BRYCE CANYON CITY – Ruby’s Inn, which offers the closest lodging to Bryce Canyon National Park, was hand-delivered a proclamation May 31 from Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s Chief of Staff, Justin Harding, in recognition of the lodge’s centennial.
At a ceremony held inside Ruby’s Inn, Harding read the proclamation wherein the governor lauded the vision of Reuben and Minnie Syrett, the couple who settled their family on a homestead 100 years ago near the entrance of what would become Bryce Canyon National Park.
The reading of the proclamation was an informal ceremony, said Lance Syrett, general manager of Ruby’s Inn, and one befitting the laidback lifestyle and genial atmosphere for which the inn is famous.
A portion of the proclamation read:
The renowned Western hospitality of Ruby’s Inn today is carried on by Ruby and Minnie’s grandchildren and great grandchildren who (re)built the lodge after a devastating fire in 1984, and extended and modernized the facilities to cater to the 1.5 million annual visitors from around the world.
From 1916 until Bryce Canyon became a national park in 1928, the Syretts provided hospitality for folks from around the state and the region drawn to the canyon’s awe-inspiring rock pinnacles and grand vistas. Since then, rooms have been added steadily, reaching a total of 694 across Ruby’s three properties at the edge of Bryce Canyon.
In recognition of the family’s efforts to promote tourism and hospitality in Southern Utah, the Syrett family was inducted into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame in 1985.
“It is such a thrill to receive this type of tribute from Governor Herbert,” Lance Syrett said. “My great grandpa was truly ahead of his time when it came to the tourism industry, and I am honored to be able to carry on a family business steeped in such a tradition.”
A century of success would not have been possible, Syrett said, without the many returning customers, longtime partnerships with vendors, the many people they work with and people like the governor who have supported and continue to support the vision of Ruby’s Inn.
Syrett said that his great grandpa Ruby had words inscribed on the fireplace of the original lodge that read “tell your friends about me.” The hospitality that was felt during those days traveled by word of mouth before the advent of modern communication technology.
Though word travels a little faster today, the same spirit of hospitality continues to exist at Ruby’s Inn, and they are grateful to their friends for the success of the inn, Syrett said.
As Ruby’s Inn continues to celebrate its centennial year, the historic hotel is offering travelers ways to save this summer with a special deal running from June 19 through July 8. Following their first night, visitors can get 30 percent off each additional night’s stay. This special also includes a free copy of the Bryce Canyon Auto and Hiking Guide.
About Ruby’s Inn
Since 1916, Ruby’s Inn has been making it easy for visitors from around the world to experience the epic scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park. Ruby’s Inn is located at the entrance to the park and offers the closest lodging with everything from luxury hotel rooms to RV parks and campgrounds. Ruby’s Inn is open year-round with a general store that provides fuel, groceries, camping gear, clothing and gifts. To plan your vacation, visit the Ruby’s Inn website or call 1-866-866-6616.
Resources
- For additional discounts off regular rates, visit the Ruby’s Inn website or call 1-866-866-6616.
- For more information on activities inside the park, visit the National Park Service’s Bryce Canyon website.
- For more information on activities at Ruby’s Inn, visit the Ruby’s Inn activities webpage.
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