I know that most who have posted here suggest staying inside the park. I like that idea, but I am afraid that I am so spoiled with deluxe accomadations that I would not be happy in any old facility or a place with uncomfortable beds, etc., despite the history.

Are all the hotels that are outside the park old too? What is the newest and nicest hotel outside the park?

Um, tl91, there about a gazillion parks in the world. Yellowstone? Disney? Central? the park around the corner from my house?

Help us out here and remember all posts go onto the general US board even if you choose a state.

My post was supposed to go under the Grand Canyon, Arizona, catagory. I don't know how it got here, but anyone who can answer my question, I'd still appreciate it.

Repost using the title Best Hotel near/outside Grand Canyon and you may want to post dates as well as cities you will be going to, it's a big place!
This message makes most people think of Disney... so lot's of people will not even look.

Even though this site is made to look like the post will go "under Grand Canyon Arizona", there is really no such thing unless a reader does a search. It all goes under US general. I see you reposted above - hope you get some knowledgeable responses. When we were at GC this summer we saw every chain hotel imaginable outside the park - could not make specific recommendation

The hotels outside the park are all chain motels, and although newer than park hotels, they are infinitely more characterless as well. I wouldn't even consider staying outside if I had the option of doing othewise (and my husband runs a 4 diamond hotel elsewhere which we live in so I'm a bit spoiled as well).

We stayed outside the park our first trip, but stayed in the next 2 trips and would never stay outside again unless there was no availability.

Our first stay within was at Bright Angel in one of the cabins. The 2nd stay (this Thanksgiving) was at Yavapai as we made reservations too late to get Bright Angel. Yavapai decor is newer and surprisingly nice. We had low expectations (it was the only hotel within the park not booked) but we were very pleased. My only complaint, and this is pretty minor, were the paper thin pillows. It certainly is not elegant or anything near that, but the rooms are undoubtedly as nice as what you would get in Tusayan. Another trip I will still try for Bright Angel simply because of its proximity to the restaurants and the rim.

I've eaten at El Tovar but never stayed there--don't know if their rooms are a significant improvement over the others. I get the impression from posts here that they are not. Their public spaces though are very nice and inviting--huge fireplace in the lobby (which we enjoyed while waiting for dinner) and very nice dining room (with just "ok" food, but believe me, that's what you'll get in Tusayan as well ).

At any rate, don't let the age of the facilities deter you from a wonderful experience. Deluxe would be out of place in the Grand Canyon--these are more appropriate and in keeping with their surroundings. I don't think you'll have any regrets about deciding against staying in Tusayan (or Williams) once you see them!

ck out www.the canyon.com for info....outside is the Best Western---Quality Inn ---and The Grand hotel....I'd still stay in the park...nothing like it even for one night...usually Tusayan is picked because people can't get inpark res. or pets...my opinion only!...there are rest. and Imax there also and it is about 7 miles to the rim..also Williams is about an hour drive..