El Tovar Hotel

My singular opinion: Rooms are very outdated; ours were small. TV didn't work well...fuzzy pic the whole time (we did not complain). Staff were very professional and courteous. Location is great but you can easily drive to the Canyon from anywhere nearby (town is like 7 or 8 miles away). Food was average (they do have a kids menu). No dedicated parking for hotel guests. Not much parking available (we were told we could park down along the roadway). No laundry service available. We travel a fair amount and are willing to pay a premium. Would not stay again. Like I said, just my opinion. Canyon is fantastic if you have never seen it.

At 120 years old, El Tovar Hotel offers you the ability to experience historical Grand Canyon accommodations first hand. I’ve stayed in many more comfortable and more well maintained hotels, but very few can beat the location or the history of El Tovar. The location is outstanding with an easy spot to enjoy immense views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset just outside of the hotel. Don’t forget to step out just after dark and enjoy the beautiful stars when the conditions are right.

Historic charm meets unbeatable location! El Tovar is simply magical. The rustic, old-world charm of the log cabin interiors, taxidermy, and cozy lounges make you feel like you've stepped back in time—in the best way possible. The location is unbeatable, literally perched right on the rim of the Grand Canyon. We could walk out and take in jaw-dropping views in seconds. The rooms are well-maintained considering the hotel’s age, and the staff were warm and welcoming. There’s also a charming gift shop with unique items. Skip the restaurant—but everything else about this place is top notch. If you're visiting the Grand Canyon, staying at El Tovar elevates the whole experience. Absolutely worth it

We’ve never been to the Grand Canyon and wanted to make it special. El Tovar is so amazing, special, iconic and atmospheric. The entire experience went far beyond my wildest expectations!||Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon there’s a lot of nothing until you get tot eh Grand Canyon Village. We were delighted to find that El Tovar is literally next to the canyon. Unbelievable views and walks right outside the door! It’s conveniently located near several shops and places to eat, and the Bright Angel trail is just a few minutes away. ||The hotel is like stepping back in time. It’s a lodge, a Teddy Roosevelt Hollywood movie star lodge. Sure, it’s “dated”, but honestly it’s wonderful to find a place that hasn’t been renovated by IKEA. The staff is wonderful, so kind and friendly and accommodating. There’s a restaurant, a bar/lounge and a more casual eating area. ||But the view! I mean, that’s what we’re here for and it’s spectacular. Staying right next to the canyon, here at sunset when the touri buses leave, here in the dead quiet morning watching the sunrise spread across the canyon. Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience…and I can’t wait to do it again.

We stayed in a second floor King room with a balcony. The view of the canyon for the balcony was so beautiful and serene. The bar seating and table provided allowed us to sit comfortably to really enjoy the view. I love that the closet is deep enough to put your suitcases in and pull the curtain. It was really nice to stay overnight in the Canyon. Once in a lifetime experience.

Rode the train from Williams, AZ. The check in experience was easy, though the room was not ready, they did text when it was. Luggage was in the room which was nice. I loved the bathroom look and feel, the bedroom itself is dated. Don't expect high end furniture. The room was comfortable enough and the view of the canyon was nice. This is a hotel built in the 1800's so expect exactly that. There are congregation areas to sit and enjoy time with friends and families inside and out. I would definitely return.

The room was absolutely stunning and perfect location wise. Just walking out and being able to be on the Grand Canyon was magnificent. The manager Joel was especially helpful when we had a medical need and went above and beyond then what the bare minimum was. He also was extremely kind and never became short tempered.

It was a great place to stay and it was just beautiful inside and out. Wonderful informative staff and friendly. The only negative I have to mention is that the A/C units in both rooms my family stayed in was quit noisy, which made it hard to rest. Looking out for the future and tour guest experience. Great job team! with the services you provide. We also ate at the restaurant and the food was delicious and we felt special eating there.

