The iconic El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon won me over with its historic charm, location steps from the rim, and enhanced cleanliness protocols

el tovar view

Wendy Rouse Gould / Business Insider

When you lot buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

  • Dating dorsum to 1905, El Tovar is ane of Arizona's nigh iconic hotels, directly overlooking the Grand Coulee.
  • I spent a dark at El Tovar in late November and enjoyed the lack of crowds the winter brings.
  • During peak times rates tin jump to the $400s, only you lot can snag entry-level rooms for as depression as $189 in the winter.
  • Read more: The best national parks for winter and where to stay

A stay at Arizona's historic El Tovar hotel just might make you feel like you've establish yourself at the edge of the globe. Nestled mere footsteps from the rim of the majestic Grand Canyon, this 78-room chalet-meets-villa substantially gives you VIP, all-day admission to this world wonder. That means you tin can take your sweetness time lapping upwards views of its great area, which is a notable bonus come sunrise and sunset.

That'southward exactly what guests have been doing since this legendary hotel, a registered National Historic Landmark, was erected in 1905. Since its inception, information technology's housed countless park visitors, including some very noteworthy names like Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey.

Having been in Arizona for the last decade, I've made the four-hour expedition from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon on numerous occasions. It's basically a rite of passage for all those who come up visit me, and a personal alibi to get another glimpse of this geological wonder. I've been there mid-summer (a cool reprieve from the blazing desert rut), in the top of autumn surrounded by falling leaves, and even mid-blizzard (a total accident, but worth seeing the ridges covered in a snowy blanket).

I can tell you firsthand that while there'southward technically an "off season" for visiting the Grand Canyon — December through March — there's really not a moment throughout the year when you won't observe yourself beholden of the views. In fact, staying here off-peak,  when the crowds are thinner, is appropriate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In add-on to fewer people staying during the low flavor, you tin can enjoy lower rates. In fact, the cost departure per night tin can result in substantial savings. For instance, during January the price of a standard room ranges betwixt $189 and $278, whereas in the summer prices commonly hover in the low to mid $400s.

I recently stayed in an entry-level room in late November and was impressed with the stunning location and thorough new COVID-xix protocols. While I've visited the G Canyon numerous times, this was my start time staying overnight, and I would highly recommend El Tovar and its celebrated charms to time to come visitors.

  • The start impression
  • The room
  • On-site amenities
  • What's nearby
  • What others say
  • What yous need to know
  • The lesser line
  • Book El Tovar Hotel starting at $189 per night

Proceed reading to run into why I was and then impressed past the El Tovar Hotel.

BI

The foyer invokes the experience of a hunting society thanks to wood interiors and animal heads mounted on the walls.
Wendy Rose Gould / Business Insider

It'southward quite handsome with its log and brick exterior, and stepping within transported me to another era. The lobby was dimly lit and wood-laden, with animals mounted on the walls. The rolling fireplace greeted me as I walked to the front desk to bank check-in.

I was relieved to run into new COVID-19 protocols were being followed correct away. Bank check-in was done with a staff member, simply there were partitions. Signs requiring masks were also located throughout the lobby, along with manus sanitizer and signage noting how many people could be in sure areas at one fourth dimension.

The check-in procedure was easy and speedy and I was off to my room in no time.

BI

My room was comfy merely small. And while the windows let in plenty of natural low-cal, there were no amazing views.
Wendy Rose Gould / Business Insider

Part of what makes El Tovar special is its dedication to maintaining that original historic artful. Adding to its uniqueness is the fact that no 2 rooms are exactly akin; each is appointed with its very own set of decor and trimmings. However, no affair your room allocation, y'all tin can look quaint, old-timey elegant charm versus slick amenities and modern furniture. Some might qualify the rooms, and the hotel itself, as dated, just I would argue that'due south the very draw.

I stayed in a standard, entry-level room, which featured a Queen-sized bed in a sturdy wooden frame along with matching wooden chairs, a large Television set cabinet, and a quaint desk. My favorite role of the room was the large windows, which were dressed in pulverisation blueish curtains and hit floral valances, and allow in plenty of sunshine.

However, the views from the window themselves weren't that keen. I essentially had an aerial view of the parking lot. I wasn't disappointed past this since I was well aware that was the instance when I booked a non-view room. Plus, I didn't plan on spending much fourth dimension in my room and the best canyon views were just steps outside the hotel's front door.

The bed was quite comfy (something I'one thousand very picky near) and in that location was little to no dissonance that carried through walls, the door, or even through the windows — a pleasant surprise in such an onetime holding.

