Best Grand Canyon Hotels

Several food and beverage outlets

An ideal location on the edge of the South Rim and at the top of Bright Angel Trailhead, Bright Angel Lodge makes it easy for guests to step outside and see the sunrise over the canyon. The historic lodge, built by architect Mary E.J. Colter in 1935, was designed as a more affordable option to El Tovar. A Registered Historic Landmark, Bright Angel Lodge features design details like the geologic fireplace in the History Room (made from layers of Grand Canyon rocks), wood columns and rafters, and Southwestern-style wall hangings and sculptures.

Room options range from basic rooms (with shared bathrooms and no televisions) in the main lodge to those with private bathrooms or rustic log cabins—including the iconic Bucky O’Neill Cabin, which was originally home to one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. This variety also allows for a variety of room rates, giving travelers of various budgets access to the Grand Canyon’s best hotel. The main lodge has two dining options: the family-friendly Fred Harvey Burger and the more upscale Arizona Steakhouse. In the summer, a classic ice cream and soda fountain opens, plus there’s a coffee shop, old-timey saloon, and gift shop. Note that Wi-Fi reception is poor and some cabins experience a lot of foot traffic nearby.

Heated pool and hot tub, fitness center, laundry on-site

Located about a mile outside of the South Rim entrance in Tusayan, Arizona, this longtime accommodation has two options: a motel and a hotel. The motel is more affordable, but rooms are smaller; however, they have comfortable beds, a desk, mini-refrigerator, and coffeemaker. The hotel has spacious updated rooms and bathrooms, many with a kitchenette, desk, and large flat-screen TVs, but the price is higher. The lodge is often praised for its extreme cleanliness.

A small heated pool and hot tub are open during the summer and a stone-walled lobby has a stone fireplace with comfortable seating and complimentary tea and coffee 24 hours a day. For travelers on a road trip, there are laundry facilities, and the hotel is located in the center of town with plenty of dining options around, although there is no on-site restaurant.

Indoor pool and hot tub, complimentary breakfast

If you’re looking for extra space for the family, this Holiday Inn just outside the South Rim entrance is the best option, particularly if you can book one of their family suites. These have a king bedroom and one with a bunk bed, plus a separate living room and wet bar area with fridge and microwave. The kids will enjoy the indoor pool and adults can soak in the hot tub nearby. Plus, Wi-Fi and breakfast are included, saving time if you’re trying to get to the park early. The shuttle bus to the Grand Canyon stops right outside the hotel.

A testament to its family-friendliness, the hotel is often full of parents with their children (which can make it loud at times), but if you’re bringing the whole family along, it’s a no-brainer.

Elegant restaurant, room service, bell service

Built in 1905, this iconic hotel hearkens to the past, when it was envisioned to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa. Having hosted everyone from President Theodore Roosevelt to Oprah Winfrey, the limestone and pinewood hotel holds a legendary place in Americana. The public areas in particular present a rustic elegance that parts of the American West embodied during the early 20th century.

Overlooking the south rim, the hotel holds court in one of the best locations, and several suites and rooms have glorious canyon views. However, the hotel has become something of faded glory, and the price point is often extremely high compared to other Grand Canyon hotels, likely because of its history and location. Additionally, it’s one of the most crowded places in the park, so be prepared for long lines for meals (make advance reservations for lunch and dinner) and an often full parking lot that doesn’t give priority to guests. If you can get past all that, El Tovar offers a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in one of the country’s most historic hotels.

On-site restaurant

The more accessible South Rim attracts thousands of visitors a year, and while the North Rim is not unknown, it is more remote. The Grand Canyon Lodge is the only accommodation option on the North Rim besides camping, and the quaint log cabins provide a memorable stay for those looking to connect with nature.

Epic views await just outside your cabin door, without hordes of people blocking your way, which sometimes happens at the South Rim lodges. If you’re looking to disconnect, then this is the perfect place—there is no Wi-Fi or TV, and poor cell phone reception, which also keeps the crowds at bay. Each cabin has a porch with two rocking chairs—the perfect place to watch the stars come out.

Indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, game room with bowling alley, three food and drink venues

This Tusayan, Arizona, the hotel is as close as you can get to the park without actually being in it. The hotel is a great home base to return to after a long day of hiking, thanks to a spacious outdoor area complete with fire pits, pool, and hot tub, bar, and patio tables. Too cold? Indoor public areas include an indoor pool, fitness center, an arcade game room with pool tables and a bowling alley, and Squire’s Pub, where adults can unwind with a drink or two. The breakfast buffet at the Canyon Room (open all day) is filling, tasty, and affordable at $7 per person. There’s a second on-site restaurant, the Coronado, for dinner.

On-site restaurant, yoga classes, zen garden, fire pit with s’mores

For those looking for a camping experience without all the trouble, Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers a variety of luxury tents with comfortable beds, wood floors, and some with en suite bathrooms. The communal vibe here is ideal for those looking to be social; the property offers free nightly s’mores around a bonfire and there’s often live music and yoga classes available. The spacious lobby features modern furnishings with plenty of seating and guests often rave about the locally sourced food.

Be aware that this is still camping; tents are heated only by a wood-burning stove that they must replenish themselves (although wood is provided) and expect things to get a little dusty from the desert.

Hearty breakfasts and dinner served on-site

A stay at Phantom Ranch is mostly about the experience of getting there. It’s the only place to stay (besides camping) inside the canyon, and to get there you have to hike or ride in on a mule, both of which take several hours. If you’re up for the adventure, it’s definitely one of those bucket list items you’ll never forget.

Phantom Ranch has basic stone and wood cabins with beds, cold-water sinks, and toilets, as well as shared dormitory rooms for men and women with bunk beds. Showers and hot-water sinks are in a separate shared structure, and because of water shortages, they are sometimes only open at certain times. Expect epic stargazing and consider a two-night stay so you don’t have to hike or ride out the very next day—you’ll probably be a bit sore!