I booked a two-night stay at El Tovar and was initially hesitant after reading several reviews calling it outdated, overpriced, and worn down. I'm happy to say my experience was the opposite. This is a charming, historic hotel with a lot of character and beauty. Yes, it's old--but it's old in all the best ways. The lobby is stunning with rich woodwork, vintage decor, and a nostalgic, welcoming atmosphere. I was worried about musty smells or signs of mold, but there were none. It smelled fresh and clean. The carpet on the stairs could probably use an update--it's a solid color that shows every little spot--but overall, the hotel felt well-maintained and authentic. I felt our rooms were well worth the price. Having lived in a 1926 home for 25 years, the bathroom in our room brought back fond memories. It had clearly been updated, but it retained that vintage charm, and everything was clean and functional. One big plus: you don't need air conditioning at night. We opened the windows, and the cool mountain air--dropping into the 50s--was perfect. If you do this, just remember to close the windows by around 8 a.m. to help maintain that chill. We had no issues keeping the rooms cool. Our family had two rooms and both were comfortable and refreshing. The gift shops were also a pleasant surprise--offering a great selection of unique and fun items at reasonable prices. The only downside of our stay was the restaurant experience. You absolutely must make dinner reservations in advance--ideally the day before--or you won't get in. Our first night, we didn't have a reservation and had to eat at a nearby steakhouse instead. Thankfully, it was excellent--just two buildings down from El Tovar, within easy walking distance, and didn't require a reservation. I did manage to book breakfast the next morning for a party of four, but the rest of my group decided to sleep in. When I arrived alone, another couple was waiting to be seated and told there would be a 30-minute wait. I offered to share my four-person reservation with them since I had three empty seats. Oddly, the staff refused to allow it. It made no sense, especially with the dining room only 3/4 full. I voiced my concern, and it seemed to make them uncomfortable--so they seated the couple right away, but at a separate table. My guess is that they were short-staffed in the kitchen or on the floor, which might explain the rigidity. Another nice convenience is that the National Park runs a free shuttle system until 9 PM, with buses running all over the park and back to your hotel. It's a great way to explore the area without having to drive or find parking. As for the location--it's unbeatable. Right along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, it couldn't be more convenient. One thing to keep in mind: there is no elevator, so if you have a lot of luggage or mobility concerns, request a first-floor room. Also, the hotel wasn't designed with sweeping canyon views from most rooms--likely because the architect assumed guests would spend their time outside enjoying the views. That said, one of our first-floor rooms with two queen beds actually had a lovely partial canyon view. Final Thoughts: Despite a few quirks, I truly loved this hotel. It's historic, clean, welcoming, and in the perfect location. If I return to the Grand Canyon, I would absolutely stay here again--just with my dinner reservations made in advance!

What an amazing hotel! Throw place had history and class. The woodwork and architecture were outstanding. The service was excellent and the location...this hotel is on the rim. The walk to the edge is about 20 yards and on a paved walkway. It was a lot of fun to walk out in the dark and see the stars and the planetary alignment. Once we were sufficiently cold, a quick walk back to the lodge area for some fireplaces and then our spacious room.

El Tovar is a historic hotel at the Grand Canyon and has a wonderful lobby full of that history. The room which cost $504.57/night was tiny. The bed was hard and there was really no place to lay out things in the bathroom. The room a/c was extremely noisy as was the refrigerator which we ended up turning off. The dining room has a dress code at a place where the majority of people are hikers. You can't just walk into the lounge to get a drink at a table. You have to be seated. It was a bucket list for us and it's been checked off but never again!

The food was absolutely delicious and staff were very friendly with our three children. The hotel was very nice too

Disappointing Stay -- Not Worth the Price or Location We were really looking forward to staying at the El Tovar, but it ended up being a letdown. We were on the ground floor, so instead of the "stunning views" we were promised, we looked out at brush and passing foot traffic. Nothing special. The room itself lacked basic conveniences. The bathroom had a pedestal sink with no counter space--not even a spot to rest a toothbrush. The room felt dated and in need of an update. For the premium price, we expected much more comfort and functionality. There are also no elevators, and long, long hallways. Adding to the inconvenience: the bellman doesn't come on duty until 7 AM. We had to leave by 6:30 to catch a flight and had to manage our own luggage. Bottom line: there's really no advantage to staying inside the park. The Grand Canyon is spectacular, but you can easily visit without staying at El Tovar. Save your money and stay just outside the park--better value, more comfort, and less hassle. The staff was neither wonderful nor horrible. They did not go out of their way for you. They just weren't invested in their job. There was no joy, no love.

Amazing place! Had an incredible view! Booked a suite, but didn't think it would be as great as the description. The staff were super friendly, ESPECIALLY Austin at the Front Desk. The Bell Hops are angels, carrying luggage up stairs, as there's no elevator. The suite was big, with a separate living/dining area, and an amazing patio. The reservation system is a little antiquated, but it's definitely worth a visit. I have stayed at several other lodges at the Grand Canyon, but El Tovar is the best of them. This place has such a comforting vibe, plenty of places to lounge and chill taking in the views. Great gift shop, and dining options.

