Best area of Grand Canyon to visit? (Flagstaff: hotels, luxury)

[NowxorxNever14]

So my family and I are going to the Grand Canyon around Easter for the first time.. We're interested in staying at a hotel or cabin for a couple of days when we do visit, so I'm looking for some direction as far as what is the best area to go to.

Any advice or tips are appreciated!

[6.7traveler]

The bottom.

[observer53]

Stay inside the park at the South Rim. www.xanterra.com for information on the lodging in the park.

[grmi66]

Was going to say the North Rim, but it will be closed when you visit.

[wit-nit]

All of Grand Canyon is best. Follow the road, stop at each turnout, plan for many many photo opportunities. Make your reservations for housing now as they fill up fast. Some are a year in advance.

[azdr0710]

yes, do plan to stay inside the Park at one of several places managed by the concessionaire linked in observer53's post above....accommodations and prices vary widely.....

$25 entrance fee unless you have a pass of some kind to federal lands.....

though not mandatory, try to use the shuttle to get around inside the Park.....the shuttle IS mandatory to go out to Hermit's Rest and that place is highly recommended.....

if capable, try to hike a ways down into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail....views and orientation change dramatically....if in really good shape, plan a dayhike to Indian Gardens and back up on the Bright Angel Trail.....dayhikes to the river and back now require a permit....

walk the rim trail in either direction and try to get away from the crowds right in the village itself....several viewpoints allow you to enjoy the view and it really is one of the great sights of the world....sit and just enjoy the quiet, views, sounds, colors....

lots of good info here:

Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

[jamies]

Depends on budget. Low budget stay in Flagstaff. High budget, El Tovar on the rim.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by jamies

Depends on budget. Low budget stay in Flagstaff. High budget, El Tovar on the rim.

Is El Tovar worth it? I'd like to get up there in the near future and was looking at hotels. I realize it's the only "luxury" property up there but the rooms look tired and dated.

[jamies]

To be honest, I stay at the Doubletree whenever I'm in Flag. Their suites are newly remodeled. Expensive but quiet. Really cheap compared to anything on the rim.

The El Tovar, no. I like to have lunch there, but the place is a zoo. A loud zoo from the wooden floors. But you are paying for the view!

There's another place right on the rim, I think the Thunderbird Lodge or Bright Angel Lodge, one is across the path from the edge. Can't remember which. Think 6 Motel at Ritz prices.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Is El Tovar worth it? I'd like to get up there in the near future and was looking at hotels. I realize it's the only "luxury" property up there but the rooms look tired and dated.

the El Tovar is the historic lodge in the classic "National Park style".....only two rooms (second-floor suites) have a view of the canyon.....it's been fairly recently updated, but, remember, its style is traditional and historic, not flashy and luxurious.....you'll get bellmen and valet if you want it, I guess....tourists swarm the lobby and the restaurant requires reservations at times and they try to be a bit formal in there....

but it's all still run by the concessionaire, so there's that!