We're going to El Tovar/Grand Canyon for 1st time and need to know how parking and access is to the hotel & canyon? I read one review that said it is bad! Any suggestions for a first timer? Thanks,JB

When you arrive, you can drive right up to deposit your luggage, etc. and then the parking is directly in front of the hotel....parking is sparse, but maybe you'll be lucky!!!!

Lawsy...I suspect TripAdvisor is the culprit here!! Read 3 reviews and you'll most likely have 3 differing opinions. In the case of El Tovar, I doubt you'll find much at all written about parking. They have a huge lot right by the hotel, but it is popular and you may have to circle to find a spot, as in any popular locale, then walk some because it is close to the Bright Angel trail head access and most of the dining, but walking some and the GC go hand in hand. You won't be that far off.

Keep expectations in line. This is a National Park and although the hotel is nice, it is in keeping with the park, not like a 4* hotel you might find in your city. To me, that's what makes it great--I wouldn't want it any other way!

You can see the Grand Canyon from the El Tovar dining room - it is right there.

If the Bright Angel/El Tovar parking lot is full there is an even bigger lot across the railroad tracks/down a path about 300 yards away - we are not talking about a major hike here.

I'm not sure if this applies to El Tovar as I stayed at Bright Angel a few weeks ago.

There was a relatively small parking lot in front of Bright Angel. When i arrived I circled a few times and ended up across the track in a parking lot that required a bit of a walk. My concern was what to do with my suitcase.

When I checked in I found out there was more parking around the cabins and behind them.

There was really no problem there.

To all the ney sayers, I'm glad my trip was better than your,s. Parking was no worse than costco and a lot more fun! Just be sure to check all the lodges at the rim (thunderbird ect.)All close and you can still hang out at the El Tovar. Have a great trip!

Parking was tight. But we pulled into the lot just to the east and got the first and only spot we found. Left the car there. Walked the rim trail for a couple hours and came back for luggage and check-in. It was like pulling luggage across a Wal-Mart parking lot but no big deal.

And like desertduds said, you can pull right up in front of El Tovar where they have a circle drive-unloading zone-and then find a place to park to the east, south, or west.