Sweens

I've checked as many of the threads as I can find on this subject, but at the risk of asking a redundant question, here goes:

We will be at Grand Canyon around Dec. 8-10. I went to the Xanterra web site and found that there are rooms at Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges (on the rim) which are described identically: canyon side, 2 queen beds, non-smoking, $125. We have 2 kids to share one bed, plus our own portable crib for the baby (well, 2 yrs), which they say is tight but do-able. They also describe Maswik Lodge (1/4 mile from rim), with Rooms in Maswik North, 2 queen beds, non-smoking, $49.50 or $68.00, all sleep 5 comfortably.

Anyone stay at these who would be willing to comment? Any specific recommendations or things we should know about one versus another? We have never been to GC before and plan to probably stay 2 nights.

ALSO - Keeping in mind that it will be late fall (snow & short days), is there enough to do that the kids CAN do (ages 10, 5 and 2)? In other words, we won't be doing any serious hiking or mule rides, but we like to walk and ride around. Will two days be too much? (I've read a number of comments where people recommend seeing the canyon in one day and moving on.) We are driving from New England and spending 5 or 6 days around NM & AZ before heading to our Christmas holiday destination, Las Vegas (to see family). Thanks for any help!

MaryZ

We've stayed at Thunderbird and I'd choose it over Maswick just because of the location. The canyon rim is literally just outside your door.

E

I can't help with lodging, as I've only stayed in Birght Angel, although I will say that closer to the Rim is always better, IMO. As for timing, we have driven the length of the south rim, stopping at each and every lookout point, in one long day--say, 9 am-5:30pm, with a brief stop for lunch and a couple of brief shopping stops, too.(No major hiking, but some very short walks.) So--given that our pace would wear out your younger ones, and assuming that they would all need more frequent and longer breaks, I would think 2 days would be just right. You'll be able to spend as much time as you like at the lookouts, check out the exhibits in the Visitor's Center, gawk at the mule deer that wander all around the lodging areas, check out the cool gift shops, all without rushing. Enjoy!

LN

Hi

You should have a marvelous family time at the grand canyon! We stayed at El Tovar and just being there at the canyon was spectacular. It was much better than any picture I've ever seen.

The best advice I can give is to choose the one that is better for your budget - if the Thunderbird is fine in your budget then go for it! If not, your short walk from the Maswik is not going to reduce the spectacular views you have at grand canyon. The views are actually ALL around you and then spectacularly when you reach the canyon's rim.

The Thunderbird is the newest of the lodges (I believe) as Bright Angel, Maswik, and El Tovar were there when we toured. Food was fine at the dining rooms IMHO but everything went well.

M_Martin

We were at the Grand Canyon this summer with our (older)kids. We stayed at the Thunderbird and, while not luxurious by any means, it served its purpose well. It was great to be able to park the car once and then be able to walk to the restaurants at the El Tovar and the Bright Angel, as well as to the bus stops. It was fun to walk over to the mule corral, too. (We didn't ride; we just watched them get ready!)

Keep in mind that the hotel is right on the rim. I saw people with their little ones on leashes, which I might have considered once upon a time. As it was, my "baby's" (13)legs turned to jelly whenever we got near the edge. He pleaded with the rest of us to keep well away!

I am not sure if the parks have all their programs at that time of year, but, if they do, there are some for kids you might want to look into.

Check out these websites:

http://www.americanparknetwork.com/p.../kidspage.html

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/...r_programs.htm

FainaAgain

I stayed at Maswik, it's very close to the rim, an easy walk like in a forest on a paved path. In November there were 3 free shuttles, if I remember correctly, with 2 stops there - in front of the cafeteria and on a side.

Sweens

WOW! Thank you all! I think I'm going to try for Maswik. We're getting fired up, and we still have about 6 wks before we leave. (That will pass quickly I'm sure!)

sheepdog

I'll add a recommendation for Maswik also. We stayed there in May and the location was fine. It was an easy five minute walk to the rim, even early in the morning to see the sunrise. Several mornings there were deer roaming right outside our door. It was easy to catch the shuttle bus from there to trail heads and other sites around the canyon. Enjoy!