We stayed here 3 nights. Room was on first floor and steps away from lobby dining etc. Room was small with outdated, beat up furniture and musty. Eating is reservation only. Food was average and service was good and wait staff affable. While sitting on porch directly accessible to our hall we noticed vermin scampering about and couldn't help but wonder whether they were wandering the halls and even our room. Parking was a blessed free for all. No guest designated parking, so day visitors filled the spots day and night. Impossible to park on property and the village parking is scant to say the least. Bus tours also come in during the day to see El Tovar and take in the view and other shopping attractions and their occupants fill the porch and lobby areas diminishing the paying guests experience. El Tovar is historic and its setting is undeniably perfect, but honestly for the price our experience was less than lackluster and I'd pass for another option next time.

Incredibly disappointed with our stay at this hotel Room was musty Drapery did not close A/C was incredibly loud and turned on/off Kept us up Blinking green lights on the fire alarm on the ceiling Lamps had cobwebs Sheets were pillie Towels were dingy Large spider above our bed The hotel room is in desperate need of an update The minute I walked in I felt like I was at camp! Hotel dining was horrific Food was served cold (mashed potato)/cut of meat old/ This location gets two stars for the proximity to the canyon- It would be a one! Btw, hotel room was over $400!!! Not worth the value

Overall good stay. Great location. Super friendly staff. Rooms were clean; ready as expected. Opportunities exist in the HVAC - it works but wow is it noisy. Fortunately the weather cooperated and we didn't need to really use it.

The El Tovar is filled with history. Once a Harvey Hotel of the Harvey House restaurants and the well-known Harvey Girls. If only the walls could talk. Presidents and celebrities have stayed and the history around every corner and in every wooden beam can be felt throughout the hotel. We have always wanted to stay at the El Tovar and surprisingly when planning a last minute trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon, I was shocked to find one room left, yes it was a suite and very pricey, but for a bucket list item, it was well worth it. We arrived for lunch in the dining room, and after lunch were very surprised to find our room was available for check-in a few hours before check-in time. We grabbed our small bags and walked up 3 flights of stairs to the El Tovar Suite. The suite wasn't huge, but more than enough. We had a nice sized bedroom with a TV and one chair, walking from the bedroom into a small hallway, there was a coffee bar on one side and the door to a small but beautiful and clean bathroom. On into the living room, there was a desk, two chairs and a TV. Stepping out through the sliding glass doors, we were stunned speechless at the size of the balcony and the breathtaking view. The balcony was absolutely huge, with plenty of walking room, a table with 4 chairs, 3 side chairs, lounges and a tall bar top table with 3 chairs at the edge of the balcony with unending views of the canyon. We never wanted to leave the balcony and we nearly didn't. After dining in the historic and stunning El Tovar dining room for lunch we immediately made the decision to have room service dinner on the balcony and again room service for breakfast to enjoy the views. Parking for the hotel can be difficult and is limited. Keep driving in circles and you are sure to be lucky to catch someone leaving the visitors center. The hotel is historic and filled with dark woods, beams and the lobby smells like a campfire from the large fireplaces, which is just perfect for the location of the hotel. The dining room is also historic, beautiful and the food delicious. Well worth the money spent, and an experience we will never forget. You must put this on your list of things to do, even if you just go for lunch.

-Amazing location -Great overall hotel ambiance -Rooms were outdated and gross Rooms were definitely not nice at all (loud, outdated, gross bathroom), but would stay here again purely due to location

We had a wonderful stay at this lovely, historic, and iconic hotel. It is situated right on the south rim of the Grand Canyon with trails going along the rim and down into the canyon right at the hotel complex, which includes not only this hotel but other less informal places to stay and eat. Buses along the canyon also go here. The location is stunning and convenient. The otel itself is a characterful, historic building with nice lobby, lovely dining room, and nice rooms. The food, though not outstanding, is also good. There is a small but attractive bar. We had two nice rooms. It is pricey but if you can swing it, it's worth it.

