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The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. With its breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s no wonder that people from all over the world come to experience its grandeur. There’s no better way to experience it than by staying nearby. While the options for where to stay in the Grand Canyon are abundant, finding just what you’re looking for can be overwhelming.
To help narrow it down, here are eight accommodations worth considering—from rustic cabins and historic lodges to luxurious hotels and unique underground suites.
El Tovar Hotel
Proximity to the park entrance: Right on the rim of the Grand Canyon
Price: Nightly rates start around $372
The vibe: Historic, classic elegance
Best for: Couples and those seeking a luxurious stay
The rundown: One of the most famous and historic hotels in the Grand Canyon area, El Tovar Hotel is idyllically situated right on the rim of the canyon—making for mesmerizing views of the canyon from almost every room. The hotel has a classic elegance that harkens back to the early 20th century and offers a fine dining restaurant, a lounge, and a gift shop.
Bright Angel Lodge
Proximity to the park entrance: Right on the rim of the Grand Canyon
Price: Nightly rates start around $149
The vibe: Rustic, historic cabins
Best for: Couples and families looking for a rustic, affordable option
The rundown: Bright Angel Lodge, a Registered National Historic Landmark, is a rustic and iconic lodge located at the top of the Bright Angel Trail Head in the national park. With 90 lodging units ranging from cozy historic units to standard lodge rooms and cabins, the lodge offers a variety of accommodations to suit all needs. The lodge also features a family-friendly restaurant serving classic diner food prepared in the Fred Harvey tradition, an Arizona Steakhouse, an old-fashioned ice-cream soda fountain, a gift shop, coffee house, and an old-style saloon.
Yavapai Lodge
Proximity to the park entrance: About 1 mile
Price: Nightly rates start around $182
The vibe: Modern, comfortable accommodations
Best for: Families and those seeking a mid-range option
The rundown: Yavapai Lodge offers modern and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Its prime location at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and easy access to the market and bus ride to the park, make it a top choice for where to stay in the Grand Canyon. The lodge has two buildings, Yavapai West and Yavapai East, and its main lodge is the place to unwind with cozy seating areas and an outdoor patio. Enjoy a hearty meal at the Yavapai Lodge Restaurant or relax with a drink at the fully-stocked Yavapai Tavern. The lodge is family-friendly, bike-friendly, and pet-friendly with designated pet-friendly rooms available.
Phantom Ranch
Proximity to the park entrance: At the bottom of the canyon
Price: Nightly rates start around $49
The vibe: Rustic cabins and dormitories
Best for: Hikers and those seeking an authentic backcountry experience
The rundown: Phantom Ranch is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and is only accessible by foot, mule, or by rafting the Colorado River. The historic option for where to stay in the Grand Canyon is the sole lodging option found below the canyon rim. The cabins and dorms are rustic, made of wood and native stone, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. All reservations at Phantom Ranch must be made in advance due to limited space. For onsite bites, head to the Phantom Ranch Canteen, which serves breakfast and dinner, with snacks and beverages available throughout the day.
Escape Camper Vans
Proximity to the park entrance: Rental location is just 7 miles from the park entrance
Price: Nightly rates start around $189
The vibe: A quirky, fun lodging concept on wheels
Best for: Adventurous travelers looking to try out the #vanlife
The rundown: For those who prefer a more unique and adventurous lodging option, renting a campervan from Escape Campervans could be a great choice. The company offers a range of campervans that can accommodate anywhere from two to five people—all of which are hand-painted with unique designs that make them easy to spot on the road and offer a distinctive look.
The campervans are equipped with all the basic necessities for a road trip, including a bed, a kitchenette with a sink, a two-burner stove, a refrigerator or cooler, and basic cooking and eating utensils. Some models also include a rooftop tent, which can accommodate additional passengers.
Grand Canyon Caverns Underground Suite
Proximity to the park entrance: About 25 miles
Price: Nightly rates start around $800
The vibe: Unique, underground accommodations
Best for: Couples and those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience
The rundown: A wild 21 stories underground, these caverns were formed over 65 million years ago within limestone that was once the bottom of an ancient inland sea that divided North America. Several miles east of Peach Springs, AZ, they are the largest dry caverns in the US. Visitors can tour, stay, and dine in this unusual destination. One of the most exceptional accommodations is the Cavern Suite, which offers guests the opportunity to spend the night 200 feet underground. This secluded suite overlooks the Chapel of the Ages entrance and provides visitors with a unique experience in the world’s darkest, quietest, and deepest hotel room.
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Proximity to the park entrance: About 7 miles
Price: Nightly rates start around $189
The vibe: Comfortable and spacious rooms with Southwestern decor
Best for: Families and those seeking a comfortable and luxurious stay
The rundown: The sole 3-diamond hotel in the region, The Grand Hotel fuses luxury with rustic charm. The hotel is designed to resemble a sprawling three-story chalet, and features modern amenities like a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Each of the hotel’s restaurants—Canyon Star Steakhouse and the adjacent Canyon Star Saloon—play up the aesthetics of the olden times vibes with their exposed timber, stone, and ironwork elements.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Proximity to the park entrance: About 25 miles
Price: Nightly rates start around $149
The vibe: Luxurious glamping experience
Best for: Couples and those seeking a unique outdoor experience
The rundown: Stay in tune with nature while relishing in the creature comforts of a hotel at Under Canvas. Situated upon 160-acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, the elevated glamping experience consists of stunning safari-inspired tents—each equipped with West Elm furnishings, upscale, organic bath products stocked in the ensuite bathroom, a private deck with outdoor lounge chairs, and a wood-burning stove with complimentary firewood. Guests can even enjoy an exceptional dining experience that emphasizes seasonality and locally-sourced ingredients, including bottomless coffee, fresh salads, charcuterie boards, and roasted trout.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
