I did the overnight experience in an Hogan. What a big mistake it was.
I booked this tour because I thought it would be great to see the monuments in both sunset and sunrise. Thanks to this company, I missed both.
First, he was obviously disapointed that I was alone in his tour, he did not bother exiting the car in most stops we made.
The first thing he told me was that it was cold and did not want to eat outside and that we would go to a "cantine". I did not mind that much so I said ok. This was in fact an empty room back in town (we had to leave the valley and come back to the hogan during the night).
One of the stops during the day is at the hogan you will sleep in so a lady can show you few ustensile Navajo used. This lasts about 5min and you are greatly encourage to give money (my guide basically told me: there is a box to put money here). Looking at the price we pay for this tour, I do not think this is ok to ask for more money playing on the old lady card, knowing that she does that for every tour and is part of the same clan etc... but why not...
The dinner is barely ok, they give you a taco with a burnt steak and some tea. Again, not really an issue if we were not paying so much.
The "European Breakfast" is a total joke as it consists of a banana and an orange juice given in the car. Again, paying 250$ for this is kind of bothering.
In the morning, the "tour" basically consists of taking you from the hogan to a place where you will watch the sunrise for 10min before leaving. I had specifically asked that we saw the sunrise on the monuments as I was alone in the tour and we did not see the sunset. My guide decided to take me to another place, which was ok but not what I wanted to see and what I asked... In the end, I told him i would prefer keep moving to the hotel so I could see it. We drove and had to stop at the bottom as the sun was already rising...ending in me seeing the sunset on the wrong side of one monument, the other being hidden in the back.
The night in the hogan is as expected and described, on a mattress with a sleeping bag. Nothing to complain about here, and the stargazing is quite amazing.
What I would do instead of this tour is book a night at the hotel where you would be able to see both sunset and sunrise and do a day tour with any company. That would be approximately the same price (or a lot less expensive if you are 2) and a lot better.
Réponse de l'hôte
Dec 2018
Thank you for your visit to beautiful Monument Valley and for taking the time to reach out and review our Navajo guided Hogan Overnight tour adventure.
We are disappointed in how you felt during this special experience of exploring our enchanting lands of the Navajo people.
As an apology, we would like to offer you a full refund of your money.
Please contact us directly at your earliest convenience, so that we can begin the refund process.
Thanks again and we look forward to hearing from you.