This a bucket list place to stay in the U.S. - it was a Harvey House hotel, and right on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. This fact is what insures they have three stars. I will be reviewing the Dining Room separately (which for us was 4 stars) Without the historical ambience and "right on the rim" location, I would probably have given it 2 stars... 1) Check in went horribly. Given when this was built, the only way to get from floor to floor is by stairs, and they are fairly steep. I knew this, and made sure to book a main floor room because my spouse has trouble negotiating stairs. When we got there, we were given a third floor room, and was told that we "did not book a main floor room".... I mentioned my wife's issue, and said I had called the hotel directly to make this known. When asked "who did you talk to?" and I told them I didn't know specifically (I had made it 2-3 months in advance), they "politely" told me I was making this all up. I asked how my spouse would get to the room and they basically shrugged - not their issue. I finally got someone who said they would get the luggage to the room, and help her negotiate the stairs (which of course still didn't solve the "ever leaving the room bit"). Luckily she still can climb stairs (what if she had been in a wheelchair?), and I walked with her each time we went upstairs or back down. 2) The rooms were about what I expected, small... of course you aren't going to stay there - it's the Grand Canyon! But it would have been nice to have enough hot water for a shower. 3) The front desk remembered us, and were reluctant to help us on where to go and what to do, with snide remarks of "but of course your wife can't do that" (when I'd made it clear it was just stairs, or large inclines that were a problem). Overall, the hotel was nice, but let's say not conducive to anyone with mobility issues. Still - bucket list item, and we did enjoy the stay overall. Just quite a few things brought the experience downward.

Was really looking forward to this classic lodge as a splurge $500 for the night. No fire in the beautiful fireplace. ("we have nobody to man it.") Barstool folded up against the bar and unavailable because" there is only one bartender" Had to drive around parking lot and wait for somebody to pull out after a half an hour Finally get into restaurant and credit card machine isn't working Maybe they were having a bad day, but I expect more for $500 a night I will say the staff and people working there where friendly and nice but just kind of embarrassed that nothing was working. I think the management could use improvement and the mega corporation that manages the place could use a human touch. Fortunately it is in an epic and beautiful location, but it feels like the management company is taking advantage of that and not offering the service that was one traditionally here. Better to stay outside the park.

Room was expensive , excellent location but room not comfortable marginal mattress and furniture worn out. Noisy heater. High step into bathroom not good for accessibility, no elevator yet 3 floors. Other lodging on the rim nearby just as convenient but less convenient censure. El Tovar Restaurant food fair , Lounge was nice very comfortable. All staff very helpful and friendly. A mixed experience. Late October not too crowded, no waiting.

The hotel staff were rude. The location is fantastic. The rooms are just fine and not bad for a historic building. The restaurant staff were great. The hotelstaff nearly ruined our stay. Too bad.

El Tovar is a historic hotel. It's over 100 years old & is charming. Our room is a reasonable size to accommodate 2 queen beds. Our bathroom is very large. There is no elevator but bellmen will carry your bags if you need the help. Everyone on staff was lovely. This hotel is pricy & staying on the rim was fabulous. We went out around 8pm just to look @ the stars. What a treat to have a night here.

The hotel itself is nice, older with character and several dead (black dead) poinsettias around restaurant entry. Would be nice if they invested in Tesla charging ports instead of making guests drive a some miles to charge at a different hotel in 20 degree weather. Frustrating front desk experience, most of the time if we had a question, there was no one at front desk (sounded like they were in the back room, talking). Our room was really tiny for $421/ night, we heard vacuuming at 10:00 at night, sounded like a man peeing above us (water leak?) for most of the night and a fan sound (not a heater/ac fan). We mentioned to the front desk lady on checkout on 1/5/25, believe her name was Taylor, she appeared to care less and wouldn't do anything to compensate for the less than decent El Tovar experience. The restaurant staff was great.

El Tovar is considered the nicest hotel at the Grand Canyon, which is why we booked our room their. We knew it was an old hotel and our expectations were with that in mind. The room was small but adequate. However, the in-wall a/c was incredibly loud. So loud in fact we couldn't run it at night, so at night we were hot. Bath towels were ripped. But the real issue was the mouse in our room. I could hear a mouse going through our bags on the table in the middle of the night. I ended up having to move all our items into the bathroom. I found a half eaten chip in a corner where the mouse came from. Upon checkout I brought the mouse concern to the front desk clerk who didn't seem at all surprised and never even offered any sort of discount. I doubt we'd ever stay there again nor recommend the hotel to anyone.

