The two stars are for the proximity of the hotel to the south rim. It literally sits just feet away from the edge. That is where my praise ends. The room we had had a lovely view of a drainage pipe which they call a terrace view. We were one flight down so getting our luggage to our room was a problem since no elevators (before you say it, I know, it is an HISTORIC HOTEL). But, a porter will bring your bags to your room, you have to request it though...it was never offered. Our room was small, dark, no overhead lighting, just small dark lamps. It was very clean. The bed was the most UNCOMFORTABLE bed I have ever slept in. My husband and I woke up each morning aching all over. In contrast, the night prior we stayed at a Drury Inn in Phoenix and their beds were heavenly! When one is traveling and hiking sleep is super important. Couldn't wait to leave. The food at the El Tovar is really bad, especially at the price they charge. What everyone says about the parking is true. There is NO dedicated parking for guests of the hotel. All parking is up for grabs to anyone visiting. The lobby is dark and crowded. I would advise others to stay elsewhere.

This hotel sucks room smell moldy no hot water to take a shower withe. Web had to go down 3 flights of steps as a senior to get to the lobby another flight day on to get ice and requested a first floor room. As I am my sister are seniors parking. Is God-awful basically non existent? Overpriced trip down the last step and staff did not even check or woke up to see if I was okay

This has always been one of the top 3 hotel stays on our bucket list. When we were planning our road trip through Arizona, I logged in a year before the trip and booked a room. Much has been written on these forums about the El Tovar, but like the rooms themselves, every experience is unique. Ours was probably typical of a busy weekend. Check in was delayed due to minimal staffing at the front desk and housekeeping issues, which meant that we had to wait. But when waiting out a check in means you can sit on the porch of the hotel and look out over the Grand Canyon, it's hard to complain! Be aware that on weekends there is a lot of traffic in the hotel's public rooms, mostly from the Grand Canyon Railway. Once the train departed, the volume of people cleared out. We'd booked a standard queen room; unfortunately, we had to hoof it up to the third floor, which given our struggle with the altitude made it a real climb. The lack of bell service and dedicated parking for the hotel could be a problem for older folks that have to haul their luggage upstairs with no elevator. But once we were in Room 6340, we enjoyed a partial canyon view, a larger room with a step-up closet and bathroom, and basic cable that was good for local weather reports. Yes, it's an old hotel, but the room lacked that musty old-hotel smell. But here's the feature that trumps all the troubles: the convenience of enjoying the Grand Canyon from the comfort of the El Tovar's porches. It's an experience you'll never forget. Grab a beverage and a rocking chair, then sit back and enjoy both the natural and the human show.

Great location overlooking Grand Canyon while walking close to hotel. Convenient to just walk to our room after hiking. Disappointed in our “view” of the ROOF from our room! It was way overpriced for what it was. Beds fair, linens not soft and toilet/Kleenex sandpaper quality. Next time would stay at Yavapai.

My husband, myself, and our 21 year old son stayed here for three nights. The location was perfect on the rim, the room was clean, and there were comfortable beds. We loved staying here and reading about the history all over the hotel. Beautiful porch to sit on and watch sunset.