Goulding's Trading Post and Lodge

Monument Valley, Utah

Virgin rating

Hotel exterior, Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley, Utah, USA
Standard King, Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley, Utah, USA
Hotel exterior, Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley, Utah, USA
Run of House Double Room
Hotel exterior, Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley, Utah, USA
Standard King, Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley, Utah, USA
Hotel exterior, Goulding's Lodge, Monument Valley, Utah, USA
Run of House Double Room

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 (1572)
  • Very good (1519)
  • Average (574)
  • Poor (182)
  • Terrible (111)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Historic lodge in a very special location

Dec 8, 2023 chr_8 lb,il

I was here as part of a group tour and chose the tour partly based on the fact that Goulding's historic lodge was the accommodation in this locale. The rooms are standard but provide gorgeous views. I also thought that the onsite museum and gift shops were both very good. I did not eat here and in keeping with this location there is no alcohol… Read more
I was here as part of a group tour and chose the tour partly based on the fact that Goulding's historic lodge was the accommodation in this locale. The rooms are standard but provide gorgeous views. I also thought that the onsite museum and gift shops were both very good. I did not eat here and in keeping with this location there is no alcohol served on site. Others have mentioned the dogs which roam the property. They were of no bother and seem to be pretty well fed and added to the ambiance Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The view is breathtaking. The room was pretty nice too!

Nov 22, 2023 Tom R Dunnellon, Florida

We stayed for one night in late October. First off, the room was pleasant. Better decor than a chain hotel and, we felt, very clean. In fact, we watched as they cleaned the room next to us. ALL of the bedclothes including the sheets, blankets, pillows and bedspread were removed whenever a guest checked out. No germs here! But that isn’t… Read more
We stayed for one night in late October. First off, the room was pleasant. Better decor than a chain hotel and, we felt, very clean. In fact, we watched as they cleaned the room next to us. ALL of the bedclothes including the sheets, blankets, pillows and bedspread were removed whenever a guest checked out. No germs here! But that isn’t why we came here. The view was magnificent. We caught the sunset, moon rise and sunrise. All were spectacular. I look forward to returning. Next time we will stay longer. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Views but…..

Nov 21, 2023 Agale71

I must say the view is awesome! Having said that, there is a lot to be desired. We are here in November, my wife and I. I know it’s on the reservation but creature comforts like reliable Internet are not here. In today’s age, being connected is paramount. An argument can be made that you come here to unplug. I don’t have any children but… Read more
I must say the view is awesome! Having said that, there is a lot to be desired. We are here in November, my wife and I. I know it’s on the reservation but creature comforts like reliable Internet are not here. In today’s age, being connected is paramount. An argument can be made that you come here to unplug. I don’t have any children but today’s kids are using ipads and phones. The villa or cabin had basic needs met. A fridge and microwave. It’s heated and the hot water comes in the form of propane so don’t be shy to make sure you have a fresh propane tank. There are no blackout shades for the windows and you are facing East so prepare for the sun early. We brought a propane fire pit to keep warm outside during mid 40’s degrees and on the third and final night we’re told that we couldn’t have it. Simple rules could be posted online so we could have made a decision whether we wanted to stay inside all the time or just not stay here. The restaurant at the lodge, we ate breakfast at and immediately started feeling ill. Undercooked eggs and bacon that tasted terrible. Can’t believe I am saying bacon tasted terrible. Lastly, not really on the lodge, but a lot of attractions are not accessible by anything other than an SUV or truck. Wish they were a little more forthcoming on that. You do have the option to take a guided tour. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Take a Ride to the Stagecoach

Nov 20, 2023 304EJH Minnesota

Enjoyed a late lunch at the Stagecoach after touring Monument Valley. Friendly staff. Comfortable, casual and attractive atmosphere. Shared a Chicken Quesadilla and a side of Traditional Fry Bread. All very good and reasonably priced.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good base for exploring Monument Valley and surrounding area

Oct 31, 2023 mini6322 Coppell, Texas

Traveled with our 5 lb companion and stayed in one of the villas that included a kitchenette with a skyline view. We were on the back row up on the side with an unobstructed view (think 1400 or 400/4000) of a portion of Monument Valley. The setup was perfect - parking by front door, deck with table & chairs, laminated entry way & galley kitchen… Read more
Traveled with our 5 lb companion and stayed in one of the villas that included a kitchenette with a skyline view. We were on the back row up on the side with an unobstructed view (think 1400 or 400/4000) of a portion of Monument Valley. The setup was perfect - parking by front door, deck with table & chairs, laminated entry way & galley kitchen with small dinette table, sitting area w/ tv on wall, big bedroom in main room and a separate bathroom. Shout-out to the hotel and facilities staff as we had an issue with the drain in shower tub; a staff member was at the front door within 10 minutes and problem rectified shortly there after. Room was generally clean & fresh but could tell remnants of other dog(s) had been in the carpeted area. It is a bit dated though. Kitchen was supplied with 80% of the listed items but those items lacked we didn’t need for our stay; essentially used for coffee and a couple of meals. The Goulding’s location had an excellent onsite gas station, robust little general store and great washateria. Villas are within 10 minutes (straight shot thru roundabout) of the Monument Valley Tribal Park - easy to arrive before dawn. Glad we stayed here and would do so again should we return. Read less