My wife and I stayed here just after July 4th. The earth must have been closer to the sun because it was blazing hot. Here is my review of the historic El Tovar: Pros: Don't expect an early check in. Even if they have signs that read, "Vacancies! Come in." I prefer waiting to get my room until the very last second, so it's almost like Christmas. Check in is officially 4pm and we checked in at 358pm and were reminded that we were being allowed to check in early. We had a queen sized bedroom and boy was it cozy. I could sit in the middle of the bed and reach or grab anything in the room. Talk about convenience. Speaking of beds, the one at the El Tovar reminded me of my college days. So uncomfortable but it sure did bring back fond memories and you can't put a price on memories. The bathroom was surprisingly large and had a cool 1930's "asylum" look to it. Floor to ceiling white tile. The shower had the pressure of pouring water through a straw and letting it drip on you. It sure hit the spot after being out in the heat all day. Even though we were situated near the front desk and a public restroom, we could not hear any of the clamor outside, as we were lulled by the incredibly loud jet engine/air conditioning unit in our room. Don't bother bringing a white noise maker folks, because you won't hear anything with the AC doing its thing. You may not be able to hear the tv, but it's well worth it. Especially since the tv is about the size of an iPad. The lunch restaurant was very accommodating. We sauntered in 6 minutes before they closed and they sat us immediately and were very attentive. Sarcasm aside, the place is very old and needs a makeover but the staff were polite and friendly and went out of their way to make our stay comfortable.

During our recent thanksgiving trip to the south rim - we decided to try out the dining experience at El Tovar. Being vegetarians we were a bit apprehensive of what to expect, but delightfully surprised to find a few options - the stuffed portobello mushroom was very flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The tofu on the Caesar salad was one of the best fried tofus I've ever had - crisp on the outside and yet perfect soft texture on the inside. The place is stepped in history and we are informed by the server the Apple streusel was a 118 year old recipe - and a must try dessert - this recommendation did not disappoint -- this dessert was a bit sweet for our taste but nonetheless delicious. The flourless chocolate cake paired well with the raspberry sorbet. The ambience and service was top notch. Getting a reservation is hard - so plan ahead... but highly recommended as a dinner go to place if you visit the south rim.

This hotel has a great location next to the Grand Canyon. This hotel has many good spots to take pictures and also many gift shops nearby. The heater inside the room is very loud. It woke me up many times when it automatically turned on at night. Keep in mind that this hotel is located on the south side of the Grand Canyon, which is very far away from activities that are located on other parts of the Grand Canyon. There is a convenient shuttle near this hotel to take you to several places.

Location! Location! Location! It is beautiful! Let's start with the positive. There were two staff members who made this stay a bit less painful. The first was the bartender who closed the night of the 17th of February. She had salt & pepper hair and wore a mask. She made one of the best Old Fashioned(s) I have ever had and she was friendly. The second was a lady working at the news stand on the morning of the 18th of February. The rest of the staff we encountered were less than friendly and not very helpful. While grabbing a bite and a few drinks at the bar the night we arrived, there were a group of wait staff openly complaining about the customers at their prospective tables. That was so rude. The next morning, my husband had a work emergency he had to take care of so we ordered room service, after almost an hour and a half, no food arrived. It was 30 minutes before checkout before we were finally served. I won't even go into the shortcomings of the room for the price. We were so excited for this stay and left almost entirely disappointed.

We stayed at this hotel 3 days 2 nights a number of years ago prior to the pandemic in early December. That is the main reason I gave it 4 star is the location. You are right on the South rim of the Grand Canyon. Unbelievable ! In general , the stay was comfortable and cozy and we enjoyed the restaurant. The quaint lodge like feeling with the fireplace in the lobby was really nice. Especially watching the early morning sunlight hitting the Grand Canyon. Beautiful. This hotel is definitely a bucket lister but I noticed it is now running $500 to $600 a night. I think our stay was under $200 a night. That is quite an increase l.

El Tovar is a historic hotel, located in a prime location on the Grand Canyon rim. Yes, it is older with some quirks. Yes, it is expensive. If you can look beyond those things - it is a charming look back to an earlier time. Stayed here with our two college-age sons during the hot summer. We enjoyed being right at the canyon rim, soaking in the views. There were several restaurants in walking distance. Our 2 queen bed room was surprisingly large, and well-appointed. It was very clean and comfortable. The A/C worked fine, and was surprisingly quiet for an older building. The bathroom was small and compact, but also spotless. There were plenty of towels. Shower water pressure kind of meh, but in a 120 year old hotel, I'll take working A/C and a meh shower as a trade off. Wifi was fast and plentiful, the staff were all kind and accommodating. Check in was fast and simple. If you are coming to the Grand Canyon to see an amazing natural creation, and to get a sense of what vacations were like in a previous era, then the El Tovar could be for you.

