Best Hotels in Grand Canyon

A registered National Historic Landmark, the Bright Angel Lodge dates back to 1935, and the lodge is filled with information on its history. The lodge is located at the top of the Bright Angel Trailhead in Grand Canyon National Park, and has 90 guest rooms, cabins and shared rooms. Rooms are equipped differently depending on the type, although all are rustic in style and include a phone and refrigerator. Standard guest rooms include a TV and work desk. Recent guests say the location is great for those interested in exploring the Grand Canyon, but also note that this is a no-frills hotel with no air conditioning. The property also has two on-site restaurants: Harvey House Café serves American classics for breakfast through dinner, while the Arizona Room serves Arizona and Southwestern fare for lunch and dinner (reservations are strongly recommended). The hotel is located in the Grand Canyon Historic Village, so there are a handful of other restaurants and hotels located nearby. 

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 charm: Sure, it may not have a pool or a spa, but the epic Grand Canyon vistas at your door and American history brimming around every corner make up for El Tovar's lack of glitz. The hunting-lodge style decor – 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.