There are two basic options for travel accommodations on your trip to Grand Canyon’s South Rim. You can camp, or you can pay a little extra for hot water and a roof. And although roughing it is popular, most visitors choose to stay in a hotel or motel. There are three basic options: Lodging in the park, lodging outside the park, and lodging in Flagstaff. On this page, I’ve listed a few of the lodging options in and around Grand Canyon National Park. All rates are current as of this writing (April 2014).
South Rim lodging within the park
El Tovar Hotel
The El Tovar is a historic, luxury lodge located just steps from the canyon’s edge. Rates range from $186.25 through $464.25.
Maswik Lodge
Maswik Lodge is one of the park’s more affordable options. It is unique in offering simple cabins — these can be a good choice for couples who don’t need anything fancy. Cabins cost $94. 25 per night, and rooms are $95.25 to $185.25.
Thunderbird and Kachina Lodges
Honestly, these lodges look like office buildings from a circa-1960 cash-strapped liberal arts college, but the canyonside location is great. Streetside rooms are $194.25, but you’ll probably find it worth the extra $25 for a canyon-facing room ($209.25).
Yavapai Lodge
Staying here will put you nearby the general store, post office, and a few other amenities. Rooms are $140.25 to $174.25.
Tusayan lodging (outside the park)
Tusayan is the gateway town located just outside the park boundary. From a hotel in Tusayan, it’s a short drive to the South Rim. More upscale lodging options include The Grand Hotel and the Holidy Inn Express. Other options include the Red Feather, the Best Western Premiere Grand Canyon Squire Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Canyon Plaza Resort.
Lodging in Flagstaff
Flagstaff has too many lodging options to list them all here. There are, of course, the usual variety of chain motels located near off-ramps and highways. However, if you’re looking for something unique and historic, try The Monte Vista Hotel or the Weatherford Hotel in downtown Flagstaff.
If you’re on a shoestring budget, try the Grand Canyon Hostel. Off-season rates start at $22 per night per person for a bunk in a shared room. During the busy season, this rate skyrockets up to $24 per night. Private rooms at Grand Canyon Hostel range from $44 to $56 depending on season and day of the week.