The bathroom was incredibly spacious and nearly a tertiary of the size of the room.
TripAdvisor

The ensuite bathroom was quite spacious — nigh a third of the size of the hotel room itself —and featured retro-looking black and white tiles, a simple white pedestal sink, and a bathtub/shower combo. There were individually packaged hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner available, though they weren't particularly noteworthy.

Though I didn't really employ information technology, at that place was costless, standard Wi-Fi service and the cell telephone reception was good. There was no fridge and no mini bar, though a little ice bucket was set out. Due to COVID-19, the coffee maker had been removed from the room, also.

The room felt very clean and condom. In addition to the coffee maker, notepads, and magazines beingness removed, in that location were signs indicating that housekeeping staff was no longer staying overnight. Rigorous cleaning still took place every 24-hour interval, merely it was besides easy to opt-out of the daily room cleaning service and/or plow-down.

If uninterrupted views are your main objective, be prepared to splurge on a suite.
TripAdvisor

As mentioned, I stayed in an entry-level standard room, which was relatively small. I would non recommend information technology for a family of more than 3, but it felt cozy and welcoming.

Be aware that while the hotel is right at the doorstep of the canyon, most of the rooms do not really have corking views. If seeing the Grand Canyon from the comfort of your bed is your primary objective, you'll demand to volume well in advance and be prepared to shell out for a suite starting effectually $635 per night for uninterrupted scenery. As a plus, the suites do also come with split sitting areas and private porches, which helps brand the cost experience more worth it.

Some reviewers mentioned that they booked a non-view room but lucked out at seeing bits of the Grand Canyon, so yous could gyre the dice or ask the front desk alee of time for i of these rooms if available.

For families or couples who want more than space than the standard rooms afford but don't need a full suite, Deluxe rooms outset at $312 during the winter and have much more lounge room available.

Compare room types and prices for El Tovar Hotel

Business Insider

The Thou Canyon is just steps abroad and the dining room offers excellent scenic views.
Wendy Rose Gould / Business organisation Insider

Since the principal allure hither is the outdoors, the bulk of this hotel is dedicated to rooms, though there are a few notable on-site civilities. Almost the entrance is a gift shop, which is loaded upwards with goods from local artisans, books about the canyon, and a range of giftable souveneirs. There's as well a tiny newsstand on the contrary side of the front entry lounge, which has a selection of snacks, toiletries, and other essentials.

El Tovar's most notable on-site assiduities is its historic fine dining room, which is constructed from native stones and Oregon pino. Its decor is the very apotheosis of a rustic Swiss chalet, simply instead of snowcaps out the window, you'll go a picturesque glimpse of the multi-layered Grand Canyon. And when y'all're non gazing out the window, you tin can savour beautiful murals on the walls which depict customs from the Hopi, Apache, Mojave, and Navajo Native American tribes.

The nutrient was decent, simply I wasn't blown away, especially given the eating place's high price indicate.
Wendy Rose Gould / Business organisation Insider

I enjoyed an elegant dining experience, consummate with white linens and a bill of fare with classics similar Salmon tostada and Prime number Rib Hash, besides as rotating specials. All dining was yet washed indoors, but during my visit, waiters were masked and maintained advisable altitude. Additionally, information technology was apparent that tables had been removed and separated to allow for proper distancing.

While the food was decent, I wasn't blown away, especially because the cost. You're really paying for ambient, views, the convenience of not having to drive anywhere, and a home-cooked condolement repast. You tin expect to pay about $125 for two entrees, an appetizer, and two glasses of wine, which is hefty for an okay meal.

That doesn't seem to deter virtually guests though, and it's a pop place to dine, especially since options are limited within the park. Many visitors staying at other nearby hotels even come to relish a meal with a view, so I recommend making reservations roughly a month in advance. They do have walk-ins on the solar day-of starting at five p.chiliad., which can exist hit or miss. You lot're more apt to get a seat this way during the off-flavor.

Business organization Insider

Anyone staying at El Tovar is coming for the views. In that sense, the greatest attraction is plain the canyon itself. To really enjoy the national park during non-pandemic times, I recommend signing upwardly for a guided double-decker tour. Yous won't be able to cover as much basis by foot, just during COVID-19 that is the safer option.

It's also admittedly worth walking around the Historic Hamlet, of which El Tovar is a function. Explore the Grand Coulee Train Depot, the Sentinel Studio, the Buckey O'Neill Motel, and the Red Horse Motel.

