towels, and the room had obviously not been touched.
For the second night, we shared the motel with several members of the Bandidos Motorcycle Gang. I overheard one of them say the place is a “real biker’s motel” as he sipped his beer in front of his room. A bit of research indicated the Bandidos are considered a criminal gang by the FBI.
I like to give credit where it is due, but unfortunately there just isn't a lot I can give this place. I can't fault Steve, the manager on duty. It appears that the owners have left him to hang in the wind without adequate support to run the motel to a bare minimum of acceptable service.
He was indeed correct. Things are rough inside. Beyond sorely needing a remodel, the rooms are not very clean. So that's minus right there. The demerits don’t end there however. There was no free WIFI despite the sign proudly advertising it. There simply was no signal.
On morning one, We went for the advertised free continental breakfast at about 8 a.m. and there was nothing there. A half hour later, Steve showed up with a half dozen donuts, that were reasonably tasty. However that was literally the only choice. Not exactly a balanced and filling way to start the day.
Steve seemed somewhat surprised we were staying a second night. I got the impression it doesn't happen too often. However, there wasn't another place available for close the price (the one positive I can post). After a long day at the Grand Canyon we returned to find that our beds had not been made, there were no new towels, and the room had obviously not been touched.
For the second night, we shared the motel with several members of the Bandidos Motorcycle Gang. I overheard one of them say the place is a “real biker’s motel” as he sipped his beer in front of his room. A bit of research indicated the Bandidos are considered a criminal gang by the FBI.
I like to give credit where it is due, but unfortunately there just isn't a lot I can give this place. I can't fault Steve, the manager on duty. It appears that the owners have left him to hang in the wind without adequate support to run the motel to a bare minimum of acceptable service.
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Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! I do not know who wrote the excellent reviews, but I think they got paid for it!!! For $9 more you could go across the street for a very well put together motel. Anyway, we walked into the office (2p.m.), which was filthy, unorganized, and the morning's breakfast stuff was still out. The mornings garbage was still out. The owner took a while to figure out he had company. He came from behind a curtain dressed in a knee length, filthy T-Shirt, barefoot. Given the look of the lobby, we asked to see the room. It took him 4-5 minutes to go looking for the key, yet never locating it. As we walked to the room, he discovered that the key was in the door!!! It was pretty clean, but filled with a mismatch of amenities, and very small. We were told it was the 'best room in the house'. When we shared that we did not think it would meet our needs, he became very rude and angry, asking why. He also threatened to still charge for the two nights. I could have understood the one night, but even then, we arrived at 2 p.m. and he had no cancellation policy. Anyway ..... just some background on this reviewer. I'm a school teacher, and know tight times. I am not snobbish at all. Frankly, I love quaint places to stay, and was looking forward to this experience based on what the reviewers had said. So I was very sad to find this to not meet the reviewers claims. I wish the owner the best and hope he can figure out that first impressions do matter. Again, the one across the street seems to know that Seriously, think again after reading the excellent reviews. Don't go there!!!!!
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Stay in many of the other towns motels.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I stayed here three nights ago. We were traveling very late and found ourselves in a pinch to get some sweet shut-eye. We called around and Sun-N-Sands was the cheapest rate in town. This place is not for the faint hearted who prefer the latest and greatest. For those who want so save a few bucks, don't mind a little wear and tear, and like to make friends (Wayne, the owner was VERY hospitable and enjoyable) then this is the place to be. We even left our pillows in the hotel accidentally and Wayne was very kind to mail them to our home.
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Date of stay: January 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Service
Room Tip: Wayne recommends the king sized beds, they are newer
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here while on a moving trip, and it stood out as the only hotel we contacted that treated us with courtesy on the phone. In person the manager was very courteous and accommodating and made us feel right at home. After days of driving, a little kindness went a really long way for us, and having breakfast taken care of the next morning before another long day of travel was a pleasure. We've purposefully gone back each time we've needed a place to stay while traveling through, and it has always been a positive experience. They went out of their way to accommodate a family member one night when weather and driving conditions delayed them well beyond the regular check-in deadline. It was such a relief to know that our family would be safe and cared for under challenging conditions. This is not a luxury resort or a chic bed and breakfast, but it is not advertised as such - it's a motel. We've slept just fine every time we've stayed, the service has always been great for us, and it's always been a great fit for our needs.
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I were very pleased with our stay here . We stayed in one of the remodeled which was quite nice and very clean. the managers Don and Cassi were very helpful and answered all my questions about the area . the fresh baked banana muffins and bread at the continental breakfast were special. a good value
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: call ahead and get a remodeled room
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You must not stay in very many places if you only rely on other peoples opinions.
Thanks for asking. Yes we would have a room for you, if you could please call us at 435-644-5050 or 1800-654-1868 anytime we would be more then happy to give you rates and availability. Thanks, Don
"I stayed toward the rear of the parking area away from the roadway, and noticed no noise throughout the night. I slept like a baby."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
C$91 - C$107 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sun-n-sands hotel kanab
LOCATION
United StatesUtahKanab
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sun-n-Sand Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Sun-n-Sand Motel?
Nearby attractions include Willow Canyon Outdoor (0.2 km), The Orderville Mine Rock Shop (0.2 km), and Kanab Art (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sun-n-Sand Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Sun-n-Sand Motel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Sun-n-Sand Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Wild Thyme Cafe, Vermillion 45, and Willow Canyon Outdoor Co. Gear, Books & Espresso.
Is Sun-n-Sand Motel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Kanab.
Are pets allowed at Sun-n-Sand Motel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Is Sun-n-Sand Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.