happytrailstoyou

Really, really really - book the Thunderbird.

I did. I have a room on a parking lot.

Actually, even the rooms that face the canyon have, at best, only a tiny sliver of canyon view.

I didn't know that. I was thinking of the lakefront room we had in Grand Tetons NP last year where we so enjoyed the lake and mountain view from our private deck.

You have convinced me. "Uncle," as in "Cry uncle."

HTTY

starrs

"You have convinced me. "Uncle," as in "Cry uncle."

LOL!

The difference between the GC and the GT is that the Tetons go UP - so there's stuff to see at ground level and the canyon goes DOWN - so you have to get to the rim to see that "view". From ground level you see...well, the horizon is flat, so you have to be near the canyon to see it. Hope that makes sense.

We had a ground floor room with the window steps away from the canyon (only a wide sidewalk in between) and there wasn't much to see...except people on the sidewalk. The wall between the sidewalk and the canyon blocks the view too.

You really scored with that room. Really

happytrailstoyou

Thanks, guys!

HTTY

china_cat

I realize the decision was already made. But I want to be a part of this remarkable, unanimous decision...

Stay inside the park. Really

happytrailstoyou

Thanks for the advice.

We enjoyed our two nights at the Thunderbird Lodge. Thanks to those of you who assured me that it isn't necessary to have a room facing the canyon to reap the benefits of staying on the rim.

We had a wonderful dinner at El Tovar. Our waiter suggested the duck, and it was great, but half of a meaty bird was more than I could eat. The duck would be a great entree to split.

Breakfast at Bright Angel was good, too. Our waitress split a three-egg omelet for us, and, with fruit and yogurt, it made a hearty breakfast.

HTTY

MikePinTucson

Thanks for checking back with us. Now YOU can join us in our unanimous recommendation next time someone asks that question.

emalloy

HTTY,

Glad you enjoyed the canyon, and for others checking if you stay in the park, your chance of getting a nice parking spot is increased too!

happytrailstoyou

Grand Canyon was a great experience. We had been there before but never staying in a room that made it convenient to walk along the rim before the crowds arrived and after they departed.

We were lucky to find a parking space a short walk from our room.

One pleasant surprise was the informative Fred Harvey Museum just off the Bright Angel lobby. It was a great tie-in with the La Fonda Harvey House in Santa Fe, where we had been a few days earlier.

Thanks for all your suggestions; they helped in making our trip a big success.

HTTY