A trip to Zion National Park later this fall is becoming a bit more affordable, courtesy of a special rate at Zion Lodge in honor of the park's centennial anniversary this year.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, which manages the Zion Lodge, is offering the “Zion-Tennial” $100 room rate Oct. 28 through Nov. 24, 2009 in celebration of the park’s 100th anniversary as part of the National Park System. The rate is available for single or double occupancy in the lodge’s standard rooms and does not include taxes. The rate is normally $159.35 per night. To leverage this rate, mention promotion code “100FOR100” when making reservations.

Zion was established as Mukuntuweap National Monument by President William Taft in 1909. In 1919 the monument was expanded and renamed Zion National Park. The National Park Service has commemorated the anniversary with various events throughout 2009.

Rates dip even more during the winter season at Zion, as the concessionaire is offering “Zion in Winter” and holiday packages this year. Here are the details:

From Dec. 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010, the Zion in Winter rate for a Sunday-through-Thursday stay is $89 for a standard room, $99 for a western cabin and $119 for a suite. On Fridays and Saturdays, the rate is $99 for a standard room, $109 for a western cabin and $129 for a suite. The western cabins will not be available for January through March as they undergo an interior remodel featuring new furniture and new hardwood flooring. The Zion in Winter package features breakfast for two each morning. The rates are $10 higher than weekend rates during the holiday periods of Dec. 23-30, 2009 and Feb. 12-14, 2010. The “Zion in Winter” rate is based on double occupancy and does not include taxes or gratuities. Each additional person in the room is $10 with breakfast available for purchase separately. This offer is not available on Dec. 31, 2009. Guests should mention the promotion code “WNTR” when making reservations.

Zion Lodge also offers its “New Year’s Eve Dinner Package” with overnight accommodations on Dec. 31, 2009, deluxe New Year’s Eve dinner and a special late-night reception to welcome the new year and breakfast on New Year’s Day. Rates begin at $156 plus tax and gratuities for two people in a standard room. Guests should reference the promotion code “NYE” for the New Year’s Eve package.

The Zion in Winter and New Year’s Eve offers can be booked online with the applicable promotion code or by following the link to the promotions page at www.zionlodge.com or by calling 1-303-29-PARKS (1-303-297-2757) or toll-free at 1-888-29-PARKS (1-888-297-2757).

Zion Lodge offers 81 rooms, 40 cabins, a restaurant, café and gift shop. The park is renowned for its sightseeing and hiking and is open year round. Most hiking trails are open throughout the winter.

To give you an idea of what the lodge and the cabins offer, check out the reviews that Jess Stryker has posted on his Historic Hotels & Lodges website: http://www.historic-hotels-lodges.com/utah/zion-lodge/zion-lodge.htm