If time is short, it's worth going to this or other in park hotels to be there for breakfast with a view and not have to worry about getting in to the hotel. Restaurant was nice albeit expensive and hotel has an historic feel to it. Otherwise, one-night is good. Room was not nice, service was limited and crowds of tourists walking through not particularly appealing. Also no elevators which is a little tough when carrying a week's worth of luggage to the third floor (no bellhops or anything like that). Worst of all, there's no parking assured, so if you move your car, day trippers fill up the spaces and you may not be able to park at the hotel.

First, the positive. Location and the view - really cannot be beat although there are a few accommodations on the rim and they all have the same view and access. It is stunning. Now for the reality. This place is overpriced for what you actually receive. We stayed two nights in a tiny room with a queen bed. The room was smaller than the picture that is posted online and the one that we received in our confirmation - for example, no desk as indicated. Secondly, they do not service the rooms daily like a normal hotel that charges ~$500 USD per night. Don't expect your bed to be made after a long day of hiking or your towels to be refreshed. You will come back to the room in that same state as you left it. Apparently they stopped servicing rooms after Covid and then decided it was cheaper/easier to keep doing that. They will bring you things like new towels upon request.. but personally I expect more at this rate. Secondly, the restaurants at the room are very hard to access without a reservation. You must book in advance or you can expect 1-1.5 hour wait if at all. This would have been good information to know in advance or upon check-in. It's disappointing moving from restaurant to restaurant only to see the same disappointed and frustrated customers. Personally I feel that you can get far more value staying away from the rim. You will pay a lot less and receive the same standard (or more) of care. You will also most likely spend your hours hiking in the canyon so the view from the hotel and the walk from the car to the hotel becomes kind of redundant. My advice is to save your money and stay away from this overpriced and overcrowded, no service money pit. I will say that the staff were very kind though.

We read the reviews, so came with appropriate expectations. They were exceeded. Yes, this is a grand old hotel, lacking in many of the amenities that you’d except in a Marriott or Hilton; no elevators, no bellmen, no daily housekeeping, no room service, tired decor, smallish bathrooms, etc. However, where else can you look out your window and see the Grand Canyon? Our room was on the second floor. Having read the reviews, we packed lightly into one duffle bag and easily survived the climb and lack of bellman. The room was very comfortable, with plenty of space. The bathroom was fine and functional. Yes, the sink is small and there’s no vanity to spread our stuff out, but we managed. The El Tovar dining room, reviewed separately, is the best restaurant on the South Rim. Five star? Nope, but just fine. The Staff of the hotel is very friendly and accommodating; we asked several questions about directions, best times to dine, etc. All were answered in a friendly manner, with a smile. I’m not sure we’ll ever come back to the Grand Canyon, but if we do, we’ll stay at El tovar.

Well, if you look at the photos on the El Tovar website, you will think this place is amazing. I booked us a Standard Room, double bed, which was the size of a large closet, lol. It gets expensive quick when looking at the deluxe rooms, and we really didn't need it. We were just happy with the location. The double bed was fine, although my girlfriend almost fell off rolling over. The mattress was just ok. The pillows were not bad. There was a nice, loud AC/Heater, which helped us sleep since we are used to a fan. All in all, staying in the cheapest room in the nicest (location) hotel in the park was worth it. It is the El Tovar after all, which means I can check off another historic National Park Lodge. The staff was nice, the dining room had a great breakfast, and the shops had some good stuff. We did try to get a quick bite in the lounge, but it was packed. It was first come, first serve, so we did not feel like waiting in a line, so we passed on it. It's definitely a great location. We sat in the rocking chairs one afternoon and just enjoyed the canyon view.

Very well kept hotel. Clean and comfortable accommodations for our family of 5. If you want to eat in the El Tovar dining room, which I would recommend, you need to book your dining reservations 30-45 days in advance. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful!