Book this if You want to wake up inside a postcard and don't care about luxury amenities.
Why People Love It
Unrivaled sunrise views from every single private balcony
The only hotel actually inside the Navajo Tribal Park
Stargazing from the 'StarView' top-floor rooms is world-class
Quick Take: You are paying for the view, not the room—expect a Holiday Inn experience at a Hilton price point.
Reviewed by @Mezjh: I couldn't believe my eyes when I stepped onto the balcony. The room was simple, but waking up to that panoramic view of the Mittens made me feel like I was on Mars. It’s the only place to stay right inside the park and totally worth it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
The location is unbeatable and the sunrise is worth every penny, but the food is overpriced and mediocre.
Reality check
Guests consistently complain about the restaurant serving bland food on disposable plates despite the high prices.
You are a photographer chasing the perfect sunrise
You want to drive the 17-mile loop before the crowds arrive
You appreciate silence and dark skies over luxury perks
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed dusting in corners.
Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Earthy tiles can feel dark; some reports of strong chemical smells.
Maintenance: Functional but showing age. Carpets and furniture feel like a mid-range motel from the 2000s.
Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality—clean and crisp, but not luxury thread counts.
Odors & scents: Often smells strongly of cleaning products or 'old building' mustiness.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Neighbors on balconies
Hallway noise due to thin doors
Before you book
Good to know
The $19.99 amenity fee includes a $20 voucher for the trading post (use it!)
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and lines can be long; arrive early to beat the rush
The hotel is 'dry'—bring your own non-alcoholic beverages as options are limited
What to pack
Wide-angle lens and tripod for sunrise/star photos
Cooler with snacks/drinks (restaurant hours and options are limited)
Cash for roadside jewelry stands and Navajo guides
Room Genie
Best picks
3rd Floor 'StarView' rooms for the best stargazing and slightly less obstructed views
1st Floor rooms for larger balconies and a more grounded feel
Rooms to avoid
Cabins if you want the absolute best view (hotel rooms are higher up and have better angles)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a 3rd-floor StarView room facing the Mittens for astrophotography, or a 1st-floor room if a larger balcony is available.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the park entry fee included?
No. You must pay the Navajo Tribal Park fee ($8/person or $20/vehicle) separately at the entry booth.
Can I buy alcohol at the hotel?
No. The entire Navajo Nation is a dry reservation. Alcohol is prohibited.
Is there a pool?
No. There is no pool or hot tub on the property.
How is the Wi-Fi?
Terrible in the rooms. You will likely need to sit in the lobby to get a connection.
Do all rooms have a view?
Yes, every single hotel room has a private balcony facing the Mittens.
Is the restaurant good?
It's convenient but often described as overpriced cafeteria-style food served on paper plates.
Insider Tips
✨
The $20 trading post voucher included in your amenity fee is use-it-or-lose-it; buy a souvenir immediately.
✨
1st-floor balconies are significantly deeper than upper floors, giving you more room to set up a tripod.
✨
You can drive the 17-mile scenic loop in your own car, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the rough patches.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Amenity Fee' is basically a forced gift shop purchase ($20 credit).
💡Breakfast is served on disposable styrofoam plates with plastic cutlery.
💡The smell of industrial disinfectant in the rooms can be overpowering for sensitive noses.
💡You can't see the sunset directly from the balconies (they face East for sunrise), but the colors on the rocks are still pretty.
💡The TV channel selection is extremely limited, often just a few local stations.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The View Hotel is located and what's nearby.