We would prefer not staying over in Torrey in order to shorten the drive time to Monument Valley. Any recommendations for a place to stay in Hanksville and Mexican Hat?

I may be off the mark here, but Mexican Hat is so close to Monument Valley that I'd just try to go all the way to MV. The only advantage I can see to staying in Mexican Hat is to avoid the high prices at Goulding's.

hanksville is just 3 corners and a gas station. i would go on to mexican hat or gouldings. depends on from where you are coming.

After leaving Bryce, we had planned on staying over in Torrey or Hanksville. Torrey for the hotel selection, or Hanksville to shorten the drive to Monument Valley. Once there, we will probably stay over in Kayenta before continuing on to Moab, but I was curious about the San Juan Inn and the Burch Inn in Mexican Hat. That area will be the third week of of a four week trip so the budget eliminates Gouldings. My concern is more for lodging in Hanksville than the MV area.

Last May we stayed at the San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat. By looking at the other motels in Mexican Hat, I think we chose the best one. It was very neat and clean with a nice view of the San Juan River. Like you, I wasn't willing to pay the high price at Gouldings. The restaurant at the San Juan has the best food in the area, but like most tourist areas the food isn't too great for the price, but there aren't many other choices.

torrey is a tiny town with some nice motels. if you stay in torrey, you can take your time on the spectacular highway 12 from bryce. also may have time to go on the scenic drive into capitol reef natl. park and take a short hike into the reef. beautiful area.

ronkala,

We always camp, but I have noticed really nice new motels in Torrey and as seniormsued mentioned, Hansville, UT doesn't have much!

You will only save about 50 miles by going on to Hanksville. Leave Bryce, drive scenic Hwy 12 and take your time. Check into a motel in Torrey and then go see Capitol Reef National Park which is just a short drive from Torrey. The next morning it's will just be 180 miles to Mexican Hat. You will still have time to see Natural Bridges National Monument.

Utahtea

Mexican Hat has some extra personality. I think you have about 3 choices of where to stay. I can't recall but last November I stayed in the Motel next to the gas station. They also have a little restaurant. Hansville is smaller, less beautiful in my eyes, but has a fabulous rock shop. Ask Ernie or Shirley to point out the dino bones in the back shed. Awesome.I love Torrey too. Eat at the Capital Reef Inn and check out the petrified wood in the ladscaping.

Thanks for your help. The San Juan Inn looks good at its website and I'm leaning toward that. They also offer a ten percent senior discount. I found Austins Chuck Wagon Motel in Torrey on the web last night. It is new and also looks pretty good.

i stayed at the chuckwagon in torrey - nice motel and cabins under the trees. also stayed at capitol reef inn, comfortable, moderately priced. the capitol reef restaurant next door is very good, lots of vegetables, also fresh trout. they can pack a lunch for you to take on a reef hike. the owner is building an impressive kiva next door with the wonderful rocks in the area.

We stayed in both Mexican Hat and Torrey a couple of weeks back.
Mexican Hat Lodge (opposite a gas station) was $68 a night, incl tax. Eat outdoors at their steak house. Good 12 oz steak, beans, salad $16, beers $3. Coffee maker in room. Thin walls so up to your neighbours whether it's noisy.
Torrey: the Capitol Reef Inn, which was recommended in our Lonely Planet guide because of their café, but was full. Bolder View across the road is new and clean. Large rooms. Continental breakfast included in the rate of $52. Mixed feelings about eating at the Capitol Reef Inn. New Age atmosphere. Table and chairs on a slant. Salad and stir fry vegetables very good. Chicken sandwich nothing to write home about. Flask full of weak coffee. Chaotic and indifferent service, which I report on when asked when paying our $30, and the indifference is confirmed by lack on interest. Vegetables they understand, customers less so. I think they suffer from lack of competition.
If you're close to Mexican Hat PLEASE take Hwy 261 and the Moki Dugway. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Narrow gravel road with a 10% grade and sharp switchbacks. Great views over monument valley. Have fun.

Another alternative to Torrey is Bicknell. Make sure to make a stop at the Sun Glow Cafe for a piece of Pinto Bean Pie.

Blanding is also an alternative to Mexican Hat and offers more choices for lodging. There is a pretty good B & B in Blanding. (I forget the name, it's someting like Pete's Place.) Have fun.

Bicknell is in the wrong direction. The reason ronkala wanted to go to Hansville was to be closer to Mexican Hat.

Utahtea

* (Disclaimer) I would never pass up a chance for pie in Bicknell - even if I wasn't spending the night.

The name of the B&B in Blanding is The Rogers House Bed and Breakfast on Main Street. Blanding is about 90 miles away from Monument Valley. (Make sure you watch for cows on the road.)