Fletcho

Family of five will be visiting Monument Valley in June and I'm looking for a place near there to stay. Nothing fancy required -- just clean and safe. Not sure that Gouldings Lodge is available during my visit. Any other suggestions within short drive? If it helps, I'll be coming up from Kayenta and moving on toward Four Corners area in the next couple of days. Thanks!

utahtea

Kayenta has lodging and will be close by.

Utahtea

Fletcho

How close? Mapquest says it's about 30 miles but 1 1/2 hours.

dwooddon

The only way its 90 minutes to MV from Kayenta is if the highway is blocked for 60 minutes. It's an easy drive of about 30 minutes or a bit less.

pianogirl

We stayed at Goulding's lodge (I think thats the name) when we were there about 6 years ago. The hotel is right in Monument Valley and we saw a beautiful sunrise from our room. From what I remember the rooms were basic and its the only place to stay actually in Monument valley.

utahtea

It's about 25 miles and about 40 minutes. It's an easy drive. I can't imagine why Mapquest would say 1 1/2 hours.

Utahtea

dwooddon

Utahtea and her husband make it from Kayenta to Monument Valley in 40 minutes. I make the same trip in slightly less than 30 minutes. Utahtea and her husband drive a motorhome. I drive a Pontiac Grand Prix. Enough said?

utahtea

Hey dwooddon...how fast could you drive if you got stuck behind us and non stop traffic coming the other direction! ;-)LOL!!!!

Utahtea

dwooddon

Utahtea: So you were the one!

gwburk

Our family of five stayed in Kayenta at the Best Western in 2003. Nice indoor pool and small convenience store located down the hill in back. I believe it cost around $100 a night, but if you are like us you will stay only 2 nights max. There was a good cafe called Golden Sands Restaurant right next door for burgers, etc.. What a scene it was driving into town with the wind and sand blowing everywhere. 30 minutes to the valley.
Have a good time.

desertduds

I can't imagine staying anywhere but Goulding's and taking their tour...after all, how often are you going there, why not be right where you need to be to take in the splendor.

Krissie

Gouldings was booked for our trip in April so we are staying at Mexican Hat Lodge - pictures don't look much but check out the great reviews on Trip Advisor. About 22 miles past MV so not far.

laurieb_nyny

We stayed at the Anasazi Inn in Kayenta. Alot chaper than the Best Western & Holiday Inn (?) (could have been a Hampton) also in Kayenta. No pool though. Perfectly fine for 1 or 2 nights. Picturesque scenery behind the motel. Very good Navajo restaurant there.

While in MV, book your sightseeing tour with Simpsons Trailhandlers (you will get alot of + feedback if you search them on Fodors). Ask for Richard (owners brother). Best $100 I ever spent. The Gouldings tour is with 30 other folks; Simpsons is just your family.

ronkala

Krissie we stayed at the Mexican Hat Lodge last October and it was fine. It was also a short drive to the Valley.

Krissie

Thanks ronkala - I can't wait!

Krissie

lbaboyd

Approaching MV from Mexican Hat gives you a good view of MV that you don't get approaching from Kayenta. But I'd keep trying to get a room at Gouldings Lodge (I believe all rooms are two doubles) -- the view especially at sunrise is priceless. Staying in Kayenta or Mexican Hat can't come close to the same experience! If you're in Kayenta, check out their McDonald's. It's pretty plush for a MD - with TV's and scenic decorations.

martinewezel

We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Kayenta. Only 20 min from MV. The hotel is ok, but the staff was unpleasant.We are not demanding at all, but this was the first hotel in the US where we had a bad experience.
I'd suggest Goulding's Lodge instead of a hotel in Kayenta. Kayenta is a very dull and depressing town.