There are a few options for places to stay in Monument Valley, so if you’re going to visit this incredible place, I recommend booking your hotel in advance. The best times to visit Monument Valley are at sunrise and sunset, so the closer you can stay to those times, the more you’ll enjoy this wonder of nature.
There are only two accommodations in Monument Valley, both with camping options, in addition to other hotels that are scattered throughout the nearby towns.
Where to stay in Monument Valley
We’d seen images of a campsite with incredible views of The Mittens and Merrick Butte, so we planned our west coast road trip to visit Monument Valley on the only day there was availability to camp there.
The Monument Valley campsite has amazing views, but if you’ve never camped, you can enjoy very similar views at the hotel next door, making it another great option.
Below you’ll find all the information you need to decide where to stay in Monument Valley:
Keep in mind that we traveled in summer, and even though we booked two months in advance, there were hardly any places to sleep in Monument Valley. So if you travel at peak tourist season, the first thing you have to do is book your hotel in Monument Valley (and your accommodation in Grand Canyon, which always fills up right away).
Where to stay in Monument Valley
Currently, there are only two hotels in Monument Valley, which means that empty rooms are difficult to find if you don’t book well in advance.
When traveling during peak tourist season, try to book 3 to 6 months in advance if you want to stay in one of the Monument Valley hotels.
The View, the best place to stay in Monument Valley
Due to the popularity of The View and the magnificent views from its rooms, it’s difficult to get a reservation if you book less than six months in advance. Its good location makes it the best option to stay in Monument Valley.
The View, the best place to stay in Monument Valley
In addition, The View has different accommodation options: bungalows, rooms with valley views, and rooms facing the parking lot, which are quite a bit cheaper.
You can choose to pay more for better views or save a little and see the views from the hotel rooftop.
The bungalows are a bit out of the way of the hotel, but they’re perfect if you’re looking for privacy. Even better, the views from the terrace are wonderful.
Goulding’s Lodge, another option to stay in Monument Valley
Goulding’s Lodge also has fantastic views, both from the rooms themselves and the cabins available to customers. It’s somewhat cheaper than The View, so it’s another very good option to stay in the Monument Valley.
Goulding’s Lodge, another option to stay in Monument Valley
Although it isn’t located within the valley itself, the fact that it’s less than two minutes away and has a better design and services than The View makes many travelers choose it as their first option.
Goulding’s Lodge was the center of operations for director John Ford when he filmed his films there. Natalie Wood and John Wayne even slept here while they were shooting the Westerns that made them famous.
Where to stay near Monument Valley
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Monument Valley, you can always stay somewhere in the vicinity. Here you’ll find some tips to get the cheapest hotels.
Below are more options for accommodation in Monument Valley. I’ve included the distance they are from the valley, so you’ll know how early you have to get up to see one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll see on the West Coast.
Kayenta, the best place to stay near Monument Valley
Kayenta is another option for you to book accommodation in Monument Valley. This town is about a 25-minute drive from the park and has all the amenities you’ll need.
The main advantage of staying in Kayenta is that you’ll be close enough to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend as well in case you don’t find a good place to stay in Page (a place that usually runs out of empty rooms during peak tourist season).
Kayenta, the best place to stay near Monument Valley
The downside is that there are only two accommodations in this town: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn, considered one of the best accommodations near Monument Valley, and Wetherill Inn, a great option if you’re looking for something a little cheaper.
Whichever you choose, book in advance if you want to find a room.
Mexican Hat, another place to sleep near Monument Valley
Want to know where to sleep near Monument Valley when the main hotels are full? Mexican Hat is located 20 miles north of Monument Valley, so it takes 30 minutes to get there. This small town is very popular for its famous Swinging Steaks, as well as for its inhabitants, who usually enjoy their beers in full cowboy regalia.
Mexican Hat, another place to sleep near Monument Valley
This is a town where you can experience the authentic Wild West essence and where it will be cheaper to spend the night compared to staying in Monument Valley. The only downside is that it only has two hotels: San Juan Inn and Hat Rock Inn.
Bluff, cheap accommodation in Monument Valley
I only recommend Bluff if you don’t have the desire or time to see the sunset or sunrise in the park, or if there’s no room available in Monument Valley. Note that it will take 45 minutes to get there, but in return, you’ll find the cheapest hotels in Monument Valley.
Bluff, cheap accommodation in Monument Valley
In addition, it’s one of the largest towns in the area, so there are quite a few options, which is ideal if you’ve left your Monument Valley hotel reservation for the last minute.
If you’re looking for the best value for money hotels in Monument Valley, Bluff is undoubtedly the best option. The most popular hotels are Desert Rose Resort & Cabins, Mokee Motel, Kokopelli Inn and La Posada Pintada.
Campsites in Monument Valley
It’s possible to camp in Monument Valley if you prefer a different experience. Our favorite is The View Campground, a different accommodation than The View Hotel, which I mentioned before.
It only has 30 sites, so we had to book well in advance. However, it’s worth it, since the views from there are impressive, and the facilities include a bathroom and kitchen. This makes it one of the best campsites in Monument Valley.
Campsites in Monument Valley
Also, if you ‘re going to rent an RV in the USA, there’s a parking lot for motorhomes.
Another option, if there are no pitches left, is the Goulding’s Lodge campsite, where you can camp for a cheaper price than The View.
And that’s it. Now that you know the best places to stay in Monument Valley, all you have to do is plan your trip to the Wild West.
Of course, remember that you have to be quick when deciding where to stay in Monument Valley. The hotels fill up quickly!
