Grand Canyon Hotels

Guidebooks

Fodor's Arizona & the Grand Canyon 2013

El Tovar Hotel

At a Glance

Pros

historic lodging just steps from the South Rim
fabulous lounge with outdoor seating and canyon views
best in-park dining on-site

Cons

books up quickly

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El Tovar Hotel Review

The hotel's proximity to all of the canyon's facilities, European hunting-lodge atmosphere, attractively updated rooms and tile baths, and renowned dining room make it the best place to stay on the South Rim. A registered National Historic Landmark, the "architectural crown jewel of the Grand Canyon" was built in 1905 of Oregon pine logs and native stone. It's usually booked well in advance (up to 13 months ahead), though it's easier to get a room during winter months. Three suites (El Tovar, Fred Harvey, and Mary Jane Colter) and several rooms have canyon views (these book very early), but you can enjoy the view anytime from the cocktail-lounge back porch.

Contact Information

Address: Desert View Dr., Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 | Map It
Phone: 888/297-2757 reservations only; 928/638-2631
Website: www.grandcanyonlodges.com
Location: Grand Canyon South Rim

Hotel Details

66 rooms, 12 suites.
Rate includes no meals.
Credit cards accepted.

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Fodorite Reviews

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El Tovar Hotel Review

The hotel it self is great, your going there for the history. But the rooms are a little overpriced, outdated. The food is great. I would suggest staying at the thunderbird or kachina lodge, there right next to the hotel. Basic rooms like staying in a motel, but you can get a canyon side room for cheaper than you could get a basic room at the el tovar. I would go there just to eat, they also have a bar and gift shop. Unless you have a lot of money. Also if your driving, keep your car parked once you find a spot. Parking is limited, take the free shuttle bus, it comes every ten mins. or so.

by jaqueline1983, 10/13/10
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nice but needs some attention

This is a nice old hotel with a spectacular South Rim view of the Grand Canyon, but the bedding and pillows need replacing with something more comfortable. The bathrooms have recently been redone and are very nice. Hotel guests compete for parking with everyone visiting Grand Canyon Village and seating in the bar and the lobby is limited by the number of non guests visiting the hotel. It is a very busy place.

by cheatoe, 4/12/08
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Elegantly historic!

We traveled thru Arizona starting in Tucson, on to the Grand Canyon then to Sedona and home from Phoenix. The El Tovar was just as we had imagined. So Very conviently located on the rim with stunning views on the property. Our room was a corner suite on the third floor. Although we did not overlook the canyon we had a good amount of space. A little on the tight side because our daughter was traveling with us so a rollaway was needed. Still lovely restored bathroom and comfortable beds. Great dinners and breakfasts in the dinning room. Food was very good and ambiance was historical, large with lovely windows and I loved the fireplaces. Wouldn't have wanted to stay anywhere else. Would stay again. Got great photos of the Condors which were flying over the Hopi House. Will visit again!

by bjyates, 8/5/07