The views are fabulous in December from the Colter suite but the interior is shabby . The $700.00 a nite is a shocker for a suite that needs upgrading . Additionally, we were looking forward to sitting in front of the fire in the expansive lobby last evening at 9:00 pm but were told it was " not cold enough " ...last night's temperature was 26 degrees and tonight's forecast is 16 degrees

Want to ruin a special trip? Book here. We booked one of the four canyon view suites on the phone with a gentleman who assured us it was canyon view, and when we arrived, it was not. The front desk was entirely unapologetic and failed to offer any compensation, not so much as late checkout. We had planned our entire trip around the date that we had been told the room was available. It was a hard reservation too - they had a credit card info on file. Without the canyon view, you are paying $450+ for a tiny Motel 6 level room furnished from a garage sale with parking lot views. And the service - at $750 a night or more for a suite, you expect more than a "too bad" when the hotel made a reservation error. Other guests had reservation issues as well, in particular one gentlemen who they had accidentally split his booking so his family had to pack up and move rooms halfway through his stay. Bottom line, you can book here, but you will have no idea what you're getting until you arrive, regardless of any reassurances over the phone. Stay outside the park in any of the hotels that will give you an exceptionally better experience. There is not bellhop, no valet, or elevator, so you are paying $750+ a night to lug your bags up three flights of stairs.

Quaint old hotel in the best location only a stone's throw to the canyon. The remodeled rooms had everything we needed. If you can't splurge for this, go to the Kachina Lodge next door.

We visited here twice during our stay down the road. We stopped in here for drinks at about 930pm after a long day of hiking on July 4th. The bar service started out a little clunky, but it ended up great. The scratch whiskey sours (i.e. not made with a mix) were superb - The best I've had at a bar in a while. We also ordered the Navjo nachos which were VERY good. The next morning we dropped by for breakfast before more hiking. We both had coffee and the Prim Rib Hash. The hash was excellent. The meat was tender, the ratio of one ingredient to the other was perfect, and the chipotle Hollandaise sauce was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!!! The service at the bar and the restaurant was exemplary.

Situated right on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, is the iconic El Tovar hotel. We stayed at the El Tovar Hotel for two nights in July and it was definitely worth the money we paid. It's a beautiful hotel. Walking into the main lobby you immediately know you are someplace special with pine logs and stone, comfortably decorated, lamps and a fireplace. Plus, amazing art of the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. There is no elevator, but the hotel is only 3 stories tall and we traveled light. Our room was very nice for a National Parks Lodge. However, the bathroom didn't have any counter space; yet I loved what I think was the original tiles. But I didn't stay here to sit in our room. El Tovar is within maybe 100 feet or so separating the edge of the hotel from the edge of the Grand Canyon. You couldn't ask for anything better to sit and watch the sunsets, have your coffee in the morning, and just let mother nature do its job. It is a short distance to catch the buses that take you to other locations in the Grand Canyon. And the South Rim Trail runs along the front of the hotel so you can take a leisurely walk on a paved trail. We ate our breakfasts and dinners at El Tovar and had no complaints. Everything was delicious and the staff is wonderful. Be aware you do need reservations for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is first come/first served. We also enjoyed cocktails in the lounge. Even though we probably will not be back to the Grand Canyon, our time at El Tovar made it a once in-a-lifetime experience that we will cherish.

Very disappointed. Paid $500/night and we were very disappointed. The room was so small, smelly, noisy (walls must be paper thin), hot water didn't work in the bathroom, cigarette burns in the curtain, floors were dirty AND we kept finding BIG creepy bugs on our bed, floor and on the curtains. The curtains didn't close, so we had light shining in our eyes all night long. Heard noise outside all night long. Got zero sleep. The restaurant was just as bad. Worst $55 filet mignon ever. It was mushy and had an odd, nasty taste to it. Staff were also rude. We complained to the hotel manager about the very rude host sitting people in the restaurant and lounge area and she was almost as rude as he was. If I were managing this hotel, I'd be doing some firing. You are paying for the location of the hotel. But, the rooms do not have views. Save your money and stay elsewhere. So disappointing.

Years, decades, after my first visit as a child to see the Grand Canyon I was able to return and spend a night at this historic property. I question why it took so long !! Being right at the rim provides views like nowhere else. The hotel is a step back to different times. We were able to get a reservation for dinner and nontechnical a great meal. The room was very nice, and comfortable. The only problem that we encountered was that there is almost no table space to set you belongings on. Breakfast was very good as well and our window seat let us take in the view. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. My wife and I would highly recommend staying here if you have the chance to do so.

We stayed here for my husband's birthday weekend end. It is an old hotel and it shows in many areas. But it's historical and quaint. We stayed in the Santa Fe suite. It's very large and comfortable. Bed and linens were comfy. This is not a 4-star hotel, but the best hotel at the rim.

