I'm trying to decide where to stay when my family comes to the Grand Canyon in June 2001. There are four of us, so that rules out several choices (including El Tavor) and I wouldn't stay inside unless it's within walking distance of the rim. I think that narrows our choices to Thunderbird, Kachina or Maswik. I'd appreciate any comments on those three if you've stayed there. If staying outside in Tusayan, I'm looking at the Grand Hotel. Comments?

Don't understand why you've ruled out El Tovar. I think it offers suites if the four of you wanted to stay together or ask if they have connecting rooms. At least have a meal there (they close after lunch, I think it's at 2:00pm) I think Thunderbird and Kachina are pretty much the same and Maswik is a little more rustic and not directly on the rim.

I guess I should have been more specific. We are a family of two adults and two children. We don't mind paying more where we need to (such as at the GC) but we can't afford to get two rooms. The website for El Tavor says the rooms only accomodate 2 people, so I was only looking at rooms that can handle four people.

Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges are identical and within steps of the rim of the canyon...El Tovar is directly next door. I think one room can accomodate four people in two, either king or queen, beds. These three places are the very best and the closest to the rim.

The customer service reps at teh Amfac Reservations Center gave great advice when i booked for GC and Zion. T'bird and Kachina are right on the canyon rim walk, and you can (if you re lucky) book a canyon view room. Maswik is, if i recall right, a motel about a 5 minute walk away, very UNscenic grounds. We stayed at Yavapai Lodge, a longer walk to the rim, but lovely rooms under pine trees.You are right to want to stay within the park boundaries. the first trip,we stayed in Tusayan at big motel; much better to stay right in the park. Don't miss one of the evening campfires given by Park Rangers.