Goosebumps is the only way i can describe looking at the south rim from the porch of the hotel. The hotel is famous and the view is beyond spectacular. The staff are also very friendly and accommodating. But if you are not a fan of dated and "rustic" then it will take some getting used to. Especially the mattress that tipped us both into the middle. There is truly no better location for accommodations at the park, unless maybe you're camping. And I would go back. Just adjust my expectations.

I never give a hotel a poor review unless they absolutely earn it. We all have our bad days. This hotel though is really poorly run and could easily be so much better. Maybe it's staff shortages, COVID fear overhang or just short sighted management but this hotel sucks. Bad food, bar, dining and housekeeping. Views great though so bring what you need and just have low expectations.

The grand old lodge is just how you imagine. Elk and moose and bison heads mounted up high, dark timbered interior. Our room was tiny by regular standards, but also clean as can be. We had the regular queen, located on the first floor. We wondered if we'd experience ambient hotel noise but we absolutely didn't: we discovered that the crowded lobby of daytime totally thins out by 5 pm. What we loved: the location of course, and especially the wraparound porches where you can hang out and enjoy the view daytime or sit out at nighttime. People do take advantage of the special quiet to enjoy the night air. We enjoyed the restaurant, too: get the duck l'orange if you're a duck person, it's sensational. Other meals good, too. The only real issue was the air conditioner unit in so small a room: you WILL be blown on, very noisily, when it's hot, as it was in early Sept. It works almost nonstop because it's old and inefficient. So you have to cope with direct loud blast of cold air. Sounds minimal but it's pretty annoying. Next time we will book a larger room to get away from the air conditioner unit. TIP: sit outdoors in the nighttime and listen to the near total absence of sound...very beautiful to watch the sky, whether cloudy or clear. Bring a flashlight if you wish to walk safely--it's really dark.

I have always wanted to stay here…was not disappointed! Our room, 2 doubles, was roomy and very nice! The bathroom was small…but was nice! The lobby, dining room, and bar were nicely appointed and comfortable! The gift shops were nice… and we loved the wrap around porch!

Although El Tovar is an architectural marvel, we were a little disappointed in our experience there. The room was nice--no problem there. A great deal of what must have once been a beautiful lobby area was taken up with a huge gift shop in which we had no interest. The bar was tiny, which was fine, but we weren't allowed to take a cocktai; out to the lobby and enjoy it there. The location so near the canyon was unbeatabe.