Kayenta Monument Valley Inn

While the Kayenta Monument Valley Inn has dated, worn exteriors, interiors have cozy, rustic common spaces with Native American-style art and rugs in vibrant colors and striking patterns. Natural light streams into reception, which has leather sofas for guests to relax on pre- and post-check-in. The property is popular with tour groups and international travelers who come to take in Monument Valley's spectacular landscape, and to visit the Grand Canyon and other nearby national parks. It also attracts some business travelers. The hotel's popularity is reflected in its restaurant -- diners waiting for tables typically spill into the lobby -- which is busiest at breakfast and, at times, hectic during dinner.

The Inn is located just off Route 160, the main thoroughfare that runs through the small town of Kayenta in the heart of the Navajo Nation Reservation. It’s next to a gas station and within a five-minute walk of several restaurants (mostly fast food chains), including a Burger King that oddly has a permanent exhibit on World War II Navajo Code Talkers. A grocery store and movie theater are six minutes away on foot. It's only a two-minute drive to Kayenta Airport, and the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitors Center is 30 minutes by car. It’s about a two-hour drive to Grand Canyon National Park, and a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Flagstaff and its airport. 

Guest rooms have been nicely updated with modern furniture and tasteful decor. They're a bit dark, but spacious, and although some buildings are older than others, units generally feature exposed brick walls, gold-patterned carpet, upholstered armchairs, and dark wood furniture. Some have balconies or patios that look out to the pool, or to the desert. Roomy bathrooms are a highlight, with wide vanities and lighted mirrors, and shower/tub combos. All units contain flat-screen TVs, desks, and coffeemakers, and there's free Wi-Fi and room service, but no mini-fridges.  The Doubles, Kings (some include sleeper sofas), and Family Suites benefit from the property's quiet setting, but some guests on the first floor have reported noise from above. Guests with mobility issues should note that there's no elevator to the second-floor rooms.  

The Kayenta Monument Valley Inn offers solid amenities, including a full-service restaurant with a menu offering American favorites and traditional Native American specialties. There's also a breakfast buffet for a fee. No alcohol is served due to Navajo tribal restrictions, but free coffee is available in the lobby. The fitness center is small but bright, with four pieces of cardio equipment, a weight-training machine, and free weights. The seasonal outdoor heated pool is surrounded by a nice brick patio, loungers, and a few tables.Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there's no charge to use the computer and printer in the lobby. Other amenities include room service, guest laundry, and free on-site parking. Pets are welcome in select rooms (fee), and there's a colorful gift shop that sells Native American art, pottery, and jewelry, as well as drinks, clothing, and other souvenirs. The hotel also offers tours of Monument Valley.