Grand Canyon first time visitor-need good hotel.
 

Going to the Grand Canyon via the Hoover Damm and going to stay in the Canyon two nights. Looking for any ideas for a nice place to stay.
Thanks!

I am going too, in 3 weeks. Last time I went I stayed inside the canyon, near the rim. This time everything was booked up so I opted for a new hotel outside the canyon. It looks beautiful-its the Best Western. I found several wonderful websites on the Canyon and all of the lodging options there. You can even send someone a picture postcard of the canyon via E mail. I have to leave this site and go out to "favorites" get the address and then come back in and post it-so if you are interested E mail me and I will E mail it back to you. I found it by using my EXCITE search Engine and typing in "travel to the Grand Canyon" and "lodging in Grand Canyon" The hotels can send brochures and reservation confirmation to you and you can E mail them back and forth asking questions, so its really neat.

You must stay right on the rim of the canyon. El Tovar is a historic hotel built in 1905. According to my '96 AAA book prices range from about $111-$166, although I bet you could get it for less. The telephone number is1-520-638-2631.
We always stay at Thunderbird Lodge...most rooms face the canyon. You use the same number for reservations, although when you arrive, you register at the Bright Angel Lodge. Prices range from $96-$106. For Hoover Dam, you have to stay in Henderson, Nevada. I don't see any listing for accomodations in Boulder City. Why don't you also go to Monument Valley, just plain fabulously beautiful and you'll never see anything like it in the world...spectacular with guided tour into Monument Valley. Stay at Goulding's Lodge. Phone 1-801-727-3231 for reservations. You will never regret that trip.

The Best Western just outside (like a few feet outside) the park boundary is very nice. It's still about 10 miles from the rim. Staying at the rim is terrific; imagine that view outside your window in the morning!

If you plan to stay at the Hoover Dam area, the
closest hotel/motel is the Gold Strike Hotel and Casino. It's about 2 miles (if that) from the dam. Henderson, NV is about 15 miles down the road. There are some other motels in Boulder City, but I would opt for the Gold Strike. Rooms are $29/nite or less. Ask for a tower room (newer). phone is 1-800-245-6380. It's a local's place, and while not fancy, it is reputable.

We stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge in August 1996 with our three kids and it was great. I just walked out of my hotel room & there was the Canyon! It was an absolutely breathtaking, unbelievable experience and I would love to go back again!!!! Make sure you book early...I called in March for an August stay and there were only a three days in August available. Call now if your planning to go this summer.

If you can, stay at Bright Angel Lodge on the Rim. There is nothing like staying right in the park. Also if you're in fairly good shape consider Hiking to the bottom of the canyon to spend a night at Phantom Ranch (the Stew there is great,breakfast is Fair). Be sure to call as soon as you can for a room as they are full about 1 yr in advance but they do get some concellations. We were just there during Thanksgiving 1997 and stayed at both locations I mentioned. Just keep calling..chances are fair that you will get a room. For a small fee they supply a bus ride to the trail head to get to Phantom Ranch or you can always take the Mule down. If hiking just take your time..it isn't that bad. Have a great time.

It would be great if you can book inside the park! But if you can't, I recommend you the RED FEATHER LODGE,that's 6 miles from the south entrance, where I stayed there last year. Reserve at the new building,where I stayed.
Almost in front of the hotel, you have a very nice restaurant called Arizona Steak House, it's great!
Bye, bye

I recently returned from the Grand Canyon (last week of January). We stayed in a great cabin right on the rim and had spectacular views from the window. I believe it was called a Rim Cabin, booked the the Bright Angel Lodge. The cost was $90. The El Tovar Hotel which is also on the rim is supposed to be spectacular, but it is closed for remodeling until at least 3/98.

(AZ) Grand Canyon Nat'l Park:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/ Grand Canyon National Park Service pages

http://www.kaibab.org/gc_home6.htm The "unofficial" Home Page on the Grand Canyon

http://www.thecanyon.com/nps/index.htm Grand Canyon Association site

http://www.gorp.com/gcjunkies/canyon.htm Grand Canyon hiking and backpacking

Too vast & spectacular to describe. Southern & Northern rims offer different views. South rim very busy - expect difficulties in parking at view points (crowded). North rim (Visitor facilities closed Oct 15 - May 15; Open for day use only Oct 15 - Dec 1 or until heavy snows close road) limited lodgings - reservations necessary even for campground. Mule trips booked up to a year in advance. Hardy hikers can hike to bottom for overnight trip - also booked far in advance. Scenic views along drive. (MUST SEE)

IMAX Theater: http://www.imaxtheatre.com/gcimax/index.htm Located in Tusayan, 8 miles south of the western entrance (AZ 64/US 180; South Rim of Grand Canyon), this 3-camera movie presents amazing views of Canyon areas. Shows daily at half past the hour. Get there early as it will be crowded (MUST SEE)

Steam Train: http://www.thetrain.com/ Runs out of Williams, AZ (I40 west of Flagstaff). Allows 3 hour stay at rim of Canyon.