🏨 Best Hotels in Monument Valley | Areas + Comparison + Map |

Where to Stay in Monument Valley: Quick Answer

If you don't feel like reading the whole post (though we do recommend it), here's a quick answer on the best accommodation in Monument Valley depending on your budget, the views, amenities you're looking for, and your itinerary:

• 🥇 The View Hotel or The View Cabins ➡️ The best place to stay for the best views of Monument Valley if your budget allows. Ideal for watching the sunrise and sunset.
• 🤑 The View Campground ➡️ The cheapest way to stay overnight in Monument Valley (for RVs and tents only).
• 🏆 Goulding's Lodge ➡️ The best balance of location, views, amenities, and price. Ideal for watching the sunrise and sunset.
• 👒 Mexican Hat Lodge (Mexican Hat) ➡️ Closest option if you continue your trip through Utah.
• 🏜️ Willow Street Cottages (Bluff) ➡️ Perfect place if you continue your trip through Utah and want to stay in a charming town and hotel.
• ⛽ Hampton Inn Kayenta (Kayenta) ➡️ Great option if you continue towards the Grand Canyon or Page and are looking for a nearby place with all the services.
• 😍 The Wesley Boutique Hotel (Page) ➡️ Choose it if you plan to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and don't mind driving a little farther.

💡 Recommended: Guide to Visiting Monument Valley | + Map and Tips |

Lodging in Monument Valley: Best Areas and Hotels

In this comparison table, you can see the best areas to stay in Monument Valley, including the park itself and its surroundings. Each option has its pros and cons, so we’ll go over them in more detail later to make sure you have all the information you need:

🥇 Hotels in Monument Valley

Staying inside Monument Valley is a dream for many visitors—it’s the best way to enjoy the scenery, since you truly feel like you’re part of it. We consider it the ideal choice if you’re not on a tight budget, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, if you want to watch the sunrise and sunset from your room, or if you want to gaze at the starry sky above the rock formations.

However, everything has its drawbacks, and in this case there are several:

• 💸Very high prices. If you want a room with view, prices start at $280 per night and can go as high as $420 depending on the type of room you choose—staying on the first floor isn’t the same as staying on the third, nor is staying in the hotel the same as staying in the cabins. Keep in mind that the prices you see initially on the website don’t include taxes; these are added at the end of the booking process.
• 📅Availability issues. No matter how exorbitant the prices are, lodging inside Monument Valley is always fully booked. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make your reservation months in advance if you want to stay here (we recommend 6 to 9 months).
• ❌There is no free cancellation. Canceling may cost you between 10% and 100% of the total price of your reservation, depending on how far in advance you cancel.
• 😑The staff isn't exactly friendly. Reviews note that, in general, the staff isn't very friendly—which is hard to understand given the high rates.

ℹ️ Staying inside Monument does not exempt you from paying the park admission fee.

The View Hotel Monument Valley

This 3-story concrete hotel is located in the heart of the park, next to the Visitor Center and The View Restaurant. Although it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing hotel in the world, nor is it the newest (the rooms are a bit outdated), the location is unbeatable.

BEST MONUMENT VALLEY TOUR

-What is included: local Navajo guide, famous overlooks, access to restricted areas and taxes

-Duration: 2.5 hrs

😉 Free cancellation up to 24 hrs in advance

BOOK IT HERE

When making a reservation, keep in mind that there are different types of rooms, and while some offer views of Monument Valley, others face the back of the building, so all you’ll see is the parking lot. Also, choosing a room on the ground floor (where the views are partial) isn’t the same as choosing one on the third floor (where the panoramic view is the best). As you can imagine, the price goes up as the views improve, but at least breakfast is included. 😊

In this case, the only way to make a reservation is through their website, since this hotel doesn't need to use booking platforms to stay fully booked.

The View Cabins Monument Valley

Located across from the parking lot and next to the campground are these wooden cabins, a more exclusive option than the hotel. The advantage of the cabins is that they’re nicer, larger, equipped with a kitchen, and each one has a private porch overlooking Monument Valley. What a luxury!

That said, there are several rows of cabins, and ideally you should choose one in the first row so that there aren't other cabins in front of you that might block your view. There are also some cabins located on the side, which makes the view a little less panoramic.

This is an even more expensive alternative than the hotel, but we think it's much better and more intimate. As in the previous case, reservations are made exclusively through their website.

The View Campground

If you have an RV, campervan, or tent, the cheapest option for staying inside Monument Valley is to camp at its campground. It’s located next to the cabins, and the best thing about it—as you can imagine—is the view.

This is a campground with very few amenities—there’s no water to fill your tank and no electrical hookups—but it does have shared restrooms and showers. There’s also no kitchen or barbecue area, though you can always go to The View Restaurant to eat. The maximum allowed vehicle length is 7.3 meters (24 ft).

