Guest reviews El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon

by Tsaxman74 Arlington, Virginia

Try to book a room with a view

When we obtained a reservation, we felt lucky because it was not yet full. During the peak travel season, it is difficult to get a room. We arrived the day before it closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The dining room, which looked very cool, was closed. At check-in, I asked the haggard young lady in reception if there were any upgrades available. She summoned her manager, who bumped us up to a suite with a view. Wow! We had a suite with a balcony overlooking the South Rim and even though it was cold and snowy, it was fantastic. As other critics have noted, they have not done much to upgrade or replace the furnishings. Even for historical hotel standards it seems somewhat beat up and neglected. Nonetheless, if you have a chance to get a suite with a view, do it. The view is priceless.

by DDR1234 Johannesburg, South Africa

Good stop!

We went on Hammer drive through Canyon and stopped here before we got the bus back to Las Vegas. Very nice shop where you can buy nice souvenir's. Nice restaurant. Very nice ice cream shop, we bought ice cream there. The lobby of the hotel gives you a (Western movie feel).

by MikeB1952 Colorado Springs, Colorado

Didn't Stay There, But Still Enjoyed It!

We took the Grand Canyon Railway in from Williams. So only had three hours in the Park. Part of that we spent at the El Tovar since it's right there at the overlook. The Hotel is one of the Fred Harvey Hotels. We ate lunch on its porch overlooking the Grand Canyon. What a setting for a sack lunch. Inside it’s not overly spacious nor very light. Pretty much of the period it was built. There is a small lobby. A big rock fireplace is at one end. Off to one side is a gift shop and a Bar. A neat little treat is their mini-museum highlighting building the Hotel and featuring both Mary Kolter and Fred Harvey. Interesting Hotel. And fun to walk through.

by lildusty Los Angeles, California

Can't think of anything nice to say- except "great view"

Recently stayed at this 1903 hotel- which looks fantastic from the outside. I was on a solo road trip and wanted to treat myself to a fabulous hotel and dinner. The lobby is spacious and rustic with a not-to-scale sized fireplace (and is the only place on the property that gets wifi). I checked in after walking the trail on the south rim. Crowded, but truly awe-inspiring. El Tovar is literally on the lip of the Canyon. There isn't valet or adequate parking. My first room- upwards of $350- was so tired, small and sad that I immediately went to the front desk and requested a different room. My next room, which cost $420, and was advertised as "deluxe," had the same filthy carpet, a queen bed, musty, smoky smell, and I swear the heater was blowing dust all night, which made me cough. TV has an odd placement and is not HD with just a few local channels.) Starting about 5 am, I was awakened by a stampede of people above and coming up and down the stairs...I assume they were taking the sunrise canyon tour. All in all, I would never return unless it was fully renovated. I DID have a fabulous steak dinner, with impeccable service and wine, in the lodge's restaurant. Go for the view and dinner at the restaurant.

by JimDobbs4 Fairview, Texas

not so good

Very pricey as you would expect (lots of hungry people with only a few dining options at the canyon). Atmosphere would be very nice if they updated. Food was ok but not great. Views of the canyon are nice but limited inside the restaurant. I guess I was just more disappointed than anything.