El Tovar is the South Rim's historic flagship hotel, a log-and-stone landmark from 1905 set directly on the rim. In-park lodging availability can change, so check current lodging status before you plan an overnight stay; Tusayan is a dependable alternative.
Lodging inside the park depends on conditions such as water supply and maintenance, so check current lodging status with the operator, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, before you plan an overnight stay. If a room is not available, Tusayan, the gateway town about a mile outside the South Entrance, is the practical alternative, about 7 miles from the village.
El Tovar is the hotel people picture when they think of staying at the Grand Canyon. It opened in 1905, designed by Charles Whittlesey, chief architect for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The log-and-stone building stands directly on the rim in Grand Canyon Village, a few steps from the Rim Trail.
There are 78 rooms, many of them suites, including 12 named suites with their own decor. Rooms have satellite TV, a safe, a coffeemaker and air conditioning, but no microwaves. There are no elevators, so expect stairs, although some accessible rooms have roll-in showers.
The trade-off has always been price and availability: El Tovar is small, books up far ahead and costs more than anything in Tusayan, and the rooms are historic rather than large. You can enjoy the building as a day visitor even if you are not staying, and dining hours vary by season. Walk the Rim Trail from the hotel toward Hopi House and Bright Angel Lodge, then drive back to Tusayan for the night. If a reservation changes, the operator can explain refunds and rebooking.
Why stay here
- ✓Check current lodging status before planning an overnight stay
- ✓Opened in 1905 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987
- ✓Sits directly on the South Rim at the heart of Grand Canyon Village
- ✓78 rooms, including 12 individually named suites
- ✓El Tovar Dining Room and lounge, with in-room dining for breakfast and dinner when the hotel operates
- ✓No elevators: rooms are reached by stairs, with some accessible rooms that have roll-in showers
- ✓Rooms have satellite TV, a safe, a coffeemaker and air conditioning
- ✓A short walk along the Rim Trail to Hopi House and Bright Angel Lodge
Good questions
Can I stay overnight at El Tovar?+
Usually, yes, but in-park lodging availability can change with conditions such as water supply and maintenance. Check current lodging status with the operator, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, before you plan an overnight stay.
Where should I stay instead?+
Tusayan, about a mile outside the South Entrance and roughly 7 miles from Grand Canyon Village, is the closest alternative. Williams and Flagstaff are about an hour and 90 minutes away if Tusayan is full.
Can I visit El Tovar during the day?+
Yes. You can walk the Rim Trail past the hotel and the historic village as a day visitor. Restaurant and shop hours vary by season, so check current hours before planning a meal there.
