El Tovar Hotel Room
 

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a Standard Queen room and a Standard Queen Terrace room at the El Tovar Hotel, is? There is a description and it does say that the Standard Queen Room can be the run of the Hotel. What exactly does that mean?

Also, which one would you recommend? Thanks.

Run of the hotel means any queen room that the hotel has available. Not guaranteed a view or any other special room. It's a common hospitality term.

Thank you.

Can anyone describe what a Standard Queen Terrace room is like? Is it better to be down one floor below lobby, or would taking a chance on the Standard Queen be better? I've never been to the El Tovar. Also, would making a reservation be best now since we will probably be there on a Friday night and Saturday night?

I don't know about the different rooms, but you need to book El Tovar 1 full year in advance. Once you know your dates book whatever you can inside the park NOW, then check back from time to time and try to get something you might prefer more. You don't say when you're going, but if the El Tovar isn't available book a room at any of the other 5 hotels in the park. This is the order I recommend

1. El Tovar
2. Bright Angel
3/4 Kachina/Thunderbird
5. Yavapai (East), then West
6. Maswik.


If you don't know your exact dates down to the exact day, but know the week you'll be there, then book the entire time including +/- 1 to 2 days. You can always change your reservation later, and you can cancel up to 2 or 3 d before arrival and get a full refund of your 1st night deposit.

Book now, whatever you can get. I'm serious.

Terrace rooms are partially below grade, and smaller than the standard rooms. They are also less expsnsive.

You should absolutely make your reservation now.

Avoid the lobby floor rooms if you can ... we've stayed at Tovar three times and once had a room between the lobby and the porch nearest the canyon, and people were walking by talking loudly and slamming the door most of the evening. Hard to sleep.

Well, we modified our reservation and now have a Standard Queen Bedroom at the El Tovar for the middle of August. Thanks for your help.