Looking for Hotels for Sept 12th-26th. Any suggestions that won't brake the bank?

I don't know what breaking the bank means to you.

Have you even checked the National Park website? www.nps.org

This is the website for in-park lodging.

www.grandcanyonlodges.com/

It is really worth trying to stay inside the park. the less expensive lodges there are fine. If you can't find something when you first check (and this is very late to start looking) they may have cancellations so it is a good idea to keep trying.

The closest other options are the places in Tusayan south of the park entrance

These are the phone #'s for in-park hotels

Advance reservations: 888-297-2757
Same day rooms: 928-638-2631

When I was there late June - a very busy time - there were rooms available for walk-ins at both Yavapai and Bright Angel. Those same rooms were sold out ~1yr in advance, but my guess is that tour operators book blocks of rooms then cancel at the last min (2 day notice) when find out what they need and don't.

I stayed at Bright Angel lodge last Christmas. You should try to stay inside the park - it's such a great experience. We could walk out from the back door of the lobby and got a view of Grand Canyon. I don't think all lodges have direct access to the rim. Check the map. The rate is pretty much the same as hotels outside the park.

I got an advise here and it worked for me -- if the hotels are showing full on the website, call them! That's how I got the room. I called a few times and finally got a room at the lodge I wanted.

Absolutely try to stay in-park.

Call Xanterra several times a day to try for a cancellation.

We got rooms at Yavapai two years ago. These are not right on the rim like some of the others but a very short walk and right on the shuttle route. In some ways I liked being a little removed from GC village which is more crowded/busy. But any of the in-park options would be fine.

Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar are interesting historic buildings and it is worth walking through the lobbies. Food at El Tovar is very good. I can't say the same for the cafeteria food. The deli at the marketplace was pretty good for sandwiches, soups, etc.