Calling Utahtea on GC lodging
 

Hi,
Am seeking help from the Grand Canyon expert! We (two couples) are planning a late Sept 05 trip to the GC. We're finding lodging at El Tovar, Bright Angel and Grand Canyon Lodge filled up already for Sept. 26 to 29. Any suggestions for lodging convenient to North and South Rims? Any chance a cancellation will show up if we keep checking these Lodges?
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions. We've read your other posts and found them quite helpful.
Tanzir

I do not mean to jump on Utahtea on this....She is a camper and very knowledgeable on these parks.

I found on my trips that cancellations are very common and it is likely that you can find what what you want if you stick with it. This means calling 2 or 3 times a week to check.

And don't give up on the idea of just showing up....we often go to the Canyon and other nat'l parks and have never been turned away from the main park lodging.

Tanzir - I have been busy planning our trip out there this summer and found that several times when the internet showed "No vacancies" that using the telephone generated success. Just a thought! Also - keep at it! One week there were none and the next week I had a choice of rooms. Go figure!

keep trying..some one always cancels.....try any park lodging....only one at the North Rim is the Lodge in the park..good luck on that..always can go w/Tusayan for South Rim outside the park..Utahtea has a motorhome and camps...also do a search here for any info you are looking for....

Thanks to all for the great tips. I'll keep checking the GC lodges and may try Desertduds suggestion of just showing up. Guess I should read your posts more carefully, Utahtea. We're former campers that now aspire to the softer B&B/Lodge lifestyle!
Tanzir

Hi tanzir,

If you ever go back to the old ways of camping, then I can be of help with campgrounds!

I do agree with everyone else. Keep calling back for cancellations!

Utahtea

Have you tried the Xanterra site for Kachina or Thunderbird Lodges? They are nicely renovated (although not luxurious) motel type rooms on the rim between Bright Angel and El Tovar. Stayed in Kachina last year (2nd floor) and thought it was a great location and a great value.

Good luck!

Ccrosner,
Thanks for the recommendation. Just tried the Thunderbird and Kachina. Found one night available at Thunderbird. Have checked the Holiday Inn Express in Tusayan (not optimal location), but was disappointed to discover they want advance payment and give no refunds for cancellations!
Tanzir

Hi,
Family members recently came through the Grand Canyon Area last month. They did an overnight stay in historic Cameron at the Cameron Trading Post and Lodge. It is located just one mile north of the East Grand Canyon Access Road on U.S. Hwy. 89.
You can check it out on the 'net @
www.camerontradingpost.com
Francie

We stayed at Kachina in June last year. The only thing I could find originally was at Yavapai Lodge. I called every day until there was a cancellation. People make reservations so long ahead of time that they are not really sure of their plans, I think. Any way, we were on the second floor with a view right into the canyon. It was super!

Lynda

I agree with Francie, I have been in Cameron 3 nights in May, it was just wonderful and beautiful. It is a very interesting place and you can make trips all around. I would stay there again!
Utahtea, I would like to say lots of thanks for you. You encouraged me to travel so far from my country! I made alone a 5 day journey from abroad and everything worked so well. I have arranged my trip on internet, the flight (from Kansas City to Phoenix), rent a car (from Enterprise - I have got a great Toyota Corolla) and the hotels. I was one of the lucky who has got only one night, but better than nothing, in Yavapai Lodge. I enjoyed my trip very much and I'm sitting at my desk at my workplace and thinking of those unforgottable days! I'm sure, I'll go back! I prefered the countryside, the reservations. And afterall I love to drive!