Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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of the hotels on the canyon rim, and they also have the most modern rooms. If you get
a second-story room on the canyon side of either hotel, you'll get some of the best views
in the park (these rooms at the Kachina Lodge get the nod for having
the
best views).
Book early—these two lodges are some of the park's most popular accommodations. Just
remember, if it's not a view room, you'll be staring at the parking lot, and the lodge will
not guarantee canyon-view rooms.
104 units. $170-$180 double.
In room:
TV, fridge, hair dryer.
Moderate
Maswik Lodge
Set back a quarter-mile or so from the rim, the Maswik Lodge offers
spacious rooms and cabins that have been comfortably modernized without losing their
appealing rustic character. If you don't mind roughing it a bit, the 28 old cabins, which
are available only in summer, have lots of character. These cabins have high ceilings and
ceiling fans, and are my top choice away from the rim. If you crave modern appoint-
ments, lots of space, and predictably comfortable air-conditioned accommodations, opt
for one of the large Maswik North rooms, which also have refrigerators and coffeemakers.
Second-floor rooms have high ceilings and balconies, which makes them your most
comfortable choice away from the rim.
278 units. $90-$170 double (winter discounts available); $90 cabin.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge.
In
room:
TV, fridge.
Yavapai Lodge
Located in several buildings at the east end of Grand Canyon Village
(a 1-mile hike from the main section of the village, but convenient to the Canyon View
Information Plaza), the Yavapai is the largest lodge in the park and thus is where you'll
likely wind up if you wait too long to make a reservation. Unfortunately, it's also the
least-appealing hotel in the park. There are no canyon views, which is why Yavapai is less
expensive than the Thunderbird and Kachina lodges. If you must stay here, try for a
room in the nicer Yavapai East wing, which is set under shady pines. Rooms in this wing
have air-conditioning. However, I recommend that you plan ahead and try to stay at one
of the lodges right on the rim.
358 units. $107-$153 double (winter discounts available).
Amenities:
Restaurant.
In room:
TV.
Inexpensive
Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins
Bright Angel Lodge, which began operation in
1896 as a collection of tents and cabins on the edge of the canyon, is the most affordable
lodge in the park, and, with its flagstone-floor lobby and huge fireplace, it has a genuine,
if crowded, mountain-lodge atmosphere. It also happens to offer the greatest variety of
accommodations in the park. The best and most popular units are the rim cabins, which
should be booked a year in advance. In fact, any rooms here should be booked as far in
advance as possible. Most of the rooms and cabins feature rustic furnishings. The Buckey
Suite, the oldest structure on the canyon rim, is arguably the best room in the park, with
a canyon view, gas fireplace, and king-size bed. The tour desk, fireplace, museum, and
restrooms account for the constant crowds in the lobby.
86 units (20 with shared bathrooms). $79 double with shared bathroom; $90 double with private bath-
room; $111-$174 cabin; $138-$333 suite.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; lounge, snack bar.
In room:
No
phone.
16
Phantom Ranch
Built in 1922, Phantom Ranch is the only lodge at the bottom
of the Grand Canyon, and it has a classic ranch atmosphere. Accommodations are in
rustic stone-walled cabins or 10-bed gender-segregated dormitories. Evaporative coolers
keep both the cabins and the dorms cool in summer. Make reservations as early as
