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Photo by Matt Kisiday courtesy Field Station
Nestled in the heart of Moab, Utah, Field Station is a unique new hospitality project offering an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfort and adventure. Created by AutoCamp, its sister company renowned for glamping in custom-designed Airstreams, Field Station is a newly renovated motel-turned-outdoor-centric hotel, setting the stage for a unique stay in the desert.
Field Station made its debut in April 2023—with plans for Joshua Tree to open in early 2024—after two years of meticulous renovation work by founder and CEO Neil DiPaola. The brand transformed an old Super 8 into a basecamp for nature lovers.
The result? A minimalist design adorned with outdoor-inspired artwork, furniture, and gear—created to inspire guests to get outdoors. Curious about the hype, we bunkered in for a night to experience Field Station's first-ever hotel in the quaint desert town.
Situated just minutes from the iconic Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Field Station offers a total of 139 rooms with a diverse range of accommodations, including king rooms, double queen bunk rooms, and even seven van life posts for travelers wanting to park their homes while still enjoying motel amenities like hot showers, WiFi, communal areas, guiding services, and rentals. There's a bike station for repairs, tune-ups, and cleaning. The lobby serves as a central hub for guests and the public to enjoy an open cafe surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the red rock formations.
On a recent visit, we stayed in a comfortable king room designed for two. Each king room features a spacious bed, an elongated bench with ample storage for gear, a small office table, a modern TV, and a simple bathroom with a vanity. The room is thoughtfully curated with outdoor-inspired details, such as adventure journals, Dometic electric coolers, and climbing rope for toilet rolls. A hang board above every bathroom door is an appreciated feature for the climbers among us. However, you won't find traditional hotel ammenity items like coffee makers or microwaves in the rooms—the idea is to encourage guests to get outside more, embrace the communal areas, and foster more human connection.
While rooms are spacious and comfy, the heart of Field Station lies in its bustling lobby, which feels more like an REI flagship store than a typical hotel foyer. Everywhere you turn, gear is on display, ready to help equip you for your next adventure, provide an awaited upgrade, or replace something forgotten at home. It's also a hangout spot, a hub, and a lounge, complete with an espresso bar, delicious food, craft beer, and wine. Whether grabbing a quick bite, planning our day at the map station, or simply unwinding with easy access to the outdoor patio, pool, and hot tub, the lobby became our go-to spot throughout our stay.
In Moab, Field Station is surrounded by world-class outdoor activities, including mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and rafting. The hotel offers guests personalized guided tours through local partners, access to events like film festivals, and community meetups, ensuring there's always something exciting to do. While we were there during the off-season when guided tours were limited, we opted for an evening hike in search of hidden arches nearby. With the help of Field Station's assistant GM, Stephen, and a peek at the "adventure desk" in the lobby, we found ourselves scrambling up small crevices through unmarked trails until we found what we came for: a private arch with no one in sight. The sun beamed a little brighter that evening until a rare blue moon took its place in illuminated the night sky. No complaints.
After our adventure, we explored the local scene, visiting the Desert Bistro, a charming restaurant known for its exceptional service and artisanal cuisine, before calling it a (long and well-enjoyed) day.
Even during our short visit, it was quickly apparent that Field Station strikes the perfect balance between affordability and comfort for adventure-seekers passing through. It caters to young families, groups of friends on bike trips, solo van lifers, first time hikers, and anyone else looking for a place to recharge. While it leans towards minimalism, the hotel provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, creating the ultimate all-in-one destination with easy access to the stunning natural wonders of the surrounding Moab area.
For a dose of comfort mixed with desert adventures, you can secure your stay by booking directly on the Field Station website. Rates start at $122 for hotel rooms and $29 for van life posts.
Published 09-26-2023