Dining at the Tovar hotel was a treat. I was worried we wouldn't get a reservation the day before, but there were plenty after 8:00 pm which worked out perfectly as that is sunset. When going, ask for the room with the large window wall which is to the left of the restaurant. We dined in both rooms and the one to the left is definitely the better view; however, if that room is full, the other main room is great too just ask for a window seat. As for the food, which is the reason I gave it 5 stars; I ordered the bone-in blackened beef ribeye (16 oz), medium rare of course with the mashed potatoes and broccolini (skinny broccoli) and it was delicious. I had to take half of mine to go mostly because everyone else didn't finish theirs and I didn't want to look like a pig. I don't recommend taking anything to go that needs to be reheated as you will have a hell of a time finding a microwave so finish that baby right then and there. The steak was done perfectly so it will not be difficult to do. The broccolini had a nice charred taste from being broiled and the potatoes were very creamy. Do not fill up on bread. As for the dress code, it's outdoor fancy. I was lucky to get in with shorts but I had to dress it up with jewelry, a fancy top and I curled my hair to seal the deal. It helped that everyone else was dressed very nicely so I was able to slide by but I felt a bit ashamed and would have felt better being dressed up.

The good- sits right at the South Rim, free parking, best restaurant for the area. The bad- really dated and small rooms considering that the cheapest off season cost nearly $400 a night. The threshold is elevated at the entry to the bathroom and one tends to trip over it. There is no countertop space in the bathroom. There was no elevator and the lobby/ bar area is too small and uncomfortable . It just seems that the hotel is still living off of its reputation since I saw no effort by the management to accommodate the comfort of its guests. Not worth it since there are more modern accommodation next door.

Stayed here in mid January, it was surprisingly still quite busy. Checkin was friendly and quick, they were expecting us. The room was tight but had everything you could need. The bathroom was absolutely adorable with lots of subway tiling and sustainable toiletries. The water does take a while to get warm in the winter but it was perfect once it did. The restaurant is lovely and you do need reservations. Loved the French onion soup! It's a great place to get up early and watch the sunrise over the canyon, there are lots of different nooks and seating Around the property.

This is a mixed review. The good: the building is incredible and the location even more incredible. If you want the ultimate experience, stay here. You walk outside a few yards and are at the rim. Doesn't get any better than that. The not-so-good: hot water supply to distant rooms. We had a suite in the farthest southern room. Hot water should not be assumed. On our first morning, it took 8 minutes for hot water to show up for my shower. I reported it to a maintenance crew working elsewhere. The next morning, we had hot water is a reasonable period of time. Next day - worse. It took 18 minutes for hot water to arrive. Reported to the front desk. By the time we left, hot water was arriving in a reasonable time frame. But it was inconsistent. Even after hot water arrived, if we shut it off and then tried to get hot water again within even fifteen minutes, we had to wait again. We worked around this because we really wanted the room we were in. I almost left a note asking the next guests if they could beat my 18-minute record. A ranger told us El Tovar is scheduled to be closed for two years for major renovations. Like the water system. I would stay there again but ask next time for a room that is closer to hot water.

READ OTHER RECENT REVIEWS!!!!! FRONT DESK IS HORRIBLE I understand Location Location Location BUT REALLY? $368 per night for the cheapest room and the furniture is worn out, no space, no view, no counter space in the bathroom? Room was clean but furniture warn and broken FRONT DESK IS HORRIBLE Food service is not able to handle the demand for food, drinks, snacks, anything... The whole thing needs to be rethought.

Stayed here May 2023. The hotel lobby and dining areas are quaintly decorated and the exterior is definitely beautiful, especially for the period in which it was built. Guest rooms left a lot to be desired. Decor was exceptionally dated, but not to the hotel's original theme. Like something out of a 1980s barracks room. Not a single comfortable place to sit in the room/lobby. Give 2 stars because of proximity to the canyon, but otherwise set worth the $.

El Tovar had the best location on the south rim, located right next to the Bright Angel trail. Very "lodgey" and beautiful. Great views from right outside the hotel. If you are looking for the most upscale and great service location this is the place for you! Room service and additional daily service was prompt and lovey as there were limitations with COVID Our stay was slightly compromised and only complaint was by the paper thin walls which is inevitable in a older hotel. It felt like our neighbors were in our room with us it was so loud. Not ideal the night before making the trek into the Grand Canyon. We stayed on the first floor so perhaps our next stay we would consider staying in a upper level floor! Remember there is the El Tovar dining room which I recommend reservations. In addition starting December 1 the hikers shuttles change from 6 am to 8 am and the shuttles along the Rim Trail stop so you can take private vehicles. Thanks for a great stay, looking forward to another visit.

