Recapture Lodge

Stayed here just one night after getting our car horribly stuck in mud while doing fieldwork--after spending 4 hours digging it out, we had to turn back and find somewhere to stay in a nearby town (nearby being a relative term...), so it was nearly 10pm by the time we made it to Bluff and the Recapture Lodge. Jim was incredibly sweet--we hadn't even called ahead (the place we were planning to stay at wasn't open, but we saw the Lodge and crossed our fingers), and despite the late hour and our bedraggled (probably stinky) appearance, he was quite nice and got our room taken care of right then and there! The room was rustic, clean, and a godsend after the experience we'd had. Incredible water pressure in the shower. The next morning, Jim was so kind as to let us use a hose on his property to wash the mud from our clothes and boots! And once he heard we were doing botanical fieldwork, he printed out a map to the hanging gardens just a couple miles outside of Bluff, and marked how to get there :) a very welcome port in the storm of that night, and whenever I'm in Bluff again, you bet I'll be staying here!!

If you’re craving a stay that feels like stepping into a simpler, sweeter time, Recapture Lodge delivers that country-living aesthetic in spades. From the moment you arrive, the rustic charm is unmistakable, woodsy decor, a quaint atmosphere, and a vibe that says “slow down and stay awhile.” The aesthetic is undeniably cute, with thoughtful touches that make the place feel more like a cozy home than a hotel. Each morning starts with a complimentary breakfast featuring fresh coffee and hard-boiled eggs, simple, satisfying, and served with genuine hospitality. One of my favorite parts of the stay was the hummingbird show just outside. Watching them flit around in the early light was pure magic. Customer service was consistently kind and attentive. The owner, in particular, stood out, always keeping an eye out for guests and making sure everyone felt welcome and cared for. It’s the kind of personal touch that’s rare and deeply appreciated. Now, a heads-up for summer travelers: Recapture Lodge doesn’t have traditional air conditioning. Instead, they use a swamp cooler system, which actually works quite well when done right but it does require keeping your front window open to circulate the air. Also, I would recommend opening the back window “ at night” to extra help. It kept the room cool enough, but if you’re sensitive to heat, I’d recommend bringing a fan for extra comfort. That said, this setup is part of the lodge’s old-country charm. It’s not trying to be sleek or modern, it’s embracing tradition, and that’s what makes it special. All in all, I absolutely enjoyed my time here. It’s a place with soul, warmth, and character. If you’re looking for a peaceful, nostalgic getaway with friendly faces and hummingbirds to greet you each morning, Recapture Lodge is well worth a visit. Just pack a fan and embrace the charm.

This may seem a bit eccentric in the nicest way I can put it! We spoke with many, many returning guests, and we plan the same thing for ourselves. Clean, comfortable, a seventies vibe, etc. we kept extending our stay another day, as we found lots to do in Bluff. I would recommend the place even if it were located in a boring, conventional town. Throw in Bluff itself, and it’s a perfect place for a night - or for several nights!

I stayed 5 nights and enjoyed it and exploring area within reach. Comfortable setting for eating "in" and evening stroll to on-site trail. Room was clean and hot, walk in shower with decent pressure. Breakfast was fortified: hard boiled eggs, fruit, cereal, yogurt, juices, breads and pastries. No in room Coffee maker but their coffee is delicious! Nice place to meet others staying.

A lovely quaint lodge located near the edge of town. Comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with a short trail to the San Juan River. We were met by the owners and set up in a spacious room with two queen beds. The lobby offers a collection of books and pictures of the local landscape. A great place to stay if you are planning local hiking, biking, and kayaking.

My husband and I recently spent the summer with Jim and Luanne Hook at the Recapture Lodge. This was a return visit for us to the archaeologically rich Bears Ears National Monument and environs. If you want to stay in beautiful Bluff, in what David Roberts described as his "oasis in the desert", this is the place! In addition to their hospitality, you can benefit from the owners' vast, in-depth knowledge of the Bears Ears NM and surrounding areas. We noticed several reviews that mentioned the fact that the Recapture Lodge is outdated. Well, if you're looking for a luxury, swanky hotel with five star amenities, this is not the place for you. On the other hand, if you're seeking a comfortable room in a lodge with a palpable sense of local knowledge and history, a well stocked library, and hospitable, gracious owners with an expansive local knowledge, then this is the place for you. Additional positives are the beautiful views, the short walk to the San Juan river, and the excellent restaurant across the road. This is definitely our oasis in the desert. We're looking forward to seeing you soon, Jim and Luanne.

What a great service you guys are doing for the community! $3 showers and free water fill up for campers, in an area where it's hard to find these things. The front desk guy was very genuinely friendly, my partner and I did not feel unwelcome at all and that was really very nice! They also had a piano and he told me I was welcome to play it when I got excited seeing it. I really loved how neighborly this place felt.

Best place to stay. I love the accommodations. Jim & his wife are excellent host, their knowledge of the town & people. I'm definitely staying here for all my trips, when I come this way. Love 'the old' Vangie