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Review content:
Goulding's is quite a unique place--it's the only lodging in stunning Monument Valley just north of the Arizona border in Utah, inside the Navajo Nation. You've seen Monument Valley in countless John Ford/John Wayne westerns, and memorably in Thelma & Louise, but you really can't appreciate its impressive vistas until you visit. The Navajo Tribal Park with a rough dirt road through some of the most beautiful monuments is four miles down the road. Every room at Gouldings has a magnificent view of these very buttes, and is positioned ideally to see the sun rise over the monuments, which leaves one speechless as they are magnificently silhouetted in the backlight. Goulding's was established as a trading post in the 1920's, and that accounts for its continued presence in Navajoland. There is a casual restaurant (really the only one for 25 miles--nearest town is Kayenta) with the same great views as the hotel, a very nice but pricey trading post store with Navajo crafts and Monument Valley apparel, a theatre with a film about Monument Valley, a small museum, including history of filmmaking in the area, as well as a gas station, convenience store, laundromat, car wash, campground, medical clinic and tiny airport. This place is truly full service, and has to be since there is nothing more than a few houses in the desert for the next 25 miles. Hint: is your interested in Navajo crafts, browse the shop, but then check out the roadside stands throughout the Valley (most are on Hwy 163 right near Gouldings). There is more choice, better prices (and the ability to bargain), and you will very likely be buying directly from the artist who crafted the item, or someone in their family. A great place to visit! Room rates vary widely by season.
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