Just returned home from a 2 night stay at the Grand Canyon south rim and thunderbird lodge. It was quite expensive for a fairly ordinary motel room, but well worth the $375+ per night. We had a room on the first floor that was called a partial view room. I would call it full view, as we could lay in bed and see the canyon. There was a sidewalk in between the hotel and rim, but that didn’t bother us at all. I enjoyed watching the flow of people and many stopped right in front of our room because it was such a great view. The room was fine and included a good size dorm fridge, real glassware and stoneware coffee mugs. There was a water filling station right outside our door. While our room was sort of a half basement deal, there were 2 large picture windows facing the rim and another side window facing towards El Tovar. I moved the desk chair to the window and was able to film 2 California Condors right from the room. The outside is pretty ugly and reminded me of my college dorm. The decor inside was also pretty dorm-like but the views more than made up for that. I wouldn’t want to spend almost $400/night for a room facing the road, but I would definitely stay again if I have the opportunity.

Rooms are clean and beds are decent. The shower leaves something to be desired, as we are over 6’ tall and it is a low mount. I loved the water bottle fillers at ever turn. No lobby here, so early risers must trek to El Tovar or Bright Angel to sit. There is also only a desk chair in the room for seating. Can’t beat the location though! In the south rim and basically in the middle of the village. Beautiful view just steps from your room!

Location location location. If you ever plan on spending more than one day visiting a National Park take very opportunity to stay in the park. The convenience of being in the park when you wake up versus waiting in long lines to enter the park is worth it. We lodged in both Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, We had a canyon view room at Thunderbird Lounge and from our window we had a great view of the Grand Canyon. The lodge is located literally next to the canyon. I rated the lodge 4 stars as it is every bit of staying in a college dorm. No recreational amenities. Just the convenience of being in the park. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. Check in, food, souvenir store and tours are located in Bright Angel Lodge 50 yards away. The National Park still follows strict Covid 19 protocols. Housekeeping staff have limited contact with guests. There service consist of only trash pick-up and changing towels.

When we originally booked we tried for the El Tovar but was sold out. The ONLY room available between the three canyon front lodges was an ADA room at the Thunderbird Lodge. The staff whom we spoke with was very upfront telling us the room was very basic not deluxe at all, no lobby, front desk or eating establishment on property, but great location and clean. Honesty is the best policy, we arrived knowing what we booked and it was perfect for us. Very clean, quiet and exceptional location. I’m glad we couldn’t get into the El Tovar as it was very crowded and noisy.

The room is sort of small (especially the bathroom). We had great views of the canyon from our room on the first floor, but that also means people walking by frequently - so we often closed the window covering. The room was very clean, and kind of what we were expecting for a stay in a National park. While “rustic” we were not at all disappointed, and we were steps from the canyon.