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The Grand Canyon is a popular Arizona tourist destination. The main focal point for visitors is Grand Canyon National Park, which tourists reach via Arizona State Route 64---when entering via the south entrance---or State Route 67, if they head for the north entrance. While the natural beauty is stunning and many visitors enjoy camping in the vicinity, there are a number of nearby Grand Canyon hotels that also make for great base camps.
Visit the El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim
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When you stay at the El Tovar Hotel, you not only enjoy actual lodgings that are virtually within Grand Canyon National Park, but you also get the feel of a venue that is a National Historic Landmark. According to the hotel's records, Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein were at one time guests at the El Tovar. Situated within a few feet of the park's south entrance, the El Tovar has 78 rooms that feature cable TV, air conditioning and full baths. Suites feature a bedroom as well as a sitting room. As of 2009, standard rooms start at about $175 per night, while suites start at about $321. Please note that the entire venue is non-smoking only.
El Tovar Hotel
West Rim Drive
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(888) 297-2757
www.grandcanyonlodges.com/el-tovar-409.html
Enjoy a Stay at the Grand Hotel near the South Rim
Find the Grand Hotel, with its 121 rooms, about 1 mile from the south rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. The locale's theme is that of a southwestern chalet, as are the dishes served in the Canyon Star Restaurant and Saloon on the premises. A big plus are the boxed lunches that you may purchase as sustenance for your trips to the Grand Canyon. The concierge can assist with helicopter trips and guided tours around the area, making this is a great place to rest, get refreshed and set out for another full day at the Grand Canyon. Standard rooms start at $179 per night (as of 2009) for single occupancy, while suites begin at $329.
The Grand Hotel
149 State Highway 64
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(888) 634-7263
www.grandcanyongrandhotel.com
Explore the Grand Canyon West Ranch at the West Rim
A mere 14 miles away from the Grand Canyon's west rim, the Grand Canyon West Ranch is its own tourist destination. If you are coming from Las Vegas, this is the perfect venue to consider, because it is much closer than the south rim locales. Kids enjoy the ranch stay because the theme is western all the way around; there are pine cabins or Indian tipis, nightly campfires, western-style meals and horseback riding. Costs vary, depending on the accommodations you choose. As of 2009, a standard cabin starts at $269 per night, while a standard tipi begins at $169. Make the ranch your base camp as you explore the Grand Canyon, and spend the rest of your vacation enjoying the sights and sounds of western living.
Grand Canyon West Ranch
3750 East Diamond Bar Ranch Road
Meadview, AZ 86444
(800) 359-8727
www.grandcanyonranch.com
About The Author
Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.
