El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon

Great location, beautiful hotel, awesome views...Gift shop worth a stop... parking was not great though. Be sure to book your restaurant reservations well in advance as we could not dine until 9pm. Loved the history and decor. Rooms were small but we were just there to sleep. Would stay again for sure!

Just returned from a four night stay at El Tovar. My girlfriends and I enjoyed every minute. The staff was friendly and helpful. We ate three breakfasts and two dinners in the dining room. We were great both on entering and exiting. The food was good (not the best but certainly not the worst). Service was friendly and prompt. Only once did we have a tough time getting our bill. We certainly enjoyed the convience of the location. Sitting on the porch in the afternoon was a delight.

If you're going to spend one night at the Grand Canyon as we did a couple of days ago, you really should try to stay at El Tovar. The location, right on the Canyon rim, is spectacular and the lodge itself has great historic charm, is well maintained and very comfortable. a major bonus are the elk that move in early in the morning to graze on the grass on the grounds and hang around until about 8:00 in the morning. The look on the faces of kids when they first spot the elk is worth the price of admission. The rooms are small by today's standards but are very well maintained. the king bed we had was very comfortable and the retro baths are spotless. The lounge is cozy with outdoor seating. The only disappointment and its a significant one was our dinner experience. The restaurant is very attractive and being able to sit down to dinner while gazing out on one of the wonders of world is truly an experience. Unfortunatley, the prices are high and the quality is mediocre. Interestingly,the presentation was nice but the food was either overcooked, over frozen before it was cooked or both, giving it a steam table taste and texture. Others have commented that the food is better at Bright Angel lodge. We had breakfast there and if that was any indication, breakfast was very good. Bright Angel is more casual and the menu is posted in the lobby in El Tovar. another option would be to have appetizers in the lounge. The restaurant experience notwithstanding I loved the El Tovar and give it an enthusiatic two thumbs up!

My husband and i stayed here and we absolutely loved it. It's only several feet from the canyon. It was so worth the cost. We loved going on night walks along the rim, being able to catch shuttle to anywhere in the park, and even see California Condors. We did not have to drive our vehicle anywhere. We relieved since we had already driven 1 day to get there. We were only disappointed with the restaurant. It's very good food but not a 5 star like they advertise. I enjoyed our meal but did not feel it was worth a $100 bill, maybe $50 or less. We loved being able to walk to a bar for a break and drink and then wake up and grab coffee. We plan to return and stay at El Tovar again.

This hotel was spectacular in every way. We were there in November, a perfect time of the year. The restaurant served a wonderful steak for dinner and a great breakfast. The rooms were decorated beautifully with fabrics and old pieces that made you feel like you were spending time in the early 1900's. Just an incredible experience with the deer outside eating and oh!, the gorgeous sunsets and mornings were something we shall never forget.

I ordered the " pork leather loins" and paid twice as much as was reasonable. no taste just bad food should have avoided this dinner and bought a tank of gas.

Unfortunately, we made our reservations in the spring of 2008 for October 2008, it was too late so we did not stay at the El Tovar. We fine dined at the restaurant in the El Tovar....Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! The food, the service and the entire El Tovar. I will stay their when I visit again. The Grand Canyon was much more than I expected. Breathtaking. There was nothing, I disliked about the my Grand Canyon experience. Just remember to pack a flashlight because its dark after sunset. Sunset is a must see.

I didn't stay at this hotel in my last visit. But I would have to agree with most people experienced in their restaurant. The people there are rude. The hotel has the best location and view, no doubt about that. I guess the restaurant in the hotel wanted to present as an first class restaurant. If you dress less than causual, they probably think you can't afford their expensive meal. Their attitude will make you turn around and won't even try to get a table. If you have a reservation, you may still have to wait for a long time. If you don't have a reservation, they will tell you they won't able to serve you with a flat face. The only way I can describe their attitude is that you are not welcome if you don't have a reservation. Partially if you are not their hotel's guest.

THE EL TOVAR WAS SO CLEAN & PERFECT! I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!! WALK OUTSIDE OF THE PORCHDECK & THERE WAS THE GRAND CANYON! UNBELIEVABE! I WOULD GO BACK IN A MINUTE! & HOPE TO! MY BEST TRIP! COMING FROM THE EAST COAST,USA. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THE GRAND CANYON & SO MANY CANYONS OUT THERE! THEY ARE MAGNIFICANT!!EVERYTHING IS SO CLOSE & CONGESTED ON THE EAST COAST USA!!

What I liked was the location! What I disliked, the rooms are just ok! The service is bad, staff are rude! The food is terrable, New York Strip is the worst I have ever eaten, breakfest was cold!