Jim Torrence

I am just starting to plan a trip with my wife and 2 sons (12 and 9) for next August to the Grand Canyon. The initial plans are to fly into Phoenix and drive up. It has been strongly suggested we visit Sedona. I need help deciding where to stay while at the canyon. How much time???

Dennis

We would also strongly recommend you see Sedona. If it is open, drive part way up Schnebly Hill Road. Turn right just before crossing the river going into town. Pink jeep tours also go up the road if it is too rough for your car. We have stayed at hotels just outside the park and the rates are good. El Tovar in the park is convenient but over priced. Just because you are staying there, it doesn't mean parking is reserved for you either. It is always a problem even in March when we go. The dining room at El Tovar is way over priced for the service and the quality of the meal. Don't even bother. Thunderbird Lodge is right next to El Tovar and is better priced. Still parking is a problem but it is a short stroll to the rim. We usually stay 2 nights and don't have time to take it all in. I usually shoot about 5 rolls of film to try to capture the different shadows and color. We hate crowds (that's why we go in March plus the air is clearer for photos) so if you have time, the North Rim would be an option and it is cooler than the south. A picture doesn't convey the canyon. It is really something you must experience. Take a moment at the different viewpoints and take it in. Have fun!

Paula

My husband & I visited the Grand Canyon the weekend after Thanksgiving several years ago. It was the only time we could go; turns out that to be the least crowded weekend of the year (btwn two holiday high tourist times). It was very cold nights & early mornings but beautiful, & we had unobstructed views. We stayed on S. rim in what was called a hiker's room in--I think--Thunderbird Lodge but am not sure that was the hotel. Much cheaper than regular rooms, but very spare, & shared bath is down the hall. It was fine for our needs.

Melody

We were there last summer and stayed at the Bright Angel Lodge. It was beautiful, on the S. Rim and right near where the mules begin their descent in to the Canyon. We did take the mule trip and it was amazing!! I am not sure if their are age restrictions, but what an incredible experience that would be for your kids. They have half day trips or the overnight which is what we did. They have beautiful cabins down at the bottom with bathrooms, showers, etc. You're planning far enough ahead that you could book whatever you wanted, but it does fill up a year in advance, so do not delay. If you're not going to take the mule trip, then a couple of nights in the Canyon will be plenty. E-mail me if you have any questions. I could even look up my old info. for phone #'s etc.

Melissa

Whatever you do, don't stay at the Holiday Inn Express at the south rim of the Canyon. We had a terrible experience. We had booked and pre-paid one
night for 6/25 and requested a mailed confirmation. We never received it and then when we got to the hotel discovered they had booked us for 5/25.
They had the nerve to be rude and blame us for it!
The hotel was poorly constructed, desk clerks were poorly trained, rooms were below average in cleanliness, and "service" was non-existent. We didn't receive our wake-up call and they ended the continental breakfast at 915 am. (most hotels run till 10 am----must need to save some $$ for donuts) We think the El Tovar or any of the Canyon hotels (in the Canyon) would be nice. The Canyon was so beautiful.

The Wanderer

We were at the Canyon in May. We arrived at the Best Western Squire Inn in Tusayan in a drenching downpour which lasted all evening (very unusual). When we got to our rooms, we found that they were remodelling it. They sent the bellman to take us to another room only to find that it was also being remodelled. At the THIRD room, it only had one bed which was unacceptable. The bellman wanted to bring us a rollaway. When I called the front desk, they were very apologetic and gave us an upgrade and $100 off our bill. The room was well maintained during our stay and all of the people were polite and friendly but they just didn't have their act together.

The Canyon and the weather more than made up for the room mix-up.

I was amazed that all of the eateries, including Denny's, closed at 9 or 10 PM. Denny's closed at 9 and turned many people away. We just got in under the 8:45 wire and they served us without being rushed.

We toured the West for 10 days, and we had another room mix-up at the Little America resort in Flagstaff on the way back. We had been impressed when we stayed there earlier. This time, we opened the door to the room to find someone else's suitcase and children's toys!

Barbara

Our trip to the Grand Canyon was in October, 1997, a really great time of year to visit. We stayed in one of the cabins by El Tovar, owned by the Park System, and were very pleased with it. But the absolutely best experience and over-night stay was at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. We did the over-night mule ride and loved every minute of it. The animals were easy to maneuver and well taken care of. The staff were very accommodating to to everyone. Our cabin at Phantom Ranch was clean and the food served at the mess hall was delecious. I feel we would have missed the Grand Canyon if we hadn't taken the mule ride to Phantom Ranch. Reservations have to be made well in advance, but often times there are cancellations.