Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Whispering Sands Motel

2.5 star property
Eco-certified motel with 3 restaurants and free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Whispering Sands Motel

Reception
Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes
Reception
Exterior
Exterior
Whispering Sands Motel, near Mars Desert Research Center, offers an eco-friendly stay with convenient amenities: a grocery store, coffee shop, three dining options, and a deli. WiFi is available in all rooms for staying connected.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(43 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 King Bed

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Classic Room, 1 King Bed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, Accessible

Classic Room, Accessible | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Classic Room, Accessible

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Hanksville is home to Whispering Sands Motel. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park. Mars Desert Research Center is another place to visit that comes recommended. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water skiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing.
Visit our Hanksville travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in HanksvilleOpens in a new window
Map
90 South Highway 95, Hanksville, UT, 84734

What's nearby

  • North Caineville Mesa - 21 min drive - 18.6 miles
  • Capitol Reef National Park - 43 min drive - 37.5 miles
  • Behunin Cabin - 47 min drive - 40.2 miles
  • The Hickman Bridge Trail - 54 min drive - 45.2 miles
  • Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center - 58 min drive - 47.7 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Stan's Burger Shak - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Duke's Slickrock Grill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Outlaw’s Roost - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mowgli’s - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Blondies Eatery And Gift - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Whispering Sands Motel

Eco-certified motel
Located close to Mars Desert Research Center, Whispering Sands Motel provides free to-go breakfast, a grocery/convenience store, and a coffee shop/cafe. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 on-site restaurants. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a snack bar/deli.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Coffee/tea in the lobby, smoke-free premises, and a gift shop
  • A water dispenser
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with tubs or showers and free toiletries
  • 50-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Similar properties

Family Cabin, Multiple Beds | Private kitchen | Mini-fridge, microwave, electric kettle, toaster

Muddy Creek Mining Company

  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 148 reviews
Muddy Creek Mining Company

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free on-the-go breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 3 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages

Outdoors

  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 3 PM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Whispering Sands
Whispering Sands Hanksville
Whispering Sands Motel
Whispering Sands Motel Hanksville
Whispering Sands Hotel Hanksville
Whispering Sands Motel Hanksville, Utah
Whispering Sands Hanksville
Whispering Sands Motel Hanksville
Whispering Sands Motel Motel
Whispering Sands Motel Hanksville
Whispering Sands Motel Motel Hanksville

Frequently asked questions

Is Whispering Sands Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Whispering Sands Motel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Whispering Sands Motel?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Whispering Sands Motel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Whispering Sands Motel located?

Situated in Hanksville, this eco-certified motel is 7.3 mi (11.8 km) from Mars Desert Research Center and 29.1 mi (46.8 km) from Capitol Reef National Park.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Whispering Sands Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 585 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 296 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 1010 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Keven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, walking distance to good food, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, well appointed room, very comfortable, and very friendly receptionist.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Recent Renovated room, very clean. Comfortable bed. Enjoyed my stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is a great place to stay. Super comfortable bed and great staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice redone motor lodge in little Hanksville. Clean room and comfortable bed
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean plus there was an area for our group to sit and chat and enjoy the nighttime air
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was super friendly and helpful. Rooms were clean - beds were comfy-nice concrete walkway to sit outside and enjoy the evening.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really liked this hotel. Safe. Clean nice upgrades.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room good set up.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is in a tiny remote little town. It was very clean and the bed was very comfortable. They could have skimped and done less because there are few options to choose from. I would definitely recommend it if you’re exploring around the Hanksville area.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a laundry room and ice machine. Was clean and quiet. The front desk staff was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is a motel, but it is well maintained and the staff were so personable and helpful. The bed was comfortable and the room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For a little motel in the middle of nowhere it was great! Staff was nice, room was very clean and comfortable. The restaurants in town were good as well. Would definitely stay here again and recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kyla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel had the best bed and pillows ever! It was clean but a little dated. I don't like shag rug in a motel, so I never took my flipflops off at all. The lady at the front desk was helpful both times I needed to see her.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needed a place to stay for the night with laundry on the way to Moab. Laundry was very convenient here (uses quarters- $3 wash, $1 dry). There were some critters that we had to deal with in the room, but to be expected in the desert. Bed was comfy, but AC unit was loud (free sound machine, I guess?).
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large spacious room. Has been updated recently. Walking distance to 3 places to eat. 2 gas stations/stores. Multiple places nearby to hike.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice place clean and comfy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Enjoyed my stay at Whispering Sands

The accommodations were great, which felt like a big room and very comfortable stay, with parking right outside your room, and restaurants close by
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful country, nice town.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the quiet and friendly
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

tommy

👍
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Motel was very clean, nice check in person. Bed was too soft for our liking & too much light came into room from outside. Needed room darkening shades
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rossana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed at Wispering Sands during our motorcycle tour from Las Vegas through Utah and Colorado to Denver. The hotel is orqctically the only hotel option in Hanksville. It is clean, well located next to a full service gas station with a store and a burger restaurant, has amole parking and beautiful views. The rooms are recently renovated, very clean with comfy beds. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edit

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel was very clean, spacious. The staff was very nice and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A very nice clean room, comfortable bed and excellent A/C, important when it 102 degrees out.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.