Guest reviews El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon

by Cassoanthony264

Grand Canyon was amazing but Xnattera is terrible

Me and my gf decided to take a trip and visted three national parks. We decided to start our trip at Death Valley and work our way to the Grand Canyon and Carlsbad caverns. Death Valley was beautiful and we had some amazing views. It was all good untill we checked into our rooms at the Oasis. The rooms where terible, the mattress was uncomfortable and obviously old worn out , the walls were drab and marked up. The food was absolutely terrible in the morning, the breakfast buffet was disgusting and overpriced. The eggs were tasteless and hard, the pancakes were basically rubber. Dinner at 30 dollars was a joke, the food was digusting and you could tell the lettuce was unwashed. We left to Pahrump an hour away to get a decent meal and bed. We left to the Grand Canyon and my Girlfriend Lizzy decided to book a room at El Tovar. We weren't too pleased to find out Xnaterra ran that place to. We love the architecture and history. We also wanted to be close by the rim, so we gave Xnaterra a second chance. At 200+ Dollars a night I would have expected our rooms to be much better and actually cleaned. Right when I flipped back the sheets I spotted a hard bloody and half green snot rocket. That was disgusting, we also found pubes upon further inspection. We immediately asked for new linens. Our AC was also malfunctioning sporadically and made it uncomfortable during the day. The food at bright angel was decent at least and a notch above Death Valleys. NPS needs to really consider changing vendors,I don't normally complain, but our trips were ruined back to back thanks to Xnaterra and we paid nearly a grand to be miserable. We are just gonna get an RV for your next trip.

by RICART75 Peru, Indiana

Worth a visit.....

Even if one is not staying there overnight, this structure warrants a visit; especially, if one appreciates historic buildings. This 1905 hotel is a real step-back in time. The wood and stone construction, harkens back to an era when craftsmanship was honored. In addition to the architecture, one can browse the gift shop and/or enjoy a meal with a view. There are several Mary Colter gems along the south rim; this certainly being one of them.

by babystepper Big Flats, New York

Classic NP Lodge - don't be afraid to walk in without a reservation

We were on a day trip to Grand Canyon from Sedona, and online said El Tovar had no rooms. We stopped in mid-afternoon and there was a small sign in the lobby saying there were rooms available & check with the front desk! Lovely, compact room with period details and a pocket view of the North Rim (that's right, you could see the canyon - I was expecting no view based on some descriptions I'd read). Overnight guests have exclusive access to a mezzanine lounge with comfy seating, tables, board games and puzzles to borrow, etc. Not really a bargain if it weren't at the rim, but worth it to us for the location & atmosphere. Front desk can give you parking advice (even on shoulder season this was a challenge) - park in the circle at the front steps temporarily while seeing if rooms are available, or to unload your luggage.

by clem_texas Austin, Texas

El Tovar ,, special place in my heart.

El Tovar is a grand hotel. I like to imagine all the wealthy people from 1905 walking through and staying here. 1905 is the year this well built hotel was born. El Tovar is pricier than other accommodations but definitely worth it especially if you are celebrating a major hike. The rooms were so well built and quiet. Both rooms we had were in busy walk by areas yet we never heard people walking or talking in the halls and I am the sensitive noise police. The beds were insanely comfortable and everything else was so cozy and clean and gorgeous. Parking is interesting as there is a lot right in front of the hotel and it worked out both times we had to park and got a spot right up in front. If you don’t find a spot right up in front you will have to park a little bit down the road and walk back. not a big deal but just be prepared in case you are rushed to be somewhere. The staff will help you know how to park they are very patient explaining where to find nearby parking if the lot is full. And the parking is all free. The staff at the hotel was beyond helpful. They helped me with a lot of nitpicky things I had to take care of and treated me like I was royalty. We stayed first night before our big hike down South Kabaib then stayed two nights in Phantam Ranch then came back to El Tovar to stay our last night. We got a much larger and nicer room the 2nd night which had a huge bathroom and closet with elevated steps which looked cool and felt more spacious. We ate in the restaurant and the food was superb, a nice celebration dinner with lots of gluten free options. The gift shops were super exquisite yet affordable. They have the coolest book on all the deaths that happened in the Grand Canyon. Morbid I know but it is the reality of life. The location is excellent as it is situated right next to the bright angel hotel which has the information desk for Phantom Ranch and all the hiking going on which if you have a Lotta questions about your hike to Phantom Ranch that is the place to go. Also the location was great for catching the shuttle service. I highly recommend taking the red route which takes you along the rim to amazing amazing vistas. My favorite was hobi point and the abyss stops on the bus. You could either walk the rim trail or take that bus or do a combination of both. The bus runs just about every 10 or 15 minutes so it is super convenient and best of all it’s free. You could also take the bus to the visitor center and see the exhibits & GC film which I wish we had had time for that; oh well next time.

by Rocker_rep too far from the wild west!

Best of 3 week trip!

We’ve stayed here before, as well as Bright Angel, but this time was extra special. Since celebrating their 100th year, we wanted to spend at least one night here again. They book a year in advance but we got in on a last minute cancelation. Even in summer / high season it’s possible so keep trying on line by refreshing. The mezzanine balcony was so relaxing after a day of hiking & when the day trippers left. Fresh, fruit infused water & piano are available. We took our adult beverages & enjoyed the ambiance. Bring a flashlight & go outside for star gazing, just amazing. We got up early for sunrise, such beauty & peace. A great time to spend an hour or so on the rim in quiet thought, reading, or journaling. I call this rustic elegance. It’s spotless & has all the comforts needed. While pricey, it’s not much more than Tusayan (where we spent a second night - see other review.) Ask for a balcony room when you arrive. Many times they haven’t been requested or late cancels can get you one. We didn’t score one this time but heard someone else did. The restaurant (other review) is fine but the lounge has a small outdoor patio with great drinks & small plates. Perfect for a light dinner with a view. Try the Prickly Pear Martini. We’ve stayed in many national park lodges the last 20+ years & this one is one of our favorites. Don’t miss it. Anyone can stay in a Holiday Inn. You will truly be glad you stayed here. Hope this helps someone.