We enjoyed our stay here so much. Friendly staff, and a prime location for the south rim. They upgraded us to the Presidential Suite, which was lovely with a to-die-for view. If you stay in the park, take the Sunset Tour, it's wonderful.

A visit to this historic hotel is a must, however an overnight stay here is not. The lobby is absolutely beautiful, especially during the holidays! The outside is lovely as well. I was able to snag a one night reservation at El Tovar. The actual room was nice (upscale compared to Bright Angel), but we must have been in the gallows of the hotel or something. The hallways were old, bleak and uninviting. Maybe if we were placed somewhere more central, it would have been a better experience? For the 300 bones a night, I was expecting more. The hotel itself is not located smack in the middle with the *cherry* views, but the views, nonetheless are still good. We had dinner at El Tovar restaurant, which was a disappointment. Our drinks and snacks at The Cocktail Lounge were decent though. We stayed at Bright Angel as well, and preferred that due to location (and it was almost 60% less per night)!

I didn't stay here, but I did stop here on our visit to the Grand Canyon. The staff were a little...I don't know stand offish I guess but they probably figured out I wasn't a guest. It looked like a huge mountain cabin. Nice on the inside looks like it might be a nice place to stay but I'm not sure if I would pay the prices....looked at the rates and they were a bit high.

The two stars is based solely on the fact that it's a nostalgic hotel with beautiful views. Outside of that, the hotel isn't very clean, they refuse to clean the rooms even when asked for every-other-day service, we had to get our own clean towels when the staff wasn't looking despite asking for them Several times, the carpet in the halls is gross, and with the exception of one staff member the rest were all incredibly rude. We stayed here for Thanksgiving and with a block of rooms booked for our family at an average of $450/night for 5 nights we expected a lot more. Very complicated when you walk in the first time. Where is the front desk?? You walk in to a podium with someone that works for the dining room. I met someone that was in line for over 20 minutes and he thought it was a line for the front desk.

It's historic, kinda small and so worth it!!! We kept checking to see if any of the suites were available while we were there. The Presidential Suite became available so we booked one night. Gretchen at the front desk was very helpful and so pleasant. It's small for a suite but the balcony more that made up for it. Watched the sunset, laid under the stars on a lounger and then got up for the sunrise. Perfection!

We had a great stay at this historic hotel on our anniversary. Our room was very clean, comfortable, and the AC worked well. We were allowed in early since it was ready for us, and showering off after a long mule ride was a refreshing experience. An email ahead of time said reservations would be required for dinner, but the two of us were able to get in right at 5:00 p.m. even without reservations on a Monday in August. Dinner was absolutely fantastic, as was breakfast the next morning. Service was exceptional. We also enjoyed lounging in the rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the canyon after breakfast. Overall, the room was a bit overpriced, but we were grateful to get to stay right at the Grand Canyon in this most historic lodge. I would do it again for a special occasion.

Skip staying here, just eat here. Room decor super dingy circa 1991, threadbare, A/C out of order. 80' , view of dumpster. Never again. Like another Yelper said, it was a bucket list item. But - I feel taken for an unpleasant ride. People were unable to use their $500+ rooms due to the lack of a/c, hanging around on the porch when they wanted to go to bed. Front desk did agree to move us to another hotel with working a/c, so I'll add a star.

Great location bc you can just go on south rim hikes and head back local to hotel to change and refresh. Worth the difference in spend vs driving in from a cheaper hotel outside the park. Overall experience great, however the hotel is over 100 years old so paper thin walls tiny rooms felt like an air bnb exactly what you'd expect based on general reviews posted. Kind staff we dined in the hotel for breakfast and dinner basic eats all fresh and freshly cooked a bit overpriced for what you get but still worth a visit. See hotel Front entrance. Right side is the south rim behind us is exit hotel has additional sister hotels and horse back riding options and local drive options for scenic views. Many artist gift shops and galleries small and quaint historically restored areas.

October 5, 2023 we ate lunch in their restaurant and I became violently ill from the lobster role I ate. I called the restaurant the next day and left a message which was not returned. I called again this morning and got a female manager who made excuses, said she had been off a few days and told me I needed to fill out a form. She also claimed I may have gotten this food poisoning from 7 days ago. She could have cared less so I let her know I filed a complaint with the public health department and this attitude would reflect my reviews of this property. Patrons beware of this establishment!