Anyone been to the Grand Canyon?

[Disneycrazymom]

We are planning the, shall I say "required" family trip to the Grand Canyon. So many people have said that I need to make room reservations a year in advance that I started to plan yesterday for next July.

I looked up the lodges that are in the park and I must say NONE of them look to ah, plush? Has anyone stayed in these lodges? The Angel Bright has shared bathrooms? and NO Air Conditioning and none that I can see have TV? Ok, I know this is a back to nature deal but even our travel trailer had air, a bathroom and tv!

If anyone could tell me what I'm missing here?! Otherwise I think we'll stay at the Holiday Inn Express out of the park. Rustic cabin are not words I care to use to discribe where I will be sleeping!!!!!!!!

Help me fellows Disers! Help me!

 

[Charade]

I've been there but it's been a long time since. I remember staying at a lodge. Actually, it looked more like an apartment building. It was not plush but more than adequate. I would like to see it again. We hike down the donkey trail (watch out for the puddles of PEE!) to go to the river but made a wrong turn and ended up at an overlook. Still quite pretty though.

 

[rascalmom]

The nicest of the South Rim lodges would be the El Tovar. We didn't stay there (didn't book in time), but we did have a wonderful birthday dinner there the year we went on our "required" trip. I don't know about the rooms, but the dining room was upscale. I'm pretty sure the El Tovar has private room baths - I saw the other cabins/lodges & they do look pretty rustic. With the El Tovar - think Wilderness Lodge, but remember that it was built around 100 years ago.

Our family stayed outside the park at the Grand Hotel. It had a "lodge-like" decor, but is a newer property. Nothing fancy, but they did have spacious clean rooms. We were there in March and my kids appreciated their indoor pool. We took a private tour of the area with tour guide "Canyon Dave" - that was the highlight of the trip. He is a retired geology professor & made it fun as well as educational for the whole family. He has a website.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thank- you both.

The El Tovar write up says that the rooms will only sleep 2 -3. For 4 we would need a suite. They have a bath and are discribed as furnishings "several steps up from a standard hotel room" All this luxury for $225-$255 per night? Since rooms seem to go quickly maybe I'll reserve one and then think about it for awhile.

Wait! Did you stay in the Kachina or Thunderbird Lodges? Ok, there might be hope there as they say they are standard motel rooms with 2 queens a bath and a tv! Off to see if I can find a picture on line.

You really had to watch out for donky dodo on the trail? This is shaping up to be fun, fun, fun! Maybe I could get DH to just take a sight seeing flight over the canyon? No, most likely not, he says every family must go at least once. At least I've talked him out of driving all the way from St. Louis.

 

[bananiem]

We went 15 years ago and I was surprised by the lack of motels and restaurants at the time. But we were only there overnight and the beauty of the park more than made up for the rustic motel room we found. We were there in the winter and there were no other people at some of the lookouts. THAT'S the way to see the canyon.

 

[golfgal]

While a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must do for everyone, I wouldn't consider it a place to stay for an extended vacation. I would take a trip to Phoenix and drive up to the Grand Canyon for the day, especially if you don't like camping or rustic lodges. There really isn't anything to do there other then look at the canyon and things associated with the canyon, donkey rides, etc.

 

[horseshowmom]

We were there in 2002 as part of our Master's degree program (field study in geology). The El Tovar was definitely the best hotel (we didn't stay there). We stayed at one of the ones that was a standard hotel room (2 double beds, if I remember correctly). It was fine for a couple of nights but definitely not plush by any means.

The hiking trails are fierce unless you're really into that type of thing (meaning in the correct physical shape for it). We were warned NOT to try them and that if we did, it was at our own risk. They said that they have a lot of people every year who have to be "gotten out" by rescue personnel.

It is a beautiful place to visit though, and I think everybody should go at least once. Have a great trip!

 

[TimeforMe]

Ahhh, the Grand Canyon--awesomely breathtaking! We took our trip last August and stayed at the Kachina Lodge. The lodge was "OK", but the view??....that's another story and that's what you're paying for. The rooms were clean, air conditioned and we had a tv. It was definitely not luxurious (especially coming directly from a stay at the Bellagio) but we knew what to expect. Would I stay there again? Absolutely! The location cannot be beat.

 

[shortbun]

El Tovar-get the suite. It's the location you are paying for and I personally think it's VERY important to be AT the canyon instead of NEAR. We stayed in one of the cheaper hotels AT the canyon, they are old and definitely NOT plush-or anything even close. El Tovar-it's THE place to stay, nothing beats it. I was jealous of people staying there.

 

[shortbun]

While a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must do for everyone, I wouldn't consider it a place to stay for an extended vacation. I would take a trip to Phoenix and drive up to the Grand Canyon for the day, especially if you don't like camping or rustic lodges. There really isn't anything to do there other then look at the canyon and things associated with the canyon, donkey rides, etc.

When I read this, I wanted to scream NO over and over. The Grand Canyon is worth your time. Zen, fun and amazing. We spent two days there and I'd go back. I think more than three days per trip might be overkill but it's way cooler than a day trip from PHX affords.

 

[Amy]

We went to the Grand Canyon in July 2004, and it was awesome!! You MUST stay at the Canyon if at all possible, not outside. Like you, I started planning in Sept. for July, and the El Tovar (the only hotel that had AC in 2004) was already booked. So we decided on the Kachina, and we were not disappointed. There are 2 other lodges right there on the South Rim, the Thunderbird (looks like a twin to Kachina) and the Bright Angel. They're all in a row, right along the rim of the Canyon. If you can, request a Canyon-view room.