For the more audacious-minded folks, consider taking a mule ride either down into the coulee itself or just around the rim. Alternatively, you can volume a rafting tour. This involves a scenic flight from the K Canyon Airport (only outside the park) to nearby Page, Arizona. For $465 per person, you'll too enjoy a guided bout of Antelope Canyon's breathtaking sandstone slots, a 15-mile smooth water float along the Colorado river, and two meals.

Of course, there are as well aplenty trails you tin can hike and explore for free, including a trail that goes all the way to the lesser of the canyon and starts right near the hotel.

Check flight prices to The Grand Canyon on Expedia

Business Insider

Arizona's iconic El Tovar has 3,600 reviews and a iv out of 5-star rating on Trip Advisor. On the site it's also voted the top hotel at Grand Canyon National Park. Guests commented on its incredible views, its authentic artful, and its cleanliness. Primary complaints were nigh the small size of the room and some awkward layouts, the price compared to value, and apathetic staff.

On Expedia.com, El Tovar received a 4.1 out of v stars with about 600 reviews. Again, guests were nearly pleased with the location, views, and its celebrated charm. Others also commented on the comfortable beds. Chief complaints include unfriendly or unhelpful staff and the pricing. Some recent reviewers speculated that COVID-19 might have something to practice with the hotel losing some of its "mystique" and the less-than-desirable service, since staff is lower than usual.

Read reviews, compare prices, and volume El Tovar Hotel on TripAdvisor

BI

Who stays here: Because of its location, El Tovar attracts families and couples of all age groups interested in exploring this natural wonder.

We like: The history of this iconic hotel has been prioritized and maintained in its century-plus existence. The restaurant was also a overnice place for drinks and dinner and a satisfying way to spend the evening, despite the high toll.

Nosotros honey: The location. Mere footsteps from the coulee, in the mornings and evenings you essentially feel similar you have the coulee to yourself. Take advantage of your proximity with coffee at sunrise or a dusk stroll.

We retrieve you should know: Finding a identify to park was catchy since at that place's technically no on-site parking. While parking is costless, come with the expectation that you might need to circle for a bit.

Nosotros'd do this differently adjacent time: If I were doing a longer stay, I would splurge for a spacious, mid-tier Palatial room.

BI

The hotel has strict new COVID-nineteen policies in place and adhered to them throughout my stay. Some of the new safe measures include:

  • Staff gets daily temperature checks
  • Cleaning measures are enforced, including sanitization of hard surfaces in rooms and shared public spaces. The cleaning products and techniques used follow EPA guidelines.
  • Hand sanitizer is located throughout.
  • Certain in-room amenities accept been removed, including coffee makers, notepads, and magazines
  • Housekeeping staff is no longer staying overnight
  • All employees are trained on COVID-19 condom and sanitation protocols. Those working in housekeeping, food and beverage, hotel operations, and security are getting more than comprehensive training, as well

Living in Arizona, I tin tell you that not every store, eating house, and hotel abides past the COVID protocols they put in place, simply at El Tovar information technology was clear they were being careful. During my stay, it also appeared similar guests were following protocol. Masks were worn by staff and guests, in-shop limits were imposed (and abided by), and the dining hall had been "made over" to make for a safer feel.

Business concern Insider

If you're looking for a stay at the Grand Canyon, El Tovar is one of your best options. It boasts historic charm, sweeping views, and a cozy atmosphere. The price is what you'd expect for a iii-star hotel located steps abroad from a natural world wonder, only there are discounts to be establish in the winter flavor.

While the dining room and common areas accept excellent views and the Grand Canyon itself is only steps away, information technology's important to know that most rooms here don't actually direct overlook the canyon. Unless you plan to spring for a elevation-tier suite or luck out, await to wake up to a parking lot.

That said, near guests don't come up hither to spend the day in their room. The obvious draw here is the easy access to the park and its ample trails and outdoor offerings. In that regard, El Tovar delivers in spades since it's incommunicable to stay any closer.

Additionally, the hotel is currently adhering to strict COVID-19 guidelines that made me experience very safe throughout my stay. As someone who lives in Arizona and frequently has guests looking to visit the Grand Coulee, I'll certainly be recommending this hotel to those looking to exercise more than than a day trip.

Book El Tovar starting at $189 per night

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Disclosure: This postal service is brought to you lot by the Insider Reviews team. Nosotros highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we go a small-scale share of the acquirement from the sale from our commerce partners. Nosotros frequently receive products gratis of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertizement sales team. Nosotros welcome your feedback. Email u.s. at reviews@businessinsider.com.