Meet the new La Quinta Inn & Suites team.
SHONTO, Ariz. - After years of planning, challenges, and perseverance, the La Quinta Inn & Suites Shonto by Wyndham officially opened its doors at 1:07 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2026, marking a major milestone for the Shonto community and the Navajo Nation hospitality industry.
The opening came after final inspections were completed, operational systems were integrated, brand requirements were finalized, and approval documents were signed. The La Quinta inspection team gave the facility its approval, allowing guests to begin checking in.
Overcoming obstacles and bringing the hotel up to par were the goals for General Manager Marcy Smith-Williams.
"It has been an adventure getting this hotel open," Smith-Williams said. "The community is so happy to hear that this place is open."
The hotel currently employs 20 staff members, creating new employment opportunities in the area.
"Twenty jobs are now in the community that weren't here before," said Ashley Bailey-Bonner, Operations Manager for Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise (NNHE). "People who were commuting an hour and a half to work now have this."
According to Smith-Williams, the hotel has not only created jobs but also opportunities for employees to develop new skills and pursue careers in hospitality.
"It is nice to give them that trait to motivate them to move into the hospitality field," she said. "We have staff who want to learn different roles in each department and understand how to run a hotel. Young staff are learning maintenance, how to program and repair doors, and how to maintain the pool. They're learning new skills and feeling good about themselves."
For many employees, the opportunity means much more than a paycheck.
"The big takeaway is that they are able to feed their families," Smith-Williams said. "Some have not been working for years because there are no jobs, and they don't want to leave their home area because of elder and family responsibilities."
According to Bailey-Bonner, the hotel represents an important first step toward future economic development in the Shonto community.
"Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise is the operator of this hotel," Bailey-Bonner said. "We're happy to be the steppingstone for people to get their foot into the hospitality industry. Any skills we can impart on them is a big deal."
"We hope this helps build Shonto," Bailey-Bonner said. "We're hoping to build a restaurant and more businesses to make it another destination."
The hotel's opening follows a lengthy period of uncertainty.
Smith-Williams said, “When we started here, the transition and the journey, from a company prior to NNHE, then the hotel sat for a year and a half, and we wondered if it was ever going to open, with the thought of this building sitting here with a fence around it.”
She recalled numerous technical and maintenance challenges that had to be addressed before the facility could welcome guests.
"Eventually, things started opening up and coming into place," she said. "There were a lot of prayers, effort, and involvement from the community."
Smith-Williams credited the staff for helping bring the project across the finish line.
"The right team members were here to open this building," she said. "They are strong people with heart and ambition. They don't give up. They were fighters.” Smith-Williams described the process as a huge puzzle.
Despite the challenges, she viewed the accomplishment as a deeply rewarding moment.
"This is bittersweet for us because we invested time, emotion, strength, and prayers into this building," Smith-Williams said.
Bailey-Bonner expressed gratitude to numerous individuals and organizations whose support helped make the project possible, including the Navajo Nation Department of Economic Development, President Buu Nygren, members of the Navajo Nation Council, NTUA, and chapter officials.
"We wouldn't be here if the legislation hadn't gone through and if everyone who supported it had not done so," she said. "Shonto Chapter officials did so much to keep the hotel in good condition while it sat vacant."
The team also thanked Delegate Herman Daniels and Delegate Casey Allen Johnson for their support throughout the process. Bailey-Bonner and Smith-Williams noted that the hotel's opening was the result of the efforts of many individuals and organizations and thanked everyone who helped make a successful opening.
Beyond its economic impact, the hotel showcases local culture and artistry. A prominent mosaic mural in the lobby features the work of internationally recognized Navajo artist Shonto Begay, while additional artwork from local artists has been incorporated throughout the property.
"We're lucky to have Shonto Begay's art," Bailey-Bonner said. "We've hand-selected all the art in the lobby to showcase the community and the culture. We hope to purchase more and continue building a collection."
Smith-Williams noted that artists Elizabeth Whitethorne-Benally, Edward Whitethorne, and Allen Bahe have also contributed artwork to the hotel.
"We know there are a lot of artists here in the Shonto area," she said. "This place is beautiful. You can see why people who live here are artists."
Both hotel officials believe Shonto's natural beauty and cultural richness will help attract visitors.
"The landscape is gorgeous," Smith-Williams said. "The location is secluded, which makes the hotel even more special because the land around it is untouched. There are no corporate buildings or skyscrapers outside your window. A lot of the landscape around the premises is natural. This property has a prime view."
Bailey-Bonner envisions the hotel serving as a catalyst for increased tourism and future businesses such as restaurants and art galleries.
"We can build upon this so more tourism can come through here, and that money can go back into the community," she said. "Tourism is so important."
According to Smith-Williams, Shonto's greatest asset is its people.
"Shonto is special because of the artists, the people, and the community," she said. "Residents are proud of who they are. They are humble, deep-rooted people eager to share their stories, traditions, and heritage." She adds, “Medicine men come in and give us their side of the stories, and we have church-going community members that give us their side of the stories.”
Visitors can expect more than just a place to stay, Bailey-Bonner said.
"Guests will experience friendly staff willing to share their knowledge and culture," she said. "They can expect clean rooms, comfortable beds, great food from our breakfast staff, a clean pool, and a safe place to stop. Guests can expect a comfortable stay that feels like a home away from home."
The hotel also offers a fitness center and an electric vehicle charging station among its guest amenities.
Guests will also enjoy breathtaking sunsets, peaceful nights, and occasional sightings of wild horses across the surrounding landscape.
"You don't get that serenity anywhere else," Bailey-Bonner said.
