It can be very hard to get a reservation here during the summer, but we were lucky and managed to get one mid-week and had to plan our travels to other destinations around that reservation. To be honest, our first choice would have been the resort that is right inside Monument Valley, but after trying for months to get a reservation, that one never happened. Other than these two options, I don't think there are any really great options in the area. Some of the neighboring towns are thought to NOT be very safe by some locals. There is also Mexican Hat to the north a ways, but we wanted to be right in (or near) the park - at least within sight! Goulding's Lodge is at most 10 minutes drive away from the park entrance, but it's in clear view - there are no buildings or anything in the way to obstruct veiws between the lodge and the beautiful monuments. If you like deserts and the lovely changing colors from morning to night, and deep orange-colored rocks, you will love the serene atmosphere of the whole area and Gouldings Lodge. All the rooms have spectacular views of the monuments 6 miles away. We took lots of great pictures from our room, both in the evening as the setting sun was shining its light on the monuments and then in the morning with the sun rising behind the monuments. I was really happy with our room - it was very clean and the furnishings were sturdy and nice quality, the carpet was very clean, and the bed was very good. It was also quiet and dark for sleeping. The grounds are fun to walk around, with lots of old memorabilia and an interesting museum and home of the original owners you can tour. We found their story fascinating! Monument Valley and Goulding's are feel very isolated and special. It's such a peaceful place. We did peak into the restaurant and were happy we had brought in our own food as the prices were very high and it didn't look like it had really good healthy choices for us. There might be a small grocery store at the campground, but you really have no other dining options nearby, so be prepared. Your are in the middle of "nowhere" here! The grounds are very old and sit against a giant cliff bottom, but the motel itself is newer and pretty modern. We loved the charm of the old house and grounds but appreciated a comfortable stay in our room. The small pool was nice for our daughter, too. Since it was summer time, it was very crowded at the pool. We loved hiking around Monument Valley and taking in the beauty and peacefulness. Our favorite time to see everything was in the evening about a couple of hours before sunset as the colors were amazing! We are glad we ended up staying at Goulding's rather than inside the park because Goulding's is probably just as nice and it gave us a chance to learn a lot of history and see the monuments from a different perspective, both near and far. We got the best of everything.

This hotel is a wonderful place to stay when visiting Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. It is in a good location to see the sites, with some beautiful views from the room balconies. The rooms are clean, decent size and reminded me of the motels of my childhood travels.

The restaurant was very good and had great service for our large group. The food was tasty and I loved that they served local food.

I would definitely stay here again if I'm in the area!

Gouldings is just outside Monument Valley. Its in a very rural area but is a nice place to stay. The room was clean and the beds very comfortable. The view off your balcony is one you'll love. I kept the drapes open so I could wake up to the sun rising over the monuments each morning. The staff there was very friendly and helpful. The only downfall for our entire stay was the smell of mildew in our room. It wasn't bad and once in the room you no longer noticed it but it was there to greet you each time you opened the door. I probably should have said something to the front desk but was too lazy. I would stay here again when in the area.

OK, it may not have the view of "The View," but the heritage and friendliness of the staff makes this still our number one choice in Monument Valley.

Goulding's is where it all began. You can almost feel the power of John Wayne and John Ford. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Rooms are just fine, comfortable, clean reasonably recently renovated and all with a view of the monuments.

The restaurant is another highlight. Great menu selection at reasonable rates. We ate there three nights in a row and never spent more than $25 for two persons. Special recommendation on the fry bread with green chile stew.

This was our first overnight trip down to Monument Valley since The View opened. We would always opt for Goulding's for the friendliness and cost savings.