8 Native American-owned hotels for your next getaway
Editor's Note
From coast to coast in the U.S., there are incredible hotels and resorts owned by Indigenous people where you can spend your next vacation.
These locations go beyond those found near national parks and areas of pristine wilderness. These properties are owned and managed by Indigenous people across America, from members of the Seminole Tribe of South Florida to the Inupiat people of Alaska’s Arctic region, and many tribes and communities in between.
Come for the hospitality, the cultural education and a memorable vacation — this Native American Heritage Month, or any month.
Hotel Santa Fe, New Mexico
The only Native American-owned hotel property in the downtown portion of Santa Fe, Hotel Santa Fe is majority-owned by the Picuris Pueblo of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The hotel is not on sovereign lands but rather in the heart of the city. The tribe chose to build its resort here — instead of on the reservation — seeking to appeal to visitors as a meeting venue with close ties to Native culture.
The on-site restaurant, Amaya, incorporates Native food and ingredients (including bison and Pueblo cuisine) and offers guests a private seasonal dining experience in a tipi. The hotel’s hallways and rooms showcase Native American art from the tribe’s multimillion-dollar collection.
Make time for an energy work treatment at the hotel’s spa, which incorporates ingredients like white sage and wild pinon sap into therapies.
Rates start from $135 per night.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Florida
The Seminole Tribe of Florida made modern hospitality history in 2006 when it acquired Hard Rock International for just less than a billion dollars, marking one of the largest purchases ever by a Native American tribe.
The tribe owns and operates several hotels today, among which is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The property underwent $1.5 billion worth of renovations in 2019. The construction included the Guitar Hotel, shaped like the stringed instrument, where live music and light shows are regularly on the calendar.
The property has more than 1,200 guest rooms, an on-site casino and a sprawling spa where you can unwind with an indulgent treatment. While the resort is not on the beach, it’s done a good job creating a water-filled playground along an expanse stretching the length of three football fields. Guests can paddleboard, canoe and swim in a lagoon surrounded by cascading waterfalls and palms.
Rates start from $539 per night.
Cabins at Grand Canyon West, Arizona
Journey to the west entrance of the Grand Canyon to stay as guests of the Hualapai Tribe. The tribe wholly owns and manages the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation and its attractions within Grand Canyon West.
Those attractions include the best place to stay at the canyon’s west entrance: the Cabins at Grand Canyon West. It's a collection of cozy and rustic cabins within reach of all the beauty of the West Rim.
Some of the cabins can sleep up to six people, and all have porches where you can breathe in fresh air while soaking in the views. Spend your days floating down the Colorado River or checking out the Skywalk — a glass bridge that extends 70 feet out over the canyon — before returning to your cabin to relax under the starry night skies.
Rates start from $219 per night.
The Hualapai Tribe also owns Hualapai Lodge (rates from $149), another great base for exploring the western entrance of the Grand Canyon from the hotel’s location along the longest remaining stretch of historic Route 66.
Top of the World Hotel, Alaska
If you want to experience the intersection of Arctic wonders and Indigenous cultural learnings, there’s no place like the Top of the World Hotel in Utqiagvik, Alaska (the town formerly known as Barrow). A nonprofit organization representing roughly 13,000 Inupiat Alaska Native shareholders owns this remote property in the northernmost city of the U.S.
In addition to meeting the local Inupiat people and learning about their culture through drumming performances, hunting stories and other experiences, you can go on tours of the North Slope. You might even get to see the northern lights and polar bears in this very special place.
The hotel itself is simple, clean and comfortable. You’re really here for the incredible nature just outside the door and the opportunity to learn from the people who know this land best.
Rates start from $273 per night.
The Salish Lodge, Washington
Few Pacific Northwest lodges mix the ease of access from a major city (Seattle is just 30 minutes away) with the wilderness that awaits guests at the Salish Lodge & Spa. It's a spectacular Indigenous-owned property in Snoqualmie, Washington, that you might recognize from the early 1990s TV series “Twin Peaks.”
Owned by the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, the property has guest rooms that feel like true retreats; each has a gas fireplace, lavender and mint bath amenities, a copper kettle and pour-over coffee service, and a pillow menu to secure your best night’s sleep.
The scents of cedar and eucalyptus permeate the property’s award-winning timber and glass spa; its soaking pools, saunas and steam rooms might make you want to extend your vacation.
Rates start from $319 per night.
Cape Fox Lodge, Alaska
At the edge of the Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan, Alaska, the Alaska Native-owned Cape Fox Lodge is a sublime base for exploring Southeast Alaska. It allows travelers to experience the area in a deeper way than passing through on a cruise ship typically allows.
The hotel has a vast collection of Native artwork and artifacts on display; all rooms have either sea or mountain views and are spread across the main lodge and three detached lodges. The Tlingit tradition of hospitality is alive in the hotel’s main restaurant, where you can dig into Alaskan king crab and halibut as well as reindeer sausage and bison dishes.
Spend your days around Ketchikan touring nearby totem parks, scouting for wildlife or heading out on a fishing charter in the salmon capital of the world.
Rates start from $160 per night.
Pechanga Resort Casino, California
The Pechanga Band of Indians — a group of Luiseno Indians — owns and operates this 1,100-room resort which has one of the largest casino floors in California. Expect to find 200,000 square feet of gaming space that features more than 5,000 slot machines and 152 table games.
Near the Temecula Valley Wine Country, roughly an hour’s drive from San Diego and 90 minutes from Los Angeles, the Pechanga Resort Casino nods to its Native heritage throughout the property. There are cultural installations in the hotel’s lobby (grab a brochure from the concierge desk for a self-guided tour of each piece) and native botanicals incorporated into treatments in the property’s luxurious spa.
Even the resort’s on-site championship golf course nods to Native American history. At hole five along the gorgeous, links-style course that winds through natural canyons, you can see native Kichaa (homes) and a giant boulder with pockmarks worn into it from where Pechanga women once ground acorns for family meals.
For a more intimate stay five minutes from the main resort, sister property Temecula Creek Inn has just 127 rooms as well as an on-site vegetable and herb garden that’s a delight to tour.
Rates start from $189 per night.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, new Mexico
This resort sits on 550 acres of the Native American Santa Ana Pueblo Tamaya and showcases a unique partnership between Hyatt and the landowning Indigenous pueblo.
There are 350 spacious guest rooms that channel a modern Southwest aesthetic with wood and leather accents and Indigenous-inspired artworks. This property really shines in its creative daily programming and experiences, which provide a rich immersion into Native American culture as well as New Mexico's rugged landscapes.
Surrounded by the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Avid golfers can tee off at Twin Warriors Golf Club while equestrians can choose a horse from the on-site stables and explore the desert on horseback. Hikers and mountain bikers can hit the nearby trails.
Cultural immersion is a major focus here; classes such as dream catcher making, gourd painting and basket weaving, that are all geared toward families. Travelers looking to relax can indulge at the full-service spa, lounge by one of the pools (there are four) or talk to the concierge about arranging a wine tasting at one of the up-and-coming New Mexican wineries. There are also five restaurants serving regional specialities influenced by Native American and Hispanic cultures.
About a 20-minute drive from Albuquerque and 40 minutes from Santa Fe, there are plenty of cultural sites, world-class restaurants and art galleries within striking distance.
Rooms start at just $327 per night, or 9,000 World of Hyatt points.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.