Red Cliffs Lodge Moab Unveils Sweeping Renovation Along the Colorado River

Perched on the banks of the Colorado River and shadowed by towering red rock mesas, Red Cliffs Lodge Moab emerged from a property-wide transformation that touched nearly every corner of the Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors Collection property. The overhaul, which unfolded over much of the past year, encompassed a completely redesigned main lodge, a new signature restaurant and cocktail lounge called Ember, and refreshed accommodations across 40 creekside and 39 riverfront suites. The final phase, an overhaul of 31 riverfront cabins, is currently underway and slated for completion this month.

Interior architect Sormeh Rienne led the redesign of the public spaces, with Los Angeles-based Atwater Inc. Studio handling the guestrooms. Rienne's approach was deliberately landscape-driven. "From the moment guests enter the lobby, the desert is present," she said. "When designing the public spaces of this hotel, I let the desert lead. Framed views, natural materials, and a quiet palette rooted in the landscape creates a place that feels both expansive and grounded."

That philosophy is most visible in the reimagined main lodge, described as the epicenter of the retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Colorado River and the surrounding red-cliff mesas, offering sweeping views of moving water and nearby cliffs. A central double-sided fireplace anchors the room and creates a natural transition into Ember, the property's new restaurant and cocktail lounge adjacent to the main gathering space.

A retail area positioned across from the welcome desk stocks curated goods and art from local makers alongside toiletries, sweets, snacks, beverages, and grab-and-go selections. Beyond the lodge itself, partnerships with local outfitters give guests access to private guided dark sky tours at Arches National Park, air tours of Canyonlands National Park, and horseback trail rides through western movie sets. The property sits 20 miles from downtown Moab and serves as a gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands.

General manager Nicholas Fogarty framed the project as a deliberate balance between heritage and reinvention. "The reconceptualized Red Cliffs Lodge is a beautiful balance of the lodge's western roots and an enhanced experience for guests," he said. "We took care in celebrating its longstanding character while introducing a captivating design. We can't wait to introduce our guests to the latest iteration."

With the riverfront cabins nearing completion, the full vision of what the renovation set out to accomplish along this stretch of the Colorado is nearly in place.