This review is a little harder for me to write. The Yavapai Lodge has 358 rooms. The rooms are average. Food prices in the outdoor restaurant and the general store are inflated. I guess with limited hotel space in the park, you can charge what ever people are willing to pay. My usually positive reviews will take a step back on this review.

I did a lot of research regarding staying inside the park. I learnt that almost none of the hotels and lodges inside have 5 stars. Also most of them were also booked 6 months in advance. We knew what to expect here and went with low expectations and telling ourselves that its better than camping. Also we knew that staying inside the park is very efficient versus driving hours to get here and wasting a lot if time in traffic. We had also taken a flashlight because there is no light walking towards the vehicle. In short, we came prepared. What we found exceeded our expectations. The front desk is very courteous, helpful and available 24 hours. They gave us a voucher for the morning coffee so we could grab a free coffee from the deli. The deli is fairly good with fair amount of options. The beds are comfortable, fair amount of electrical outlets and good lighting. Best of all, good hot water with a good flow. We got internet fortunately at our lodge but could not at the office which was strange. The lodge has a very nice lobby where you can sit inside and sip you coffee or have your snacks. There is a outdoor restaurant but the orders are really back up, 1 hour or more plus very little food but tasty food. PLEASE TAKE THIS ADVISE -> bring enough food from outside for the evening. I took that advise seriously from the other reviewers. We saw Elk roaming around in the lodge which was fascinating to see at a close distance, they didnt seemed bothered by us. Please manage your expectations and you will find that you will like it here.

Probably my fault for not doing more research. More things still closed for COVID than open. Plenty of people at park and lodge and all that is happening is that everyone is bunching up at open attractions and restaurants. Rooms small and showing wear. No charging station for phone. Restaurants closed with the exception of outdoor dining at pub. Not enough room in the room to eat to do takeout. No picnic tables or other accommodation for takeout food. Small fridge in room which was helpful. Lodge shuttles not running. Visitor center not open. Actually left park for dinner one day. There are no amenities here. Bring board games.

Stayed with my daughter for one night, easy access to canyon parking and some major sites. Comfortable and clean room...this is a lodge so not a lot of amenities like a pool or breakfast. However the coffee shop near check in has a great breakfast burrito and coffee was good. The gift shop in the same building has the most friendly and thoughtful customer service person. He went out of his way to make conversation and welcome you which was a welcome change from the covid unfriendliness out there!!! Also no early check-ins allowed.

Hotel rooms are located outside of the main lodge. They are small but adequate. The tavern is open, but eating and drinking outside only. Staff friendly and helpful. If you have an electric car there are recharging stations in the parking lot.