The Grand Canyon is visited by thousands of locals and tourists every year, and it is pretty obvious to see why. With its dramatic landscapes, magnificent views, and many exciting activities to choose from, this remarkable natural wonder is undoubtedly a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to America.

Even though one can get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon’s beauty in one day, staying there for a few days lets you make the most out of your trip by allowing you the time to experience its beautiful sunrises, hiking trails, and extraordinary viewpoints. But how do you decide where to stay at the Grand Canyon? Don’t worry, we have you covered. In this post, we will give a detailed overview of the best lodging options inside and near the Grand Canyon for all budget levels! Whether you want the luxury of the El Tovar Hotel or something more rustic like the Thunderbird Lodge or the Bright Angel Lodge, we have you covered.

Best Hotels in Grand Canyon – Cut To The Chase

Are you in a hurry and want to find the best accommodations directly? These are the best Grand Canyon hotels for all budgets.

• Best Luxury Hotel: El Tovar Hotel
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
• Best Budget Hotel: Bright Angel Lodge

First time at the Grand Canyon National Park? A great place to stay in the Grand Canyon for first-timers is near the South Rim. Go directly to the South Rim to view accommodations.

Best Areas To Stay In Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is divided into four major areas: The South Rim, North Rim, Grand Canyon East, and West Grand Canyon. Each area is unique and provides its guests with diverse experiences, we are going to focus on the three main areas to stay at the Grand Canyon plus the nearby villages of Valles, Williams, and Tusayan.

Staying inside the national park is a wonderful experience, but it can book up quickly. Therefore, we recommend booking well in advance as accommodations fill up, especially in the summer months.

1. The South Rim – Grand Canyon Village

The South Rim is the best place to stay in the Grand Canyon for first-time visitors. It has some of the most easily accessible viewpoints and is close to restaurants, shops, and amenities. However, because of its location, you can expect hotel prices to be higher, and rooms are not what you’d expect for the cost. Wi-Fi is limited, so be prepared to unplug.

Best Hotels in The South Rim

Founded in 1905, the El Tovar Hotel is the flagship of all the South Rim Grand Canyon hotels. Made from Oregon pine and local limestone, El Tovar Hotel has seen the likes of Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. This Grand Canyon hotel is a designated National Historic Landmark and is the place to stay for that classic Grand Canyon experience. Because it was built first, El Tovar Hotel has one of the best views of the Grand Canyon at sunrise and sunset.

Located in a prime spot on the South Rim, the Yavapai Lodge offers easy access to the Bright Angel Trail and Rim Trail. Recently renovated, this rustic-looking lodge features modern amenities while retaining its vintage charm. Apart from its canyon-side facing rooms, Yavapai provides guests with free shuttle bus service and bike rentals.

Thunderbird Lodge is a family-oriented lodge perfect for those seeking affordable accommodations on the South Rim. With its contemporary-style cabins and extensive amenities, Thunderbird Lodge will make your stay in the heart of the Grand Canyon unforgettable.

Bright Angel Lodge sits at the top of Bright Angel Trail Head and offers a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A Registered National Historic Landmark, Bright Angel Lodge provides free parking, free Internet, and a shuttle bus.

Additionally, appreciate nature and enjoy clear access to diners, local stores, and markets with this spacious family suite located only 30 miles away from the South Rim.

Things To Do In The South Rim

• Explore the three main sections of the South Rim including The Rim Trail, Hermit Road, and Desert View Drive.
• Take an exciting helicopter tour.
• Hike the South Rim Trail.
• Embark on a hike down the South Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River.
• Wander through the Grand Canyon Village.
• From Grand Canyon Village, hop on the Hermit Road Shuttle Bus to Hermits Rest.

2. The North Rim

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park delivers a unique experience compared to the South Rim. North Rim offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mule rides, and whitewater rafting. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, the North Rim is your best bet.

Do note that the North Rim is closed during the winter, and even when it’s open, accommodations are limited. However, with a moderate budget, you can easily find a comfortable place to stay on this side of the Grand Canyon.

Best Hotels in the North Rim

The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodge inside Grand Canyon National Park on the north rim, provides unmatched views overlooking Bright Angel Creek and lush pine trees of the Kaibab Trail. Its historic dining rooms and spacious cabins with front porches create an unparalleled experience. Given its limited availability, booking is recommended well in advance.

This country-style property is situated about five miles off the North Rim and has a rich history that dates back to the early 1920s. Nestled in serene grassland and forest, it’s an ideal base for your North Rim explorations.

With accommodations varying from singles to quads, the lodge also offers takeout and dine-in options all day. Although its basic amenities may not match those of Bright Angel Lodge, the ambiance and comfort here compensate greatly.

This homestyle suite by B&B is perfect for guests ready to discover the North Rim in comfort. Featuring two spacious bedrooms and a front porch to enjoy the sunny mornings, the Navajo Suite guarantees a satisfying experience.

Things to do in the North Rim

• Hike the North Kaibab Trail.
• Explore the Ken Patrick Trail.
• Drive the Grand Canyon North Rim Scenic route, visiting viewpoints like Point Imperial and Cape Royal.
• Enjoy mule rides.
• Participate in North Rim Ranger tours.

