The location and views are unbeatable. But this doesn't feel like a traditional hotel. It has a true rustic lodge feel, which is aesthetically charming, without modern conveniences, which can prove problematic. The food is sustenance, nothing more (despite the high prices), and you may wait for a very long time to get a seat at the house restaurant even if the dining room is empty. There's a "take it or leave it" vibe from the staff. In fact, I had a reservation and arrived with my young child, while waiting for the rest of my party to come down the stairs. They refused to seat us, despite us being hotel guests, with a reservation, with plenty open tables. Just seems like you might accommodate a tired child, or at least offer an apology or a place to sit down to wait. We'd mentioned that it was a milestone birthday when reserving, too, but it wasn't acknowledged. Again, the focus isn't really on hospitality. There is an adjacent lounge whose door is blocked with an oddly placed sign about the capacity. There's not anywhere to really sit at the bar, so more people can only enter when others leave their table. Again, just be forewarned -- don't expect a cozy bar-lounge vibe. You will squeeze in and out, and stand in line to get in. The rooms are serviceable but extremely dated. There's no elevator and the stairs are steep, so be forewarned. All that said, the location is majestic and the views are lovely, and the lobby is transportive. Just don't expect a plush hotel/resort experience.

What a disappointment. After paying $2000 up front for three nights at El Tovar, we got a room equivalent to an Econo Lodge. Granted, it’s on the canyon rim—but our view was of the roof. The hotel is cool, but badly needs updating. It’s shabby, the closet has a curtain instead of a door, and to top it all off, we had a mouse (or a ghost?) in our room. I booked through Trip.com, apparently another mistake, because we had a reservation for one night, and a different reservation for the other two days that the desk clerk blamed on our third-party booking. We had to re-check-in on the second day. We also did not get the room we ordered. Moral of the story: book directly with the hotel, and do your research.

Went to the restaurant for lunch. Food was pretty basic. French fries soft and soggy. Worst meal I have had on a week's holiday in the area. Very noisy staff member at the next table and all the staff in the restaurant were over chatting and laughing with them very loudly. It spoiled my lunch. It was very unprofessional and unacceptable.

Old world American charm, you expect Bing Crosby to appear at any moment and all in a fabulous location. Charming staff, decent prices. I’m so glad I managed to book this hotel for our trip to the Grand Canyon. Any review who complains that bits and pieces are tired just don’t get the point and they should stick to some corporate travel lodge rather than this classic piece of American history.

This was a first time, bucket list trip for us! We booked a standard 2 queen room. After reading tons of very negative reviews, we went in with low expectations. We appreciate history and architecture and were pleasantly surprised! Are you getting a 5 star room for the price? NO. However, the room was simple, clean and the location cannot be beat. We stayed one night and our room was ready before check-in time. The front desk staff were all very pleasant. The lobby is charming and had exactly the feel we thought it would have. For us the experience was wonderful and something we will never forget! Must be seen to be appreciated!