Grand Canyon Hotels

Guidebooks

El Tovar Hotel

At a Glance

    Pros

  • historic lodging just steps from the South Rim
  • fabulous lounge with outdoor seating and canyon views
  • best in-park dining on-site

    Cons

  • books up quickly
Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

El Tovar Hotel Review

The hotel's proximity to all of the canyon's facilities, European hunting-lodge atmosphere, attractively updated rooms and tile baths, and renowned dining room make it the best place to stay on the South Rim. A registered National Historic Landmark, the "architectural crown jewel of the Grand Canyon" was built in 1905 of Oregon pine logs and native stone. It's usually booked well in advance (up to 13 months ahead), though it's easier to get a room during winter months. Three suites (El Tovar, Fred Harvey, and Mary Jane Colter) and several rooms have canyon views (these book very early), but you can enjoy the view anytime from the cocktail-lounge back porch.

    Hotel Details

  • 66 rooms, 12 suites.
  • Rate includes no meals.
  • Credit cards accepted.
Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    El Tovar Hotel Review

    The hotel it self is great, your going there for the history. But the rooms are a little overpriced, outdated. The food is great. I would suggest staying at the thunderbird or kachina lodge, there right next to the hotel. Basic rooms like staying in a motel, but you can get a canyon side room for cheaper than you could get a basic room at the el tovar. I would go there just to eat, they also have a bar and gift shop. Unless you have a lot of money. Also if your driving, keep your car parked once you find a spot. Parking is limited, take the free shuttle bus, it comes every ten mins. or so.

    by jaqueline1983, 10/13/10
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    nice but needs some attention

    This is a nice old hotel with a spectacular South Rim view of the Grand Canyon, but the bedding and pillows need replacing with something more comfortable. The bathrooms have recently been redone and are very nice. Hotel guests compete for parking with everyone visiting Grand Canyon Village and seating in the bar and the lobby is limited by the number of non guests visiting the hotel. It is a very busy place.

    by cheatoe, 4/12/08
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Elegantly historic!

    We traveled thru Arizona starting in Tucson, on to the Grand Canyon then to Sedona and home from Phoenix. The El Tovar was just as we had imagined. So Very conviently located on the rim with stunning views on the property. Our room was a corner suite on the third floor. Although we did not overlook the canyon we had a good amount of space. A little on the tight side because our daughter was traveling with us so a rollaway was needed. Still lovely restored bathroom and comfortable beds. Great dinners and breakfasts in the dinning room. Food was very good and ambiance was historical, large with lovely windows and I loved the fireplaces. Wouldn't have wanted to stay anywhere else. Would stay again. Got great photos of the Condors which were flying over the Hopi House. Will visit again!

    by bjyates, 8/5/07

Add your own review

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Browse Grand Canyon hotels

By Price:

By Location

 Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas

Travel Deals in Grand Canyon

View all travel deals
* Some taxes, fees additional

· Forums Trip Reports

View more trip reports

·, , ,

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories