El Tovar Hotel

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit

March–May & Sept–Nov for mild temps and smaller crowds

Open

Front desk 24 hrs; check-in 3 PM / check-out 11 AMDining Room: 6:30 AM–10 AM, 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30 PM–9:30 PM*

Price Range

$$$ (≈ US $350–700 per night)

Parking

Limited guest parking beside the lodge; day visitors use Village Lot B (3‑min walk)

Ideal For

78 rooms & 12 suites, fine‑dining room, lounge & bar, gift shop, concierge, free Wi‑Fi

Stay Type

hotel

Reviews from Google

4.4

(3,913 reviews)

Write a review

Ilena V.11 months ago

We had such a wonderful stay at the El Tovar Hotel! The historic charm and perfect location right on the rim of the Grand Canyon made it an unforgettable experience. A special thank you to Patty at the front desk—she was incredibly helpful, warm, and welcoming, and truly made our visit even better. Excellent service, beautiful surroundings, and a stay we’ll always remember. Highly recommend! Please note it is helpful to make reservations in advance to dine at the hotel! There are very limited dining opportunities in the Grand Canyon Village.

Will Ward11 months ago

Great location being right next to the rim of the Grand Canyon. The rooms themselves are pretty average and there weren't many outlets in the room for electronics. The decor around the hotel itself is nice. One employee was pretty helpful with answering questions while another was pretty short with us. Overall not a bad experience.

Quinzy Felthauser1 year ago

My singular opinion: Rooms are very outdated; ours were small. TV didn't work well…fuzzy pic the whole time (we did not complain). Staff were very professional and courteous. Location is great but you can easily drive to the Canyon from anywhere nearby (town is like 7 or 8 miles away). Food was average (they do have a kids menu). No dedicated parking for hotel guests. Not much parking available (we were told we could park down along the roadway). No laundry service available. We travel a fair amount and are willing to pay a premium. Would not stay again. Like I said, just my opinion. Canyon is fantastic if you have never seen it.

Mohammad AlSaeed1 year ago

Historic charm meets unbeatable location!El Tovar is simply magical. The rustic, old-world charm of the log cabin interiors, taxidermy, and cozy lounges make you feel like you've stepped back in time—in the best way possible. The location is unbeatable, literally perched right on the rim of the Grand Canyon. We could walk out and take in jaw-dropping views in seconds.The rooms are well-maintained considering the hotel’s age, and the staff were warm and welcoming. There’s also a charming gift shop with unique items.Skip the restaurant—but everything else about this place is top notch. If you're visiting the Grand Canyon, staying at El Tovar elevates the whole experience. Absolutely worth it

Joshua David Newmark11 months ago

We went for dinner since it's close to home and it was fantastic. The food was great, friendly service and a table with a view looking out to the canyon. It's a bit pricey but fun as a treat. $25 pp minimum.

Why Visit El Tovar Hotel

Opened in 1905, El Tovar is the crown‑jewel lodge of Grand Canyon National Park. Perched just 20 ft from the South Rim, the Swiss‑chalet‑meets‑Norwegian‑villa exterior and rustic‑elegant interior have welcomed U.S. presidents, authors, and adventurers for more than a century.

Highlights

National Historic Landmark (designated 1987)

Canyon‑view rooms and porch overlooking Bright Angel Trail

Renowned El Tovar Dining Room with rim‑view windows

Steps from Grand Canyon Railway Depot & Village shuttle stops

Hosted luminaries from Theodore Roosevelt to Oprah Winfrey

Concierge can arrange mule rides, ranger programs, and sunset tours

Description

El Tovar blends early 20th‑century luxury with National‑Park‑Service rustic architecture. Cedar‑shingled roofs, Oregon pine beams, and Navajo‑inspired décor create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and authentically Southwestern.

History

1905

Designed by Chicago architect Charles Whittlesey for the Fred Harvey Company & Santa Fe Railway; cost ≈ US $250,000.

1905–1940s

Became the lodging of choice for rail passengers and dignitaries.

1987

Listed as a National Historic Landmark as part of the Grand Canyon Village Historic District.

2012

Joined Historic Hotels of America. Continuous operation for 120 years.

Features

78 standard rooms many of which are suites, 12 unique name suites (some with balconies)

El Tovar Dining Room (fine dining), El Tovar Lounge, room service

Gift shop & newsstand, concierge, bell service, free Wi‑Fi

Seasonal in‑room breakfast & dinner service

Nearby ATM, post office, and shuttle bus hub

Getting There

El Tovar sits on Village Loop Drive next to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. From Flagstaff (80 mi / 1 hr 30 min), follow US‑180 → AZ‑64 north to South Entrance; continue 7 mi to Grand Canyon Village and follow signs for ‘Historic District / El Tovar.’

Insider Tips

Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.

01Good to know

Rooms open for booking 13 months in advance and sell out fast

set a reminder.

02Be prepared

Ask for a “rim‑view” room or suites #6425/6427 for the best canyon vistas.

03Local tip

Dinner reservations open 30 days ahead (via OpenTable or phone)

book at 6 AM MST.

04Save time

Enjoy sunrise coffee on the front porch; elk often graze on the lawn.

05Stay connected

Village (Blue) Shuttle stops steps away

leave your car parked.

06Good to know

Free ranger talks are held nightly on the porch in summer.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is El Tovar from the canyon rim?

The hotel sits about 20 ft (6 m) from the edge – you can see the canyon from several rooms and the front porch.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

No. Meals are à‑la‑carte, but in‑room breakfast is available for an extra charge.

Does the hotel have air‑conditioning?

Yes. All guest rooms were retrofitted with modern HVAC while preserving historic character.

Are pets allowed?

Only registered service animals are permitted. Non‑service pets must stay at the South Rim Kennel (≈ 1 mi away).

Can non‑guests dine in the El Tovar Dining Room?

Yes, day visitors are welcome. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner.

Is Wi‑Fi reliable?

Wi‑Fi is free but can be slow during peak hours due to limited rural bandwidth.

What is the cancellation policy?

Reservations may be cancelled up to 48 hours before arrival for a full refund (check current policy when booking).

Are there charging stations for electric vehicles?

Yes. Two Level‑2 chargers are in Lot B (3‑min walk); first‑come, first‑served.

Quick Information

HoursFront desk 24 hrs; check-in 3 PM / check-out 11 AMDining Room: 6:30 AM–10 AM, 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30 PM–9:30 PM*

Best Time to VisitMarch–May & Sept–Nov for mild temps and smaller crowds

ParkingLimited guest parking beside the lodge; day visitors use Village Lot B (3‑min walk)

Facilities78 rooms & 12 suites, fine‑dining room, lounge & bar, gift shop, concierge, free Wi‑Fi

Get Directions

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References

National Park Service – “El Tovar Hotel” https://www.nps.gov/places/el-tovar-hotel.htm Grand Canyon Lodges (Xanterra) – El Tovar Hotel page https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/el-tovar-hotel/Wikipedia – “El Tovar Hotel” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Tovar_Hotel Google Maps Listing – El Tovar Hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/YNAtJZA59qXXApMM9 TripAdvisor – El Tovar Hotel Reviews https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g143028-d73444-Reviews-El_Tovar_Hotel-Grand_Canyon_National_Park_Arizona.html

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