The cost of the campsites is $64 for RVs and $42 for tents. It’s best to check in as early as possible to secure one of the campsites with the best view. And if you don’t have a tent but would like to stay here overnight, here’s a tip: buy one at Walmart—they’re very cheap, and their camping section has everything you need! 😉

🏆 Goulding's Lodge, the best place to stay in Monument Valley

Goulding's Lodge, located just 10 minutes from the entrance to Monument Valley, is in our opinion the best accommodation in Monument Valley for several reasons: location, views, history, and better prices than the options inside the park.

This place was founded in 1920, when Harry and Leone Goulding settled in Monument Valley to open a trading post, exchanging food and other goods with the local Navajo community for jewelry and handmade rugs. During the Great Depression, they traveled to Hollywood to promote Monument Valley, convincing John Ford to use this location for his films. Stagecoach was the first Western, but many more followed.

Here you can take the opportunity to visit the Goulding's Museum; admission is free, and it features photographs and artifacts from that era, in addition to preserving the old general store and other rooms. Next to it is the Earth Spirit Theater, where educational documentaries about the valley are screened every afternoon starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a John Wayne classic. And finally, there’s John Wayne’s Cabin, a stone house that appeared in several movies.

This lodging offers apartments, cabins with private porches, and double rooms with terrace, making it ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends alike. The views of Monument Valley, although they're not seen as close up, they're equally incredible. The property also features a pool, a restaurant, a gas station, and a campground.

If you want to watch the sunrise in Monument Valley, you can easily do so from here. However, if you’d like to get closer to the rock formations, you can drive up to the Visitor Center’s observation deck, since access remains open 24 hours to allow guests from the hotels inside to enter and exit the park.

👒 Mexican Hat, if you continue your trip through Utah

Mexican Hat is a small community located on the banks of the San Juan River that marks the border of the Navajo Nation. It’s a 25-minute drive from the entrance to Monument Valley, and we think it’s an ideal stop if you’re continuing your trip through Utah—for example, toward Moab to visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

In addition, Mexican Hat is very close to several tourist attractions, such as Forrest Gump Point (10 min), Mexican Hat Rock (5 min), Goosenecks State Park (10 min), and Valley of the Gods (10 min), so it’s also a perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore these spots before or after visiting Monument Valley.

The downside of Mexican Hat is that it's a very small town with few amenities, but you'll still find a few restaurants and gas stations. There isn't much variety in terms of hotels either, but these are our favorites:

Hat Rock Inn

This is one of the best hotels near Monument Valley for its location overlooking the river and for its outdoor pool and hot tub. The rooms, while not exceptionally luxurious, are decent and adequate for a pleasant stay, with comfortable beds and good cleanliness.

Mexican Hat Lodge

Although we personally prefer the previous hotel, this is a slightly more affordable option located right off the road, with fairly spacious rooms, some of which have been recently renovated. Next door is a steak restaurant, and across the street is a gas station with a 7-Eleven.

🌵 Bluff, ideal for more hotel options along your Utah road trip

Bluff is a picturesque town nestled among sandstone cliffs along the banks of the San Juan River, about 25 minutes from Mexican Hat and about 50 minutes from Monument Valley. Why choose Bluff over Mexican Hat? In our opinion, it has more character and offers a wider variety of high-quality hotels.

Bluff was founded in 1879 by a Mormon expedition that undertook a historic journey. They traveled along Hole-in-the-Rock Road until they reached the legendary Hole-in-the-Rock—one of the places to see in Escalante —which is an opening in the rock that descends toward the Colorado River. A total of 250 people, 83 wagons, and more than 1,000 head of cattle made their way down this path after spending months widening the passage so they could get through 😮 They finally reached the banks of the San Juan River, where they established the community of Bluff.

Bluff is a quiet place with charming accommodations and small restaurants, where you can explore the surrounding area through its hiking trails and discover its petroglyphs and rock formations.

Desert Rose Resort & Cabins

A beautiful wooden hotel with spacious, tastefully decorated rooms. You can choose from rooms for two to four people, as well as cabins with private porches. The setting is wonderful, and the hotel features very pleasant common areas, a heated pool, a hot tub, a gym, and breakfast is included.

Willow Street Cottages

Small, very cozy and intimate cottages, located in a quiet setting that’s perfect for stargazing at night. In addition to being beautiful and fully equipped (they even have a washer and dryer), the cleanliness, the owners’ friendliness, and the little touches they leave for you upon arrival—including cookies and coffee—really stand out. Everything is designed with the guest’s comfort in mind!

🛒 Kayenta, if you're looking for all the services

Kayenta is the closest town to Monument Valley that offers a wide range of hotels and services. It is located 30 minutes south of the park entrance and is the most populous city within the Navajo Nation.

