caribbean_dreamin

We'll be staying one night in the GC on our 1 week honeymoon to AZ. As of now, there's only one room left at the El Tovar on the night we're interested in (according to the website). There are several rooms still available at Bright Angel. Which would you stay in if you had the choice? I've read that the El Tovar has the best restaurant but that the decor is better at Bright Angel. We don't expect to spend much time in our room anyhow. Thanks for your help.

E

I have only stayed at Birght Angel, and can report that the cabins and rooms are cozy in a very basic sort of way: no phones or TV's, and some of the rooms share bathrooms. But they're rustically decorated in a lodge style, and the lodge is as close to the Rim as you can get. There is also a casual cafeteria in Bright Angel that is acceptable (and if you can get a reservation, you can dine at El Tovar anyway).
Please do a search here, too, as many people have posted about their stays at El Tovar.
Happy Honeymoon!

OliveOyl

Like E, I've stayed in Bright Angel only, but I'm quite certain the decor, though not fantastic, is better at El Tovar. Their common areas are wonderful, but rooms reportedly just so so. Still, as much as I love Bright Angel, and we'll probably be back there this Thanksgiving week, they are very very basic and the decor nothing to write home about. Like you, we are in our rooms long enough to put our heads on the pillow and konk, out so it really makes no difference. The El Tovar is just a very short walk away for dining. I don't know if it's necessary, but I made our dining reservations there a few weeks before our arrival.

LN

We were only able to get a room in El Tovar when we called for reservations. After we arrived there we probably could have stayed in any of the cabins - you're really in your room to sleep and shower - otherwise you're out there where the Canyon is!!

I can't make a choice for you but when we go back we're hoping to get Bright Angel cabins.

MaryZ

I'd snap up the room at the El Tovar!

EricoSmith

Second the above!

Sandarini

Hi-

El Tovar for you!! So very romantic, just to be in the lodge, you will feel very special & of course let them know it is your honeymoon. Congratulations!!
And don't worry if you can't get a view room, you're only a few steps away from the most fantastic view in the world. And yes, do eat at El Tovar & make reservations, asap. Again, don't worry about a window seat for the sunset, as you'll want to be at one of the sunset view points, anyway. PS, El Tovar has a great breakfast after your sunrise viewing trip. PSS Frommer's small paperback book of the Grand Canyon, has great info.

Cicerone

I have replied to your other message, but will repeat here that you should call the 800 number for El Tovar and ask about the rimside suites. They don't advertise these on the website, and often have them empty. Mention that it is your honeymoon. They are 1-bedroom suites with fantastic large terraces righ on the canyon rim. You can have breakfast delivered to the room to see the sun fill out the canyon. Really wonderful rooms, much better size and furnishings than their regular rooms.

I would say try for a suite or get waitlisted for one and otherwise take the room at the El Tovar over Bright Angel.

caribbean_dreamin

Cicerone, thanks for the info about the suites. Just checked the website again and the single room at El Tovar is gone. There's no availability there for 11/4 at this point. Bummer! I am in the uncomfortable position of doing most of the research on this trip and then having to wait for my fiance to catch up and approve of things before I make reservations. It's making it difficult. I will call about the suites though. If they're unavailable or too pricey I guess I'll book a room at Bright Angel and hope for a cancellation at El Tovar?

caribbean_dreamin

Update: I called about the suites, the guy said they didn't have any left. He did say they had rooms left though, so I went ahead and booked one. I can cancel it later if our plans change or my fiance doesn't like it. $145 for one night, standard room with 2 Queen beds, terrace level. There's no way to get GC lodging cheaper anywhere else is there?

help

there is the Thunderbird and Kachina right between the Bright Angel and El Tovar...keep checking back till you get there..and do call the number..not just the website...otherwise the others are back from the rim and in Tusayan (out of the park proper)..keep trying..you can always cancel..and people do..so keep trying..El Tovar is quaint for a honeymoon...congrtas..and do some research in the "search" here

OliveOyl

El Tovar will be the most expensive within the park, but for one night it might be worth it. Bright Angel is considerably cheaper--I was just looking for a November trip and we can get one of the historic cabins for $84/night.