Grand Canyon Hotel Tips by pchamlis

All of the accomodations at the very edge of the South Rim (and the North Rim, for that matter) are managed by the US Park Service. There are a variety of comfort and luxury levels, with the El Tovar being the nicest and priciest. Not consequently, the El Tovar is always booked wayyy in advance.

For a good family place to stay, good comfort and room at a decent price, I'd suggest picking the Thunderbird Lodge.

Unique Qualities: Location can't be beat. :) And, on the South Rim, having a place with a really good air conditioner is definitely a plus.

The rooms are large enough to comfortably sleep a family of four, and there are several eating establishments within an easy walk.

And, like all the South Rim accomodations, the world's greatest sunset is only about 20 feet outside your door. Walk out there in the evening and watch the sun go down. There will be 100s of people doing the same thing, but when ol' Sol sinks below the horizon, painting the sky a thousand different shades and hues, you'll be amazed at how quiet it gets. :)

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: South Rim, Grand Canyon, AZ
Directions: Just go to the South Rim and drive to the hotel area. ALL South Rim edge accomodations are at the same basic place.
Other Contact: Contact the US Park Service

The North Rim Lodge is both a rustic hotel/cabins AND a campground. The cabins were all originally built in the 1930s. And although they've been updated, they are by no means luxury villas. They're comfortable and simple, and really lend to the air of peace and serenity that the North Rim represents.

Unique Qualities: (1) History
(2) Peace and Quiet
(3) Outstanding natural beauty in the area
(4) Wildlife, flora and fauna so close that you can almost touch them. There was an eagle's nest about 100 meters away from my cabin.
(5) The weather is much more hospitable at the North Rim. That extra 1000 feet of altitude (vs the South Rim) changes the climate from desert parch (South Rim) to temperate conifer forest. (North Rim)

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Theme: Other
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Grand Canyon, AZ (North Rim)
Directions: Follow the road into the North Rim. It's about 30 miles of semi-paved endurance, leading to a realm of peace and beauty.
Other Contact: Contact the US Park Service