Kayenta isn't particularly charming, but it can be a convenient place to stay to visit Monument Valley, since here you’ll not only find the cheapest gas in the area (we took the opportunity to fill up our tank), but you’ll also have a wide selection of restaurants, stores, and supermarkets—which is handy in such a remote area.

Kayenta is also the perfect place if, before or after visiting Monument Valley, you plan to visit Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forest National Park, or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Hampton Inn Kayenta

The best option in Kayenta is this hotel, which features spacious rooms, a pool, a breakfast buffet included in the price, a small fitness room, access to a washer and dryer, and a restaurant. It’s located in the heart of town, so you’ll find services just a few steps away.

Wetherill Inn

This motel is a more affordable option than the previous hotel. It’s located a little farther from downtown, so there aren’t any nearby services you can reach on foot. The facilities and rooms are a bit outdated, but it has an indoor pool, a terrace, and breakfast included in the price.

🚤 Page, to be close to other places to visit in Arizona

Page is the last area we recommend for finding hotels near Monument Valley. It’s true that it’s a 2-hour drive away, but it’s not a bad idea to stay here if your U.S. Southwest road trip continues visiting Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. In fact, the first time we traveled through this area, that’s exactly what we did, so we could get an early start the next day exploring the places to see in Page.

Page, thanks to its proximity to some of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the American Southwest, has plenty of lodging options even though it’s still a city in the middle of the desert. That’s why we’ve written an exclusive article on where to stay in Page—check it out if you want to go into more detail! Otherwise, here are our two top picks:

Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell

This American hotel chain is brand-new, with spacious rooms and very comfortable beds. It's quiet and includes breakfast in the rate, as well as a gym, an indoor pool, and a small hot tub.

It's located on US-89, right next to the Glen Dam overlook, so you won't have any trouble finding parking. If you want to go to downtown, it's only a 2-minute drive.

The Wesley Boutique Hotel

A newly renovated hotel located in downtown Page. Its modern and distinctive style has earned it the title of “the first boutique hotel in Page,” even though it’s actually the oldest hotel in the city, having been built by workers at Glen Dam. A blend of history and innovation!

Its rooms are beautifully decorated, its facade is covered with murals depicting Arizona, and it has a fairly large gym and a pool. It also offers free parking to guests.

Campgrounds in Monument Valley

If you're traveling along the U.S. Southwest in a rental campervan or RV, or if you're camping in a tent, then you'll be looking for campgrounds near Monument Valley.

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We've already introduced you to The View Campground, the only campground located within the tribal park. In case there's no availability there or you'd like to check out other campgrounds with views of Monument Valley, here's a comparison table so you can explore more alternatives:

Map of Hotels in Monument Valley

On this map, you can see all the hotels and campgrounds we've mentioned throughout the post, so you can easily locate them:

FAQs About Lodging in Monument Valley

What's the best hotel to stay at in Monument Valley?

If you want to stay overnight in Monument Valley and enjoy the best views, The View Cabins is the best option, although it's also the most expensive. The View Hotel is another option within the park, though it's not as picturesque or intimate. If you're looking for the best combination of views, amenities, and price, Goulding's Lodge is the best choice.

Are there any hotels in Monument Valley?

Yes, although the options are very limited. The View Hotel and The View Cabins are the only ones, which is why they are always full. It's a good idea to book well in advance, especially during peak season.

How far in advance should you book a hotel in Monument Valley?

Ideally, you should book 6–9 months in advance if you want to stay inside the park during peak season.

Is it worth staying in Monument Valley?

Yes, if Monument Valley is a special place for you. Staying overnight in the park allows you to enjoy the scenery at a much more leisurely pace and experience special moments, such as sunset and sunrise, without having to travel from a nearby town. Of course, this experience usually comes at a higher price.

Is it better to stay at The View or at Goulding's Lodge?

It depends on the kind of experience you're looking for. The View is best if you want to experience Monument Valley to the fullest, although it's a more expensive option. Goulding's Lodge is more affordable and also offers views, more amenities, different room types, and is a historic site.

Where should you stay to watch the sunrise in Monument Valley?

Inside the park is the most convenient option since you don't have to travel anywhere; you can even see it from some rooms! You can also watch it from Goulding's Lodge and if you want closer views, you can drive to the Visitor Center, which is less than 10 minutes away.

How many nights should you spend in Monument Valley?

One night is enough and is the norm for most itineraries.

How much does it cost to stay overnight in Monument Valley?

Prices can vary considerably depending on the time of year, availability, type of accommodation, and location. The price for staying inside the park starts at $280 per night, but rooms with better views are more expensive. There are more affordable options in the surrounding area.

Is camping allowed in Monument Valley?

Yes, but only in the campground that is inside Monument Valley—The View Campground—and it’s the most affordable option for staying there. There are other options in the surrounding area.

We hope this post has helped you choose your lodging in Monument Valley!