El Tovar Hotel

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How it Ranks: El Tovar Hotel ranks #1 out of 337 Grand Canyon Hotels based on an evaluation of expert ratings and awards, as well as user reviews.

• ^#1 in Best Grand Canyon Hotels
• ^#43 in Best Arizona Hotels

Our Take: This hotel (sitting at the head of the Rim Trail on the canyon's South Rim) isn't as luxurious as some recent visitors expected it to be. Some guests were disappointed by the hotel's limited amenities. But others insist that simplicity is part of El Tovar's appeal: Sure, it may not have a pool or a spa, but the epic Grand Canyon vistas at your door and American history brimming at every corner make up for El Tovar's lack of glitz. The hunting-lodge style décor—complete with a moose head donated by Teddy Roosevelt—echoes the hotel's original furnishings from 1905. If you can, book a themed room, like the Charles Whittlesey Suite (decorated with the El Tovar architect's original blueprints). And aim to eat in El Tovar's outdoor dining area so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon—the food isn't bad either. Just be sure to book early, especially if you're traveling in summer: This hotel fills up very quickly.

Nearby Things to Do

El Tovar Hotel is <0.5 miles from the #1 ranked Grand Canyon attraction, Grand Canyon Village . Of the nine top rated attractions, the five closest ones are listed below.

See full list: Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon»

^#3

Bright Angel Trail

• ^#3Bright Angel Trail (<0.5 miles)
• ^#1Grand Canyon Village (<0.5 miles)
• ^#4Rim Trail (0.6 miles)
• ^#7Colorado River Rafting (2.7 miles)
• ^#2North Rim (11.4 miles)