Wedged between the Arizona Strip to the west, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the north, and the Navajo Reservation to the east and south, Page is the largest community close to Lake Powell and offers travelers a variety of places to stay and eat. The town overlooks Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam; the large Wahweap Resort and Marina lies just six miles away.

Hotels

Nearly all Page motels lie on or near Lake Powell Boulevard/Highway 89L, a 3.25-mile loop that branches off the main highway. Page is a busy place in summer, however, and a call ahead is a good idea if you don't want to chase around town looking for vacancies. Almost every chain motel has a outlet in Page; the selections below are the best of those, plus some only-in-Page options you should check out. Expect to pay top dollar for views of the lake. The summer rates listed here drop in winter (Nov.-Mar.).

In a way, the most appealing lodgings are in the small apartments-turned-motels on and around 8th Avenue (a.k.a. the Historic Avenue of Hotels), a quiet residential area two blocks off Lake Powell Boulevard. These apartments date back to 1958-1959, when they housed supervisors and foremen for the dam. One such place is Bashful Bob's Motel (750 S. Navajo Dr., 928/645-3919, www.bashfulbobsmotel.com, $39), a great little budget place with simple two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchenettes.

Debbie's Hide A Way (117 8th Ave., 928/645-1224, www.debbieshideaway.com, $39 and up) is another place with a personal touch; there's a quiet garden in back and you have a choice of rooms with shared bath and kitchen (from $39) or private suites (up to $159).

Page Boy Motel (150 N. Lake Powell Blvd., 928/645-2416, $77 and up) offers an attractive courtyard swimming pool. Another updated motel with a fun and upbeat vibe on the historic hotel avenue is Lulu's Sleep Ezze (105 8th Ave., 928/608-0273 or 800/553-6211, www.lulussleepezzemotel.com, $95 and up, cash discount), with clean basic rooms and a gracious owner/hostess.

Canyon Colors Bed and Breakfast (225 S. Navajo Dr., 928/645-5979 or 800/536-2530, www.canyon-country.com/colors, $95) has a pool, patio, and fireplaces.

Lake Powell Day's Inn and Suites (961 N. Hwy. 89, 928/645-2800 or 877/525-3769, www.daysinn.net, $119 and up) lies on the south edge of town beside U.S. 89, with an outdoor pool and spa. Courtyard by Marriott (600 Clubhouse Dr., 928/645-5000 or 800/321-2211, $189) offers views, a restaurant, a pool, a spa, an exercise room, and an adjacent 18-hole golf course.

While Page has some charming funky, older motels, it's also near one of the most exclusive resorts in Utah. If you're really looking to splurge and have plenty of spare room on your credit card, consider a stay at Amangiri (1 Kayenta Rd., Canyon Point, 435/675-3999 or 877/695-3999, www.amanresorts.com/amangiri, $850 and up), newly opened and part of the famed Aman resort chain. Facilities include a top-of-the-line spa and restaurant and sumptuous lodging plus extravagant recreational options such as boating and archaeological tours, trips on hot air balloons, and guided canyoneering.

Restaurants

Dam Bar and Grill (644 N. Navajo Dr. 928/645-2161, 5-11 p.m. nightly, $8-25), in the Dam Plaza, serves up steak, barbecue, seafood, pasta, and sandwiches daily; it also has a sports bar.

Fiesta Mexicana (201 S. Lake Powell Blvd., 928/645-3999, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., $8-15) is a friendly little Mexican place (and here in Arizona, it's easy to get a margarita).