 | Grand Canyon Hotels and Accommodations | Tips 91 - 100 of 101 |  |
 | |  |  | The Bright Angel Lodge: Nice place to hang out | Satisfaction:   |  |  | |  |
| | | | The Bright Angel Lodge: The Bright Angel Lodge | | | | | |
| | | | Thunderbird Lodge, South Rim, Grand Canyon: Careful at the Lodges | Satisfaction: | | | | |
The Thunderbird Lodge was the worst hotel we stayed in our entire vacation. It doesn't mean that it would be bad for everyone, but let me share our experience.
When we arrived in the room around 7:15 pm, the thermostat was reading 88 degrees and the AC didn't appear to be working. Since the temperature outside was 100+, I was concerned and called the front desk. They agreed to send maintenance over to check on it. Meanwhile, we left to watch the sunset over the canyon. Upon our return, we discovered that about $500 worth of electronics had been stolen, including our camera. (Hence no pictures of our trip.) When we reported it, the park rangers came to take statements, etc. They told us they were having problems with someone coming in through the windows. We were on the second story and there was a roof just below our window. The window was plenty big enough for someone to come through. Although the windows were closed, they were not locked. The maintenance had also come into the room while we were gone, so who knows what happened. The room below us had also been broken into.
In addition to the theft, our room never cooled down below 78 degrees even though the temperature outside went down to 56 that night. Even opening the windows to let the breeze in, did not cool down the room. Apparantly the breeze was blowing on the other side of the hotel that night. I only got two hours of sleep.
The lodge has agreed to reimburse us for some of our room cost. I'm not sure whether it will be a full reimbursement.
The beds and pillows in the room were comfortable and it was clean. We ate dinner at the El Trevor Lodge next door and it was excellent. It was the best meal we had, our entire vacation. Be sure to make your reservation well in advance and before sunset. There is a beautiful view, when its daylight. Leave a Comment Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: South Rim of the Grand CanyonDirections: Between the Bright Angel Lodge and El Tevor
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| | | | Xanterra Properties: Staying IN the park | Satisfaction: | | | | |
I haven't stayed at ALL of these places, but thought a quick reference might help others.
El Tovar is the most expensive place to stay inside the park. It's the Premier lodge built just after the railroad depot was completed. The views from the patio are fantastic, the food a the dining room are wonderful, and it shares parking with Hopi House and Verkamps curios. The staff are very accommodating to guests and visitors alike. Dad got his first GREAT view of the Canyon from this property, so we love it now. Some rooms do have Canyon views. Winter or Peak Seasons: $134-$304
Bright Angel is in the middle of things: at the top of a trail head, family dining, mule ride check in counter and more. Less expensive than El Tovar, it's also more rustic. No TV or other amenities modern travelers come to expect - but hey! You're at the GRAND CANYON! There are some rooms with Canyon access, and cabins. Winter: $50-$239, Peak: $68-$139
Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges are between the first two mentioned ... more motel-ish in character, they also have some canyon views. They don't have front desk staff - you have to check in at on of the neighboring properties. Winter/Peak: $125-$136 (Street vs. Canyon views)
Please see my separate tip on Maswik.
Yavapai lodge is the largest property on site, and was closed when we were there. It's about 1/2 mile from the rim and is next to the grocery store, post office and other useful places. It does close during the off season if there is no need, but during the summer it's hopping! Winter: $76-$89, Peak: $96-$113
Phantom Ranch is the only lodging below the rim, so plan on hiking or mule riding in or out to get there! I have a dream - to get there and stay a day or two to explore the floor of the canyon. Sigh. This is one of the least expensive lodges with both dormitories and cabins, but the trip to get there has to be AMAZING! No seasonal discounts as the dorm is the cheapest stay in the park.
Trailer Village is a full hook up style motor home park within the park. It's about 1/2 mile from the rim and is the second cheapest stay in the park @ $23 year round. Leave a Comment Theme: MotelComparison: about averagePhone: 1-888-29-PARKWebsite: http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/Lodging-Overview-411.html Other Contact: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyour
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Don't expect luxury. But you are near shuttle buss stops and facilities.
Great view in the neighbourhood. Leave a Comment Theme: MotelComparison: about average
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