Our boys were 12 and 14 at the time, and we were ok in the Kachina. The rooms are very small, but we spent most of our time outside just looking in awe at the Canyon. We stayed for 2 nights, and I can't wait to go back! The El Tovar and Bright Angel have restaurants, the Kachina and Thunderbird do not. We went in July, and we really didn't need AC; the mornings were very cool (jeans and sweatshirt), afternoons were hot, but then it cooled off real fast in the evening - watching the sunset bundled up with blankets.

We didn't do the mule ride (none of us had ever ridden horses before), but we DID walk part-way down one of the trails. Didn't go very far because, again, we knew our limitations and didn't want to get into trouble.

Oh, I can't wait to go back!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Ok, I'll see if we can get into EL Tovar. I will not be hiking into the canyon but DS and DH would like to. They have decided on a walking program to get themselves ready by next year. There is another lodge in the canyon they can stay overnight in and then hike back the next day. So I guess I will need the room for 3 nights.

I like the idea of coming from Vegas! The Venitian is a favorite so I can have a little pampering there! I bet the flight would be less expensive too. The kids would be amazed by all the lights on the strip and we could spend a little time at the pool. Then from the canyon we are going to drive to Colorado. Maybe Durango for the train and then fly home from Denver? Or somewhere I don't really know yet!

Everyone keep the ideas coming! I want to plan a nice trip and have no idea what there really is to see. I did make it to the library today for guide books, but I know the Dis population knows everything about travel!

 

[KarenB]

Oh my, El Tovar all the way!! We stayed there last June and fell in love with it. We had 4 in the room (DH, me and 2 teens) and the room was fine. The room seemed like it was completely new and the bathroom had the shower head that made it seem like rain falling!! The dining room is very cool, and there is a porch/bar area that is the best place to watch the sun set. The front porch is lined with rockers and DH and I spent each morning reading the paper, sipping on a cup of coffee, and looking for the local wildlife. There are smaller areas where we played cards in the evening....aaahhhhh...I would certainly go back. It is a "stones throw" away from the south rim.

You know, it kind of reminded me in the slightest way of Wilderness Lodge but on a very smaller scale.
Karen

oh-our route was fly into Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona, fly out of Pheonix.

 

[teacherforhi]

I went in February of 2005 and considering that we weren't planning on using the room for anything besides sleeping, stayed at the Holiday Inn Express just outside the park. Suited us just fine.

 

[flatline]

I spent two summers in college working at the Canyon. you definately don't need to stay inside the park. there are plenty of hotels right outside in Tusayan. the El Tovar is the nicest hotel in the park, but that's not saying much.

just a different view on the matter.

 

[juligrl]

My parents actually just returned from an extended vacation there. My sister is a back-country ranger at the Canyon, so they stayed at her place and didn't have to worry about lodging.

Excuse my spelling, but the town of Tuscyan is at the south entrance of the park and they have several chain hotels there. They do book far in advance though.

If you aren't planning on hiking or spending too much time at the Canyon, you might consider doing a day trip there and staying in Flagstaff -- I've heard it's like 1 1/2 hrs away, but they do have accomodations there. Sister and BIL drive into Flag once every two weeks for groceries, so it's not outrageously far.

 

[Disneymaddness]

Our family stayed at the El Tovar the summer of 2001. There are 5 of us so we got 2 rooms, the youngest stayed in our room, queen size bed and a roll-away. Our 2 other sons were teenagers and stayed down the hall. Our room was very big, no problem with the extra bed, TV, table with 2 wing back chairs and a really big bathroom. It was kind of old fashioned but very cool! Our boys room was smaller with 2 twin beds, TV, small table , 2 chairs and a bathroom. The setting is very rustic, no cable for the TV so we didn't get much, but it was air conditioned and had everything we needed. Also, the restaruant was very good and the view was awesome. Stay there if you can, the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking. We really enjoyed it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I went to the Grand Canyon as a drive by on my way home to St. Louis one time.
Big hole in the ground. I am sure I will appreciate it better 17 yrs later, with my kids now.
Have FUN!

Here is my favorite site to read as far as reviews go...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g143028-d73444-Reviews-El_Tovar_Hotel-Grand_Canyon_National_Park_Arizona.html

 

[kendall]

We just stayed at the Kachina lodge in April - the room was very clean, albeit small, for a family of 4. We didn't have a canyon-view room - at night it doesn't matter, and during the day we were out of the room and hanging around on the rim and trails. We ate at Bright Angel lodge, not El Tovar. Bright Angel was OK for food, we'll leave it at that. The hotels on the rim (El Tovat, Kachina, Bright Angel, etc.) are all right next to each other - very close.

Would I stay on the rim again? Yes - it was great to wake up for sunrise on the rim, watching how the light changes over the canyon throughout the day, and sunset. Beautiful.

And yes, you will share the hiking trail into the canyon with the mules/donkeys. If you plan on hiking down into the canyon, definitely take snacks and water, you WILL need them for your hydration and energy levels.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Well, I tried to book El Tovar today but have to wait until July 1 as we are going in July of 07. I am glad I have practice with getting these hard to get reservations. After all we have eaten at Cindy's twice so I know how to call early in the am! Right now we are thinking we will fly into Phoenix or Vegas, 3 days at the Grand canyon, 1 day at Mesa Verde, 2 days in Durango, 3 days in Colorado Springs/ Pikes Peak, fly home from Colorado Springs. (Begin planning the next Disney trip on the plane!) No way will we see it all but the kids will have a sample of the west. Thanks everyone for the help today!