The View opens Dec. 31

Face it, when you think about classic Cowboys-versus-Indians movies, Monument Valley is the scene — thanks to actor John Wayne and director John Ford — that comes to mind. And when it comes to booking a room in Monument Valley, Utah, it's all about the view.

Don't miss out: Plan on staying at The View, which is slated to open on Dec. 31. The new hotel, which edges a canyon rim, is the only lodging within the boundaries of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It lives up to its name, delivering mesmerizing and jaw-dropping sunset views over Monument Valley's iconic rock formations, the setting for so many classic Westerns.

The closest alternative lodging is Gouldings, a historic lodge and trading post that's just over 5 miles distant. It, too, provides sweeping sunset views of the monument-peppered desert made famous by director John Ford and actor John Wayne, but Goulding's views are less in your face. What Gouldings has is a museum on the property that celebrates the historic trading post and its role in bringing Hollywood to Monument Valley and a small theater that screens John Wayne flicks nightly.

The benefits of staying at The View include staying at a tribal property, being within the park, and views that are far less distant than those at Gouldings. But for fans of the Johns, Wayne and Ford, Gouldings can't be beat.

Either way, you can't go wrong. Prices are reasonable, especially this time of year, and the food available in the restaurants is abundant and good, but not fancy. If you visit, be sure to sample a Navajo taco, a yummy concoction made with fry bread topped with spiced beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.