Stay in the National Park Area, either Tusayan Or Grand Canyon Village

There are two separate and distinct hotel and restaurant areas at the Grand Canyon. First is the village of Tusayan just outside the park's south entrance, about 15 minutes drive from Grand Canyon's South Rim.

The second area is right inside the National Park. There are hotels and campgrounds (with and without hook-ups) both in the park and in Tusayan.

Tusayan Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels

Our favorite is the IHG Squire Resort (866-246-2534). There are also the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel (800-995-2521), Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites, The Grand Hotel (866-246-2534), and the Red Feather Lodge. These are largely more modern and less rustic than the hotels in the park, most having swimming pools, air conditioning, and other amenities. Tusayan is a 15 minute drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim.

The tiny town of Valle (Grand Canyon Junction) has "glamping" nearby in deluxe tents at Under Canvas (888-240-7824) or at Clear Sky Resorts. Grand Canyon Inn is a 2-star hotel in Valle (800-635-9203). Valle is about an hour from the canyon rim.

Restaurants

In Tusayan, the Coronado Room in the Squire Inn is a recommended restaurant. Even better, Tusayan's Plaza Bonita has excellent Mexican food. We Cook Pizza And Pasta has great pizza and Italian food in a pizza parlor atmosphere. The Foodie Club has nice lunch options. A new McDonald's is now open, and there is a Wendy's in town.

In-Park Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels

El Tovar Hotel (NPS Photo by Mike Quinn)

Xanterra runs all in-park hotels except Yavapai Lodge. All Xanterra hotels have the same booking number: 888-297-2757. Delaware North's Yavapai Lodge is at 877-404-4611.

The aging queen of all Grand Canyon hotels is the lovely, historic (and real old, 1905) El Tovar, overlooking the canyon rim. Other choices right on the rim are the dorm-like (but overlooking the canyon) Thunderbird and Kachina Lodges, and the rustic (but 'kinda fun') Bright Angel Lodge and cabins.

The recently remodeled Maswik Lodge is a short walk to the rim. Yavapai Lodge and the Trailer Village are a short drive, walk, or free shuttle to the rim. All these hotels book up months early. Canyon Dave Tours picks up at any of these and even the campgrounds.

Restaurants

Favorite dinner restaurants in the park are the El Tovar Hotel's Dining Room (shown) and the Arizona Room next to the Bright Angel Lodge. Maswik Lodge's Food Court and the Yavapai Lodge's Tavern have very nice sit-down lunches. The Village Market Deli has the best to-go sandwiches and picnic food, and is located inside a well-stocked grocery with a hiking gear section and general store.