The View Hotel, Monument Valley

Location

Located in Navajo Nation Tribal Park, the hotel has been designed to make the most of its unrivalled location with accommodation built in a banked salute to the sweeping desert. From it, take the 17-mile scenic drive that winds its way through the desert’s atmospheric dirt tracks as you look up in wonder at the eponymous sandstone ‘monuments’.

Accommodation

Unsurprisingly, the view from each room and accompanying private balcony is fantastic. However, with the valley far away from any sort of large civilisation, the top floor rooms deserve a special mention for their excellent stargazing opportunities. Additionally, for a bit of extra space, the ground floor rooms have larger balconies. For something a bit more intimate, the Premium Cabins come with private porches and are perched on the valley’s rim away from the hotel’s main building.

Dining

The hotel’s restaurant serves a menu that combines Navajo-inspired dishes with American favourites to a backdrop of – you guessed it – stunning valley views. Buffet breakfasts comprise a hearty selection of everything from bacon and eggs to pancakes, fruits and juices. Along with burgers, sandwiches and salads, the Navajo chefs dish up green chilli stews and blue-corn fry bread, drizzled with honey. Adjacent to the main restaurant, the View Express serves a selection of hot and cold food to go for those heading into the valley. Alcohol is not served in keeping with the reserve’s policies.

Facilities

Out of respect for the nearby indigenous population, for whom water is a precious commodity, the hotel doesn’t feature a pool. Instead, it’s focused on a variety of eco-friendly practices that also promote growth in the local area. Chefs use, wherever possible, organic, local produce including vegetables and herbs from the nearby Navajo high school while the building’s construction uses energy-efficient fixtures and fittings. Despite its remote location, the hotel offers complimentary WiFi and cable TV in the rooms.