Traveling to the Grand Canyon for one night in April. All lodges on the South Rim have availability. I have read past postings on the subject getting varied responses. Which lodge would you stay in and why? Are the Bright Angel Cabins clean or should we not stay there?

We stayed in one of the Bright Angel Cabins at the end of September. They were clean. While there they we giving all the cabins a fresh coat of paint on the outside trim and doors.

We liked the cabins and would choose them again if we go back. It was inexpensive and we didn't spend that much time in the cabin anyways (so much to do and see). They had a full bath, telephone, TV, etc. The walls are a little thin, we could here the couple talking in the other room. But that was only once or twice, as most of us were not in the cabin that much.

The El Tovar looked nice. But it costs quite a bit more. It depends on what you want. It would be my second choice. Hope this helps.

Hi Kimberley:

We've done the Grand Canyon three times and stayed at both Bright Angel, Yavapai and Thunderbird (everything else was booked). As far as the rooms go, they are both fine but I'd definitely recommend Bright Angel for its proximity to the rim. The rooms are clean and a bit rustic. Lots of character. Or El Tovar if it's not ridiculously expensive. There's nothing really exceptional about the amenities at any of the hotels in the park (the Best Western just outside is more modern and has a pool) but NOTHING beats the view and ambience.

P.S. Thought that the food at El Tovar was overrated -- I know it's the best in the area but it was pricey and kind of 1970s (shrimp cocktail, hot crab dips & very little vegetarian). The cafeterias are really fun -- huge and surprisingly cheap food.

DEFINITELY stay at Bright Angel, unless you're willing to pay for El Tovar. The experience of waking up, walking for less than a minute, and seeing the Grand Canyon at sunrise is something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.

I might be wrong but I think the El Tovar is only about $30 more expensive than the lodges (Don't know about the cabins). I booked it for April and it came to $146 per night with tax.

I heard the lodges were really bad, like 60's dorm rooms, so for the price difference, it it's available, I'd go for El Tovar or the cabins. From what I've hear the Cabins have more character than the lodges and are less expensive.

We loved Bright Angel. Its degree of "rustic" was perfect for that area. It fit its surroundings--just a cute little cabin, not a thing fancy about it, but clean and comfortable. You can come back from hiking, shower and get decent, then stroll over to El Tovar and sit in front of their lobby fireplace as you wait dinner. No need to pay for the beds--the lobby area amenities are everyone's to enjoy. We've been twice, with a 3rd trip planned for next Thanksgiving and I wouldn't think of staying elsewhere (and my husband runs, and we live in, a 4* in FL...but that's not what I want at the Grand Canyon). I don't think you'll be the least bit disappointed.

It is all so funny considering what "El Tovar" means in Spanish. Very ironic, and from that my choice would be easy.