Grand Canyon: Top South Rim and North Rim Lodging

There are dozens of options for lodging near the Grand Canyon, but because the park is enormous, staying beyond the boundaries means hours of precious vacation time-wasted driving. When we go on a Grand Canyon vacation, my family and I always opt for in-park lodging.

Be aware, though, that these accommodations are tremendously popular and fill up as much as 13 months in advance, especially during the very busy summer months, over Spring Break and during the holidays. Cancellations happen, of course, so last-minute bookings at Grand Canyon hotels are indeed possible—a few years ago I scored reservations for Thanksgiving week only a few days in advance. I felt like I had won the lottery.

Xanterra Parks and Resorts manages all South Rim accommodations, and accepts reservations by telephone and online (tel. 888-297-2757 or e-mail reserve-gcsr@xanterra.com). www.xanterra.com

Forever Resorts manages the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, and also accepts reservations by telephone and online (tel. 877-386-4383). www.grandcanyonforever.com

 

• Relax in the lobby of the El Tovar, a National Historic Landmark.

Courtesy of Xanterra Parks & Resorts

South Rim Lodging

South Rim hotels offer the loveliest vistas in the park, year-round accommodations and the most visitor facilities. This hub of activity is often overcrowded—but there is plenty to see and do, and a short hike will take you away from the masses.

El Tovar

This 1905 lodge, a registered National Historic Landmark, sits directly on the Canyon Rim and in the heart of Grand Canyon Village. The fashionable El Tovar offers the most luxurious accommodations in the park, and has hosted presidents and celebrities. The exterior of the lodge, built of native stone and Oregon pine, follows the lines of the canyon—so much so that when you approach from the trails below the structure is barely discernible.

Romantic interiors are elegant, and dimly lighted public spaces are rich with Native American artwork and colorful rugs. Service is gracious and understated. Recently renovated rooms offer all the modern comforts including air conditioning (a must-have in the summer), although they are somewhat small. Standard rooms are $174 to $205.

 

• Several bull elk feast on the lawn in front of the Thunderbird Lodge.

Courtesy of Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Bright Angel Lodge

Built in 1935 and designed by renowned park architect Mary Colter, the charming Bright Angel Lodge is just a few minutes’ hike from the popular Bright Angel trail. The lodge exterior is meticulously crafted of stone and rustic timbers, and as with all Colter designs (there are many in the park), the structure fits seamlessly into its surroundings. Although not fancy, lodge rooms are comfortable and clean, and some share community bathroom facilities. Note that there are no TVs in standard rooms here: Decide for yourself if that is a good thing.

The star attractions of the lodge are the Bright Angel cabins (which come equipped with full baths and TV). Opt for a rim cabin—part log, part Southwestern adobe—perched at the edge of the canyon. Still onsite is the Bucky O’Neill Cabin, the second-oldest structure in the park. Colter designed the rest of the Bright Angel cabins to cluster around this existing cabin. (I’ve been trying to rent it for more than a decade, so far with no luck). Bookings for rim cabins are hard to come by, but given the jaw-dropping views and the delightful experience of having such a comfortable shelter close to the edge, makes them well worth the effort to secure. Standard rooms are $79 to $90, cabins are from $111 to $174.

Thunderbird Lodge

Directly on the South Rim, tucked between the more evocative El Tovar and the prettier Bright Angel Lodge, the Thunderbird Lodge offers contemporary styling—but frankly, the exterior of this complex looks like an office park to me. Although the charm is lacking, rooms offer plenty of space for families and come well equipped with a fridge to keep drinks cool (very welcome after summer hikes), in-room safes and large bathrooms. Some rooms have views of the canyon, but again, these cannot be guaranteed at booking. Standard rooms are $170 to $180.

 

• A room at the Yavapai Lodge.

Courtesy of Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Kachina Lodge

Overlooking the South Rim and close to everything in the Grand Canyon Village, the contemporary accommodations at the Kachina Lodge have a motel feel—think 1970s design, inside and out. The views from the lodge can be impressive—although only about half boast canyon views, and sadly, these cannot be guaranteed at booking. Standard rooms are $170 to $180.

Maswik Lodge

Since the Maswik Lodge is a quarter mile from the Rim—and the accompanying crowds—accommodations here tend to be quieter than options closer to the canyon. The lodge grounds are thick with Ponderosa pines, and the well-maintained lawns attract abundant mule deer at sunrise and dusk. Rooms are light and airy, with southwestern décor. Basic, but lovely, small cabins are also available in the summer. Standard rooms are $90 to $170; cabins start at $90.

Yavapai Lodge

Located a mile from the heart of Grand Canyon Village and a half mile from the South Rim, the Yavapai Lodge is somewhat isolated—which can be a good thing in the thick of the summer crowds. This huge motel facility is located in a nicely wooded landscape and is your best bet for securing last-minute accommodations. Note: Around half the rooms do not offer air conditioning (and the ceiling fans provided in their stead are rather useless in the dry Arizona heat). Standard rooms are $107 to $153.

Next: North Rim Lodging