Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
545
possible, and don't forget to reconfirm. (It's sometimes possible to get a room on the day
of departure if there are any last-minute cancellations, though. To attempt this, you must
put your name on the waiting list at the Bright Angel Lodge transportation desk the day
before you want to stay at Phantom Ranch.)
Family-style meals must be reserved in advance. The menu consists of beef-and-vege-
table stew ($25) and steak ($39). Breakfasts ($19) are hearty, and sack lunches ($12) are
available as well. Between meals, the dining hall becomes a canteen selling snacks, drinks,
gifts, and necessities. After dinner, it serves as a beer hall. There's a public phone here,
and mule-back duffel transfer ($63) between Grand Canyon Village and Phantom Ranch
can be arranged.
11 cabins, 40 dorm beds. $105 double in cabin; $39 dormitory bed. Mule-trip overnights (with all meals
and mule ride included) $448 for 1 person, $791 for 2 people. 2-night trips available Nov-Mar.
Ameni-
ties:
Restaurant; lounge.
In room:
No phone.
In Tusayan (Outside the South Entrance)
If you can't get a reservation for a room in the park, this is the next closest place to stay.
Unfortunately, this area can be very noisy because of the many helicopters and airplanes
taking off from the airport. Also, hotels outside the park are very popular with tour
groups, which during the busy summer months keep many hotels full. All of the hotels
listed here are lined up along US 180/Ariz. 64.
Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Kids
If you prefer playing tennis to rid-
ing a mule, this may be the place for you. Of all the hotels in Tusayan, this one has the
most resortlike feel because of its restaurants, lounges, and extensive recreational ameni-
ties. With so much to offer, it almost seems as if the hotel were trying to distract guests
from the canyon itself. But even if you don't bowl or play tennis, you'll likely appreciate
the large guest rooms with comfortable easy chairs and big windows. In the lobby, which
is more Las Vegas glitz than mountain rustic, cases are filled with old cowboy parapher-
nalia. Down in the basement are an impressive Western sculpture, a waterfall wall, and
even a bowling alley.
100 Ariz. 64 (P.O. Box 130), Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.
&
800/622-6966
or 928/638-2681. Fax 928/638-
2782. www.grandcanyonsquire.com. 250 units. Mid-Mar to mid-Oct and late Dec $146-$206 double;
mid-Oct to late Dec and Jan to mid-Mar $111-$136 double. Children 12 and under stay free in parent's
room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; 2 lounges; concierge; exercise room; Jacuzzi; sea-
sonal outdoor pool; sauna.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
16
Canyon Plaza Resort
The setting behind the IMAX theater and surrounded by
parking lots is none too pretty, but guest rooms, most of which were recently renovated
with a bit of contemporary styling, are large and comfortable, and have balconies or
patios. The hotel is built around two enclosed skylit courtyards, one of which houses a
restaurant and the other a bar and whirlpool. Families will want to opt for one of the
suites, which contain separate small living rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel is very popu-
lar with tour groups and can often feel crowded.
P.O. Box 520, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.
&
866/698-2012
or 928/638-2673. Fax 928/638-9537. www.
grandcanyonplaza.com. 232 units. $170-$190 double, $230 suite; Nov to mid-Mar $90-$120 double,
$140-$160 suite. Rates include continental breakfast. Children 16 and under stay free in parent's room.
AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted ($50 fee).
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; concierge; 2 Jacuzzis; out-
door pool.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge (in some), hair dryer, Internet.
Grand Hotel
With its mountain lodge-style lobby, this modern hotel lives up to
its name and is your best bet outside the park. There's a flagstone fireplace, log-beam