3. West Rim

Short on time but aiming to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon? If so, the West Rim is the ideal spot for you! Located on a compact 12.8-mile stretch, the West Rim features breathtaking spots including the High Point Hike, Grand Canyon Skywalk, and the Colorado River. The best thing about West Grand Canyon is that you can explore all its viewpoints and activities in just a single day!

Best hotels in the West Rim

The luxurious Hualapai Lodge, located in Peach Springs about 175 km from St. George, is the perfect base for those exploring the historic Route 66 and Hualapai tribal culture. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and a concierge service for your West Rim discovery.

The cabins at Grand Canyon West provide a relaxing retreat after a day at the Grand Canyon Skywalk or hiking at Guano Point. Situated on the Hualapai Land near the Skywalk, these rustic cabins can accommodate up to six guests and come equipped with essentials like microwaves and refrigerators, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Moreover, the most captivating feature of these mid-range cabins is their stunning views of the sunsets and sunrises. With wooden benches and an expansive porch, Grand Canyon West Cabins allows guests to immerse themselves in scenic beauty.

Things to do in the West Rim:

• Try the adrenaline-inducing Skywalk.
• Experience the thrill of zipping through the sky.
• Explore Guano Point for dramatic terrain and hikes.
• Learn about Native American culture by visiting Eagle Point.

Where to Stay Near the Grand Canyon

You don’t need to stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. There are plenty of options nearby that offer easier access and typically more economical accommodations. So, what are some Grand Canyon hotel options nearby? Let’s take a look.

Tusayan Hotels Near Grand Canyon National Park

Tusayan is a quaint town located just ten minutes from the Grand Canyon. Its proximity makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking various accommodation options.

Unlike the lodging within the park, hotels in Tusayan provide more economical choices and often feature superior facilities such as outdoor pools, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Notably, the Grand Canyon Airport is situated in Tusayan, making it a convenient starting point for the world-famous helicopter tours.

Best Hotels in Tusayan

The Grand Hotel, just a mile from the South Rim, stands as the crown jewel of Grand Canyon lodging. This five-star hotel provides superb amenities, including an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, and lavish rooms for a premium stay.

If you’re after quality rooms at lower prices, the Holiday Inn Express in Tusayan lives up to the chain’s reputation. Conveniently located minutes from the National Park, the hotel offers an array of amenities including laundry facilities, an indoor gym, and spa services.

For travellers on a tight budget, Red Feather Lodge delivers affordability without compromising on special services and access to vibrant surroundings, while a three-bedroom bungalow available offers a blend of comfort with woodland views.

Valle Hotels

The village of Valle is only half an hour’s drive from the Grand Canyon and represents a smart choice for those looking for overnight lodging or short stays.

Valle is also home to interesting attractions. The Planes of Flame Air offers a captivating showcase of over forty planes, while the Flintstone Bedrock Theme Park delights families with children.

Best Hotels in Valle

If luxurious glamping is what you seek, look no further than Under Canvas Grand Canyon. Located about 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s entrance, this resort features plush beds and on-site dining for a lavish experience under the stars.

Grand Canyon Inn and Motel, located just a 20-minute drive from the park entrance, offers a Southern-style bar and complimentary Wi-Fi in its Southwestern-inspired rooms.

Wander Camp Grand Canyon provides a traditional camping experience just ten minutes from Valle and twenty minutes from the National Park. Perfect for those wanting a simplistic stay, it’s an affordable choice for adventure seekers.

Finally, Casa Sublime Rental, a refurbished 3-bedroom retreat, provides a spacious kitchen, deck, and dining area, allowing vacationers a tranquil escape amidst nature.

Williams Hotels

Williams is a small yet significant town nestled among the pines of Arizona, offering visitors numerous pastimes and activities. Adventure enthusiasts can take advantage of ground tours with the Grand Canyon Railway, while history buffs can appreciate the unique architecture that defines this town.

Those interested can select from an array of activities like fishing, hiking, horseback riding, or camping. In summary, Williams caters to all types of travelers.

Best Hotels in Williams

From the moment you enter the Sheridan House Inn, surrounded by Arizona’s enchanting pine forest, stress seems to dissipate. Located at 7,000 feet, this hotel offers an upscale experience with options ranging from golfing to skiing.

Experience history at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, which reflects the aura of the original train station. This charming hotel is just a short walk from Route 66 and is equipped with top amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and an indoor pool.

The Quality Inn Williams offers a strategic location between Sedona’s beauty and the famous national park—a perfect stop for road-trippers heading towards Las Vegas or Nevada.

This recently renovated hotel provides access to remarkable hiking, skiing, and affordable accommodations, making it a terrific choice for budget travelers.

A hillside cottage in Williams comes with two bedrooms and a patio offering breathtaking views, ensuring a memorable stay infused with comfort and convenience.

FAQ

We often receive questions about the best places to stay in and around the Grand Canyon. Here’s a brief summary of the most common inquiries along with our answers.

The Grand Canyon is a national park and has an entrance fee. The cost to enter the Grand Canyon is $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle, for a seven-day pass. An annual park pass costs $70.

Now that you know the best places to stay at the Grand Canyon, remember that visiting this national park is a bucket list destination. Choosing the right location will enhance your experience and help create lasting memories. We hope this guide has given you valuable insights into where to stay near the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable adventure.