Anyone stayed in Williams, AZ to visit Grand Canyon???

[dizagain]

Yikes! Trying to plan a Grand Canyon trip - know NOTHING and confused by books, etc. I think we'll stay in Williams and take the train to G.C. and maybe stay one night in a lodge there. Anyone know anything about this??? Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any info here????


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=532075

 

[charabby]

We did this in '98. The company that does this is called 'Grand Canyon Railway'. It seems like it took an hour? to get to the canyon. The scenery is nothing special so don't spring for the seats high up in the train to get a better 'view'. I think we did the most basic trip - there was no meal or anything. If I remember right you spend the night before at their hotel and then take the train early in the morning (at least that was the package we did). Then you stay at a lodge there. Our trip included a tour, which was perfect for us b/c we went with my elderly in-laws and I was pregnant so walking around wouldn't have worked for us. All of the accomodations were fine and the train ride was fun (there were singing cowboys and the train was 'hijacked' by horse theives en route. I have no idea what it cost, but I know the co. has a website (thetrain.com). I'll be happy to answer any other questions.

 

[nativetxn]

If you want to stay <i>at</i> the Grand Canyon you need to make reservations right now. Depending on when you are traveling, it is very difficult to find availability.

Williams is a lovely old fashioned little town and the train is lots of fun.

 

[nativetxn]

The El Tovar is wonderful, by the way. Right on the South Rim of the canyon.

 

[shortbun]

Williams is a bit of a ride and not really scenic. I'd stay at the
park the whole time-which is what we did in 95. We were so
glad we were there for 2 whole days. It was quite an experience.
We loved it! I agree-El Tovar if you can get it. Book now!

 

[Twigs]

We were at the GC last summer and want to try the El Tovar if we ever get back, it was really nice, and we had a great dinner there. We could only get booked into the Maswik Lodge. We booked in Feb. for July. FYI the Maswik is VERY basic, but the problem was that it has no A/C. They were having record breaking temps when we were there and it was 85 degrees at night! which apparently is very unusual. Being used to central A/C we spent a miserable 2 nights, we were on the ground level so we did not feel at all comfortable leaving the sliding door open. Any way we got a room in the Grand Hotel just outside of the GC entrance, and it was very nice. It also had an indoor pool which was very refreshing after a hot day on the rim. Another hotel we saw which we would try if we couldn't get the El Tovar would be the Thunderbird Lodge. It is on the rim next to the El Tovar and all the rooms overlook the canyon, it looked nice from the outside.

 

[dizagain]

I guess I'm late getting started on this - may not even be able to get in anywhere. I think I'll call now and see if we can do the train deal...even though it's not in the park, I think my children would think it was totally cool. I'd love more ideas! Thanks!