Goulding's Trading Post and Lodge

Monument Valley, Utah

Virgin rating

The hotel

A ‘get-away-from-it-all’ retreat, Goulding’s Lodge is seriously secluded. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be short of things to do. Its central spot in America’s ‘Grand Circle’ of national parks and monuments makes it an ideal motel-style base, with freebies like parking and WiFi. Opened as a lodge in the 1920s, movie crews soon flocked here to make Westerns in the surrounding Monument Valley, inspired by owner Harry Goulding: in fact, the likes of John Ford and John Wayne slept and ate here. Today, its museum’s filled with movie mementos, alongside reminders of its trading post and Navajo heritage. For a true taste of Navajo culture, there’s the gift shop’s rug room, and the Stagecoach Dining Room, where local Navajos rustle up home-style dishes – served with Monument Valley views.

Amenities

  • Swimming Pool
  • Families
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Near National Park
  • Restaurant

Where is it

In a central spot in the Grand Circle, which is filled with many of America’s most spectacular national parks and monuments, the hotel is 6 miles from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It’s also just a short walk from Goulding’s Grocery Store with DVD and game rentals*; and a laundry service*. Nearby is Goulding’s Gas Station, which has a food court and convenience store.

Hotel information

88 rooms and suites. All with individual climate control, flat screen TV with satellite channels, DVD player (Western-themed DVD rental available*), mini-fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, safe available at front desk, iron and board. Run of House Room features private balcony with a spectacular view of Monument Valley. They offer 1 king-size bed or 2 double/queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Hillside Suite are stand alone, located half a mile from the front desk with great panoramic views of Monument Valley. The master bedroom has 1 queen-size bed with an additional queen-size bed in the main living area. There's also a bathroom, kitchen, and a queen-size hide a bed, sleeping maximum 6 adults.

Stage Coach Dining Room (Navajo and American Southwestern menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner; due to Navajo Nation law, alcohol is not served). Heated indoor swimming pool. Outdoor sundeck (seasonal). Fitness room. Goulding’s Trading Post Museum (donations). Earth Spirit Theater. Tours of Monument Valley*. Western-themed selection DVD rental*. Complimentary WiFi and computer station with internet (accessibility variable due to remote location). Yellow Ribbon gift shop (authentic local arts and crafts). Coin laundry. Complimentary self-parking.

*Denotes local charge

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1577)
  • Very good (1522)
  • Average (577)
  • Poor (182)
  • Terrible (111)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not Bad

Mar 19, 2024 Monkeycritique Riverside, California

This was my second option from the only hotel inside Monument Valley. It’s not that far and still offered decent view of the buttes. I did book a cabin for this stay. The lodge was very clean and equipped with a kitchen so we were able to cook breakfast and ate what we wanted. The location had its own gas station and a grocery store. Makes it very… Read more
This was my second option from the only hotel inside Monument Valley. It’s not that far and still offered decent view of the buttes. I did book a cabin for this stay. The lodge was very clean and equipped with a kitchen so we were able to cook breakfast and ate what we wanted. The location had its own gas station and a grocery store. Makes it very convenient. Just be aware that the grocery store closes at 8pm. By the lodge lobby, there’s a restaurant but I wouldn’t eat there again. It’s best to cook your own food if you choose the cabin. From this location, you do have to drive to Monument Valley which is not far at all. Overall, I’m glad I chose to stay here. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stunning

Mar 8, 2024 stevemhall Rhoose, United Kingdom

Wow! We had one of the detached villas overlooking the desert. Absolutely stunning views. Villa was clean, comfortable, well equipped and quiet. Gouldings Lodge restaurant and supermarket an enjoyable walk or short drive away. Recommended.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic views, amenities & staff were great

Mar 4, 2024 laurawL6051TK West Midlands, United Kingdom

Rooms a little dated but very clean and comfortable, view was absolutely stunning and fantastic value for money. Super pleased with this short stay (1 night) it was safe, quiet and clean. Perfect for a short stay. Only other small catch is the pool is a lot smaller in person than they appear in the pictures online. Make sure you head up to the… Read more
Rooms a little dated but very clean and comfortable, view was absolutely stunning and fantastic value for money. Super pleased with this short stay (1 night) it was safe, quiet and clean. Perfect for a short stay. Only other small catch is the pool is a lot smaller in person than they appear in the pictures online. Make sure you head up to the Gouldings Arch trail from the campground too, stunning views everywhere you go here!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good value but nothing fancy!

Feb 17, 2024 John S Holland, Michigan

Beautiful cliff side location! All buildings are built against the cliffs with stunning effect. Nothing fancy, to be sure, but clean and serviceable. It has a 1940s historic vibe to it, and one can imagine movie stars of the day wandering thru the buildings! Good value!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bad experience

Feb 8, 2024 Arthurpaiva55

The experience I had in the hotel was terrible, i went to the hot pool and and the water was very cold and the restaurant waiter was rude all the time!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..