enzian

Ah, going for one of those suites. I love looking up at that balcony and imagining what it would be like to sit up there at sunset. I hope you get it!

the Xanterra callcenter is on MDT (it's not in Arizona). So start calling at 6 am sharp your time! You'll have to do battle with all the people calling in for Phantom Ranch, so be patient and keep dilaing. And once you get a conncection, you can't bypass the announcements by pressing "2" (the option for GC South Rim) early in the message. I've tried.

iamq

Thanks for the tips enzian.

Off topic, but who cares? Guess what? I just scored a cancellation at the Tioga Pass Resort for mid July for 4 nights! I am so excited about that. It has been a long time since I've up to Tuolumne Meadows and now I can't wait.

enzian

Wonderful! So they are open this summer? I've been trying to figure out from the website if they were or not. Last time I checked it hadn't been updated since 2006, and I know the've been closed during the winters for renovation.

Wish I could join the GTG you proposed at TPR, but unfortunately we're not going to Yosemite this year---heading to Glacier instead.

iamq

Well, now I am thinking of adding another night to the south rim.
3 nights south rim
1 night Page
2 nights north rim
2 nights bryce
3 nights zion

desertshell

In regards to your question about where to stay in Page, I was there in Feb and stayed at the Quality Inn that was recommended in a previous post. It was reasonably priced and included a very nice buffet breakfast that did indeed include the blue mush that was previously mentioned...I'm told it is a staple for the Navajos. The rooms were not fancy but extremely clean & spacious. The staff was very helpful with helping to book an Antelope Canyon tour for us. We were picked up at the hotel at no additional charge. I'm not sure if tours to either canyon are conducted by non-Navajos, but if there is a choice, I would highly recommend taking a tour with a Navajo for the most knowledgeable information. Ours showed us the best angles for pictures, told stories, sang songs and spent more than an additional 1/2 hour past our tour time... this all added up to an unhurried, very enjoyable excursion.

iamq

Thanks desertshell. That's good to know that you liked the Quality Inn. With all the good reviews it sounds like a good bet.

iamq

WoooHoooo! Just made my reservation for the North Rim and was able to get one of the rim view cabins. I'm psyched. \/

iamq

Well, I changed the trip a bit due to time and money considerations. I just made reservations for 2 nights Bryce, followed by 2 nights at the North Rim, followed by 3 nights at Zion. It will be a nice little loop of a trip. I ony have a year and a few days to wait now!

enzian

That's a nice trip---and one I would prefer in the summer over going to the South Rim.

gyppielou

rim view cabin? pictures pleeze!

Ok, I'll just google while humming good for you!!!

iamq

Hi you two. enzian, that was part of my thinking. We were going to go the South Rim last September for a long weekend, but decided to get married instead. We'll do Phoenix-Sedona-South Rim someday in the early spring or late fall. I just wasn't looking forward to a ten or eleven day road trip either. Seven days is going to be much more manageable and I can't wait to see all the beautiful places we're headed.

gyppie, there are some photos on the tripadvisor website for the Grand Canyon Lodge that show the cabins.

smetz

iamq, did you end up counting out a night in Page? I am considering that and wondering where might be a good place to stay. I came across a B&B near there called Dreamkatchers that had 100% 5 star reviews.

iamq

Hi smetz, Yes we decided against that. I wanted to keep the trip to a week so we are focusing on Zion/Bryce and the North Rim. Someday we'll do an Arizona trip that includes the South Rim and other places. Dreamkatchers has been bookmarked for just such a trip! I'm not a huge B and B type of guy, but it does look good. Have fun planning.

smetz

Thanks kiddo. If we stay there I'll let you know how it is. I don't like B&B's much either, mainly because I find hotel rooms more comfortable, but I do like the opportunities to mix with the other guests. It doesn't look like there are many great hotels around Page, either. Have a great trip!