donnae_b

We are taking an April road trip from Long Beach to; Henderson NV; South Rim Grand Canyon (via fwys 91; 15; 93; 40; 64). Return drive from Grand Canyon to Long Beach (via fwys 64; 40; 15 etc). We are trying to mix-up the driving adventure. We will not be doing any hiking and very limited walking. We will be relying on shuttles at the Grand Canyon. That being said we can drive anywhere.

Is there a best overnight experience with a view at the Grand Canyon I can book?
Are there any must sees to drive through or stop at during our drive?
What was your epic Grand Canyon experience (not including hiking)?

Thank you,

tomfuller

If you have not stopped there before, try to visit Hoover Dam. On the way back up to US 93, you can also stop to take a short walk from a parking lot to the walkway of the big bridge that has a great view of the dam.
If you don't have a place to stay in Henderson, you could also stay at the Hoover Dam Inn only 3 miles from the dam along US 93. Sometimes they have helicopter flights from a bank next to the parking lot.
The Blue Route and the Orange Route free shuttle buses are running all winter long on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon leaving from the visitor center.

J62

There are 6 different hotels right within the park, run by 2 different concessionaires, Xanterra and Delaware North - their websites are below
Since reservations are cancellable up to about 3 days before arrival I recommend you book anything you can find right now, asap.

https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/
https://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/

Four of the hotels are literally right on the rim,, ranked high to low in terms of perceived quality.

El Tovar
Bright Angel
Thunderbird
Kachina

To me the only one that stands out as markedly different is El Tovar, the historic lodge. The rest all are either basic rooms, or may have some historic charm, but aren't anything luxurious... The problem with all of those right on the rim (maybe besides ElTovar) is that there is a lot of foot traffic directly outside your room so you may have your blinds shut regardless... You can step outside any time you want to get a view of sunrise, sunset, condors soaring, or any other time.

And two are 1/4 to 1/2 mile back from the rim. Both of them are basic, but comfortable rooms. No frills, but perfectly adequate.
Maswik
Yavapai

We typically stay at Yavapai - you can park right near your room and there are food options right nearby. With limited mobility I might recommend you stay at any one of the four hotels right on the rim.

Last time we were there, last Sept there was a paucity of dining options throughout the park, be prepared for that... including possible long waits, or inability to get a table.. There is a small general store /grocery store by Yavapai, but selection is limited and prices are high.

IMO a view from your room is irrlevant.... You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the views from many different vantage points and time of day...

Here's a short trip report. short trip to the Grand Canyon this week

Another option is to get a chain hotel right outside the park in Tusayan. It's about a 15-20min drive to the rim, plus finding parking, getting shuttle, etc. Not as convenient as being right there, but consider booking a refunable room NOW as you continue to look for something in the park. Since reservations can be cancelled up to 3 days ahead, many last minute rooms open up. On the days we were there you could have gotten a room just walking up. There are large tour group operators who book blocks of rooms then release what they don't need at the last minute.

mlgb

I believe they are stopping to see a relative in Henderson.

There are very few view rooms at the Grand Canyon.

A few cabins at Bright Angel Lodge have a canyon view from right in front, although there are people walking by your room. But in my opinion the Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins would be best location for someone who can't walk very far. Even without a view room, the edge of the canyon is an easy walk.
https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lo...-lodge-cabins/

El Tovar has some view suites, I have never been beyond the lobby. I would read reviews carefully about this hotel, it isn't universally loved.
There is limited parking near the Geology Museum with your own car, recommend driving out that way.

I have also stayed at the Maswick "motel" which has better parking and larger more modern rooms, but you need to ride an extra shuttle to get to the rim (or drive to one of the larger parking lots). Parking right on the rim near Bright Angel is almost impossible.

If you take Hwy 40, I enjoy detouring to Hwy 10 right past the California/Arizona Border, then the drive through Oatman to Kingman is scenic and fun (wild donkeys in an old west town). Also a short stretch of Route 66 into Seligman is worthwhile for Delgadillo's SnoCap.