Summer in the Valley - 2009

Lobby

The Hotel has been open since the winter - and as the spring winds calm down, the summer heat sets in. Guests can now enjoy a cool oasis in the hot red desert and dine in comfort atop the mesa.

Rim Trail

Patio

Rim Trail

Monument Valley

2nd Story Lobby

Room Balcony

Open for Business

90 new rooms now overlook the old valley - Monument Valley is so old in fact that some of its rock layers predate land animals on earth - solid for half a billion years, the ancient dunes are slipping back into sand again as if right before our eyes.

Holiday in the Valley

A dusting of show sets off the VIEW under quiet sky and soft solstice sun.
This was a perfect day to celebrate the opening of the new restaurant and hotel - a venue for overnight party goers to explore and enjoy.

Race to The Finish

Final Element in Place overlooking the valley - the new dining facility will open by the first of the new year. It will serve as a multi-purpose space for the restaurant, hotel, and visitor center. There will be areas for Express Dining, Fine Dining, Buffet and Banquet Rooms, and the spaces can be combined for special events. The renovated 'VIEW Restaurant' will accommodate a variety of functions - from business retreats to weddings. The new add-on will serve foreign travelers, hotel guests, and offer local residents a spectacular gathering space to enjoy in groups or as individuals.

view of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Trading Post from the valley floor

Against all Odds

The Long Road to Monument Valley has offered many challenges and many rewards throughout this project. Every visitor will have a different idea of how it has succeeded and how it has failed. The local people have their opinions as well. They have exceeded all expectations in terms of their hospitality, sense of humor, and long standing patience with the many transgressions that the 'new comers' brought to the project. Overall it has been a great success. Of course it has a long way to go and will evolve in the years to come . . .

Cooperative Effort

The Hotel is Set to Open Soon but it could not have been completed if not for the cooperative efforts of Park Officials and Utility Company Representatives (NTUA). The infrastructure portion of this project was equal in cost and scope to the construction of the structures. It is with a deep sense of gratitude that the Hotel and Restaurant will welcome visitors from around the globe to showcase the extraordinary landscape and creative cultural traditions of the Navajo People

Final Touches

The Major Elements are in and done. Now it all comes down to the finishing touches. And there are a lot of them - from far afield. The final touches are all that stand between a construction site and a hotel that is open for business - where guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.

Monument Valley Celebration Day

It Was a Great Day for a celebration. The hotel is nearing its Grand Opening and the park is awash in sight seers and onlookers. The carpet is being installed and looks great!

Nearing Completion

Summer in the Valley - indeed
Temps have been hitting 100 dry degrees for weeks now and the trees would appreciate some water. The workers are about ready for some as well, but they've done a great job. Now all that remains to be done is some painting touch-ups, the asphalt paving, the 4-mile long underground electrical line, the new community-scaled water tank and state of the art water treatment system . . . we look forward to it all.

& check out that fireplace -

Summer in The Valley

Scaffolding is off - Stucco is on - Just in time for refreshing summer rains and long sunsets over the valley. The finish line is in sight - excitement is building for the grand opening.

Springtime in the Valley

After a Long Winter, it is finally springtime in the valley. The framing for the hotel is complete. Windows are in. Roof is on.
And the tourists have returned to find a new structure in the valley.
Though quite noticeable from below in its present form, the stucco color will match the red cliffs of the escarpment when the project is complete and the hotel will meld with its surroundings.

February 2008

Northern Arizona has experienced a cold winter - coldest in years! Mud and show have trapped many local people in their houses. Navajo Nation has declared a state of emergency!

Monument Valley, AZ - - -
Despite all this, the Hotel project is only about one to two weeks behind schedule - so when the weather gets better it will be catch up time in the Valley

Framing is about half completed and the project marches on.