The Most Beautiful Lodging Within And Just Outside Of The Grand Canyon, According To Guests

The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking bucket list destinations that everyone needs to visit at least once. Its stunning red hues, shocking vertical drops, and rugged trails have long enticed visitors from around the world. As attractive as a trip to this geological phenomenon may be, it can be difficult to choose the best hotel near Grand Canyon National Park. After all, distances in the Wild West are vast, the architecture is diverse, and each locale offers a different type of experience.

Luckily, through our experience as veteran travel writers, we have learned to identify which hotels are worth staying at. Using our expert research skills, we parsed through hundreds of reviews on sites like Tripadvisor and Google reviews to understand which locations are truly appealing to guests. After examining each one with care, we selected hotels that stood out from the rest. We chose them based on a combination of beauty and uniqueness. Indeed, the best hotels near the Grand Canyon are unlike those you'll find anywhere else.

Humans have been in awe of the Grand Canyon for thousands of years, and the folks at Inn History Grand Canyon know it. Inspired by the long tradition of visiting this fascinating destination, the hotel founders are committed to bringing full-blown vintage vibes to their business. Beyond modeling its accommodations after the Phantom Ranch cabins in the Grand Canyon, these creatives have filled them with retro furniture that promises to take you back in time. 

Guests love the ambiance fostered by these touches, with one writing on Tripadvisor, "... the decor that replicates the early history of the Grand Canyon [made] our stay extra meaningful. E.g., the coffee table is a replica of J Powell's canoe, [an] old box camera repurposed into a lamp, lovely coffee table books with landscape photos, lampshades, and bric-a-brac that celebrate the daring photographers of the canyon [in] the late 19th century."

Interestingly, the historical element of Inn History is not just limited to the decorations. Former guests report that you can learn more about the Grand Canyon's past via QR codes scattered throughout the resort. As one visitor shared on Google, "Truly a gem of a place! ... Excellent idea with lots of Grand Canyon history with QR codes you can scan and books and pictures if you just want to read about this wonder of the world." Two-person cabins at Inn History are available this fall for $165 per night.

If you're planning your next glamping trip, you may want to buy tickets to the Grand Canyon. The reason? Backland Glamping is just over an hour's drive from the national park and offers some of the most luxurious outdoor experiences around. Beyond housing guests in delightful tents with large windows, Backland Glamping offers a number of fantastic activities. Kayaking, stargazing, and hiking are all available on the resort's whopping 160 acres of terrain. Spend the morning paddling through the resort's lake, then head to the Grand Canyon with a picnic in tow. 

Afterward, grab a telescope and gaze at the sky. As one guest raved on Tripadvisor, "The games available at the reception were a huge hit with our three boys, as were the s'mores! ... The sunrise over the meadow was exquisite. The box lunches we purchased were perfect to take along with us to the Grand Canyon."

Families with children seem particularly enthusiastic about Backland Glamping, and when you look at the layout of the tents, it's no surprise. Many of the sleeping spaces have been designed to appeal to kids. Per one parent on Google reviews, "The rooms are so cute, and they have bunk beds for kids! The beds are so cozy, and over the queen bed, there is a window so you can look up and see the stars without getting out of bed!" Nightly cabin prices start at $490.

Before Arizona became a family-friendly hiking destination, it was at the heart of the Wild West. Mining towns with sheriffs and saloons dotted the landscape, creating what would eventually become an almost legendary part of American history. To get a taste of these old days, book a room at the Red Garter Inn. Once an old-timey saloon, this establishment has since become one of the best hotels near the Grand Canyon. Guests love the throwback environment. Writing on Tripadvisor, one former visitor exclaimed, "We loved the history of the building. The decorations fit the history! Everything was clean and they had everything you would need for a stay. A much more fun experience than a cookie cutter chain hotel!"

Beyond the hotel's unusual history, guests enjoyed its location. For one thing, it's just a five-minute walk from the Williams Train Station, which takes travelers directly to the Grand Canyon. For another, it's surrounded by plenty of nice shops and restaurants. As a second traveler shared on Tripadvisor, "Compared to the other hotel options, this has been my favorite place to stay. We stayed in the Best Gals Room, which overlooks the railway. You are able to walk easily to all of the hot spots in Williams – shops, food, wine, beer, and railway." This fall, rooms that sleep two guests are booking for approximately $200 per night.

The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim is one of the best Grand Canyon hotels for anyone who wants to gaze intently at the national park. Located directly on the North Rim of the canyon, this hotel provides postcard-perfect views of the geological wonder — and a lot of history to boot. The hotel's gorgeous sights have drawn guests for almost a century. 

Indeed, the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim has been open since the late 1920s, making it the perfect place for history buffs to connect with the region's fascinating past. Writing on Google reviews, one traveler reflected on the hotel's history. "National Park Lodges that I've enjoyed were like this one: rustic, earthy, and with a strong sense of place. The 'surprise' view through the sun rooms wall of glass–not such a surprise after almost 100 years of thrilling tourists–stunned me to silence."

Of course, there are other benefits to sleeping so close to the Grand Canyon. According to another hotel guest, the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim provided them with the unique chance to stargaze in the park. "In the evening, a ranger brought a telescope, giving us the chance to gaze at Mars and various constellations. This is an experience you definitely shouldn't overlook," they wrote on Google reviews. Although cabins here book out quickly, six-person cabins are available this fall for $219 per night.

