We stayed overnight at El Tovar. A minute walk to the rim. Beautiful old lodge. My husband had foot problems so no hiking for us but just walking along the rim and sitting and looking at the colours changing with the sunset and sunrise was wonderful. The dining room is great but be warned you must book for dinner. They take bookings 3 months in advance. When we were there they were turning away people who didn't have a booking as it was full. Breakfast you just turn up and it was special watching a big male elk walking through the car park as we ate a particularly delicious breakfast. There is a bar and sofas in the lobby to sit around chatting. Xanterra is the place to book your accommodation at South Rim.