Need Hotel close to Grand Canyon
 

We want to make a stop over in driving from Utah to Phoenix, does anyone have a suggestion on a well priced and clean Hotel/Motel near the Grand Canyon.

All hotels on the rim are run under concession to the federal government. El Tovar is the best of those facilities. However, you will not be staying there unless you are planning this trip for a year or two out. Private lodgings are all outside the park. The closest are in Tusayan 10 miles from the rim. The Best Western Tusayan is a good choice. Definitely get to the Canyon, it's well worth the effort. Stay in Flaggstaff if necessary. Have a great trip.

There are two places to stay on the rim of the Canyon. We have never had any trouble getting reservations at the last minute. One, El Tovar, is a historic hotel, phone #1-520-638-2631. The other is Bright Angel Lodge and the area at the Bright Angel that we prefer is Thunderbird Lodge, phone #1-520638-2631 also. Thunderbird rooms face the canyon.

We did not stay inside Grand Canyon. There are a couple hotels right outside the gate. I think ours was a Best Western. It was VERY NICE and out of the Canyon rush - but 10 min. from the entrance.

Several years ago we stayed on the Canyon rim in small individual cabins. They are old and funky. Built during the depression, I think, but kept up nicely. They were cute, cheap, and RIGHT on the rim. Call the El Tovar phone number and ask about the cabins. I think they're all operated by the same group.

Sorry, CorbinCo -- but time has marched on and those cabins are either firewood or occupied by workers at the canyon's concessions. The El Tovar Hotel recently reopened after refurbishing. Other lodges alongside are in full swing. All operated by the concessionaire, The Fred Harvey Co. Outside the gate to the South Rim, the village of Tusayan offers a large choice in motels, all the national chains, places to eat, and a marvelous IMAX Theater with a one-hour program on the discovery and exploration of the Grand Canyon. It's breathtaking!

Cheap but excellent hotels are outside the park. For lodges on the rim, you pay +- $200. The Quality Inn Grand Canyon is where we stayed. 1/2 hour from entrance. Very good food and clean rooms.