The Grand Canyon is a wild place to visit, not just for its breathtaking views and colors as the sun rises or sets, but for the experience of the area as a whole. Many people like to stay in the park for a day or two, and there are some unique lodges and resorts near the Grand Canyon that are really the icing on the cake. For a more authentic southwestern vacation, be sure to add these Grand Canyon resorts to the top of your bucket list!
Phantom Ranch
The Phantom Ranch is more than just a place to stay for the night, it’s also practically a reward! It’s located right at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the northern side of the Colorado River and is the only multi-room hotel below the canyon rim, and the only way you’ll ever get there is by hiking down, rafting in the river, or riding a mule to the bottom of the canyon. Keep in mind that space is pretty limited so you will have to book well in advance to get a room for your journey.
Key Amenities:
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Only multi-room hotel below canyon rim
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Accessible by hiking, rafting or mule
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Cabins and dorms
Maswik South Lodge
Maswik South Lodge is a newer in-park option for Grand Canyon visitors. After a $35 million reconstruction by Xanterra Travel Collection, this gorgeous lodging option is the first new lodging inside the park in over 50 years. You’ll be just steps from the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim when staying here, with its lodging suites spread across four lodging structures. The property has standard rooms with kitchenettes and private balconies, offering a prime location only a 10-minute walk from South Rim and the Hermit’s Rest/Village Loop Shuttle Bus Transfer Station.
Key Amenities:
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Located near South Rim and shuttle station
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Suites with kitchenettes and private balconies
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Food court and pizza pub on-site
202 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA— +1 928-638-2631
El Tovar
El Tovar first welcome guests to stay there in the year 1905, which makes it over 100 years old and one of the Grand Canyon’s first places to spend the night in. From afar it looks like a big stone mansion, as it’s constructed from limestone that was found locally and pine wood from Oregon. El Tovar has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1987 and is a world-class place to stay in northern Arizona. The hotel has comfy rooms, several of which are suites, and all of them offer in-room dining too.
Key Amenities:
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Recognized as National Historic Landmark
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Suites with unique decor and name
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Fine dining room and in-room dining
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA— +1 928-638-2631
Kachina Lodge
The Kachina Lodge is also right on the Grand Canyon’s rim and was constructed in the 1960s. It is a popular place to stay due to its convenient location right in the historic part of the canyon and is within walking distance of several of the area’s attractions and stores. In addition to that, it’s only about two miles away from the Yavapai Geology Museum!
Key Amenities:
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Direct access to Rim Trail
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Lodge rooms with canyon or street views
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Walking distance to restaurants, shops and studio
5 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA— +1 888-297-2757
Bright Angel Lodge
The historic Bright Angel Lodge was created in 1935 as a means to accommodate visitors who traveled to the Grand Canyon by train. It is a Registered National Historic Landmark and has seen many people stop in over the last several decades. The Bright Angel Lodge can be found at the very top of the Bright Angel Trailhead and has a restaurant inside that is famed for its amazing diner classic entrees. Keep in mind that most rooms typically have just one bed, and there are a limited number of units for people to stay in.
Key Amenities:
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Registered as National Historic Landmark
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Located at top of Bright Angel Trailhead
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Restaurant with classic diner entrees
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA— +1 928-638-2631
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
For people who truly enjoy being outdoors, the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim is an experience that will be unforgettable for years to come. This lodge is prime real estate for seeing the canyon’s finest sunsets, colors, and wildlife in a quieter and more relaxing area. Not only that, but the hotel’s restaurant has some unbelievable views and has been a certified green restaurant since 2009!
Key Amenities:
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Located on lesser-visited North Rim
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Cabins and rooms with scenic rim views
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Certified green restaurant on-site
Thunderbird Lodge
The Thunderbird Lodge was built in the 1960s and is literally located right on the Grand Canyon’s edge. For those travelers who prefer a more conventional style of stay, this type of lodging would better suit their needs than some of the other areas with cabin rentals. The lodge is just a short walking distance from the Bright Angel Trailhead, several shops and restaurants, and the Verkamp’s Visitor Center as well. A lot of the rooms have views of the canyon too!
Key Amenities:
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Family-focused lodge with canyon or historic village views
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Located on Rim Trail at canyon’s edge
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Walking distance to shops and restaurants
10 Albright Ave, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA— +1 888-297-2757