You may not be able to stay in a true Western ghost town, but Grand Canyon Western Ranch aspires to make that dream a reality. Situated 10 miles from the rim of the Grand Canyon, this resort features cabins that look straight out of an old cowboy movie. Add those to a rugged mountain landscape, a timeless fire pit, and classic covered wagons, and you might let out a yeehaw! Describing this environment on Google, one former guest recalled, "If you are looking for an authentic weekend in the west look no further than Grand Canyon Western Ranch ... When you enter the ranch you are immersed in the no grid life, horseback riding, shooting range, and many more amenities."

Former guests report feeling particularly enchanted by the nightly fireside events. Whereas some resorts limit their nightly fires to marshmallow roasting, the Grand Canyon Western Ranch puts on a full musical show. As one Google reviewer recalled, "The night at the campfire is magical. I have no words to describe how incredible the night was under the stars, the bonfire, the [marshmallows], the guitar, the symphony, and the songs played by my friend ..." If you're hoping to engage with a bit of cowboy culture with a side of musical fun, this is likely the best Grand Canyon hotel for you. Prices for a two-person room this fall start at $250 per night.

When you think of the Western United States, what images come to mind? If you answered "panoramic mountain views and vintage covered wagons," Bar 10 Ranch might be the best Grand Canyon hotel for you. This unique resort allows visitors to glamp in covered wagons equipped with wooden beds and comfortable sheets. Previous guests have wonderful things to say about their sleeping arrangements, with one writing on Tripadvisor, "The ranch experience was impressive! The facilities (sleeping, dining, bathrooms, showers) were exceptionally clean and comfortable ... The teens slept outside under the stars and we slept in a Conestoga wagon where we charged our cameras one last time before heading to the big ditch."

The activities at Bar 10 Ranch are also said to be unforgettable. If you're too tired to make the trip into the Grand Canyon, you can enjoy the resort's lounging hammock or take a quiet walk on its nature trail. Alternatively, sign up for a Bar 10 Ranch tour of the canyon and arrive there by plane. Reflecting on his tour experience, one Tripadvisor reviewer explained that the guide "Gets you into areas where most people don't even know exist. [The] North rim of grand canyon [is] really close and [you can enjoy] amazing day rides on 4 wheelers or side by sides." This may be the most luxurious possible way to explore one of North America's top natural wonders. An evening in a Queen wagon will set you back $314.

Traveling to the Grand Canyon doesn't just have to be about geology — it can also be about cultural history. After all, the Hopi people have inhabited the area surrounding the canyon for 2,000 years, during which they developed the gorgeous Pueblo-style architecture that remains popular in the American Southwest to this day. To take a deep dive into all things Hopi, you can stay overnight at the Hopi Cultural Center Motel in Mesa, Arizona. Located directly on the Hopi reservation, this unique motel boasts a gift shop where you can purchase traditional crafts, as well as a restaurant serving mouthwatering traditional foods. 

Previous guests enjoyed staying overnight, but particularly raved about the Hopi restaurant. As one former guest gushed on Google, "... this hotel carries a very special energy. The restaurant is truly amazing and they do in room dining as well. The blue corn burger is always on point." Another visitor echoed this sentiment in a Google review of their own, writing, "The staff are super friendly and helpful. The food in the restaurant was excellent. Our first time trying frybread..yum!" Although the hotel is a 2.5-hour drive from the canyon, guests say that they appreciate its location for relatively easy access to Petrified Forest National Park. Rooms sleep two people and start at $150 per night this fall.

Founded in 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel boasts access to one of America's oldest trains. This vessel takes you straight from the town of Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where you can gaze at its natural beauty. Before departing on your adventure, watch an interpretation of a Wild West shootout. Then, board the train and enjoy delightful musical performances. Boarding the Grand Canyon Railway is something of a regional rite of passage, and staying at the adjacent hotel is just another way to make the experience all the more special.

Previous guests loved how the hotel coordinated their stay with the train adventure. "Train from Williams to Grand Canyon was a blast. It was worth paying for the dome car. The hotel took care of our luggage and transported everything for us," shared one traveler on Tripadvisor. Another Tripadvisor reviewer added, "I would highly recommend the hotel and train ride to the Grand Canyon. The hotel was clean and had great service ... They delivered [our] luggage to the Maswik lodge and even returned our luggage to the train the following day." Overall, this is the best hotel at the Grand Canyon if you're looking for convenience. An overnight stay plus train ride for two people will set you back $353 this fall. 

Viewing the Grand Canyon is one thing, and hiking through it is another. If you are an experienced backpacker looking for a nice place to spend the night, Phantom Ranch might be the best hotel in the Grand Canyon for you. Located at the bottom of the canyon, Phantom Ranch can be accessed via the South Kaibab Trail. This means that you'll have to trek a whopping 7.5 miles to arrive, and depending on the season, weather conditions can be brutal. That being said, past guests highly recommend Phantom Ranch. As one put it on Google, "This is the most amazing place to stay. If you ever have a chance to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to stay here, you must do it. The steak dinner was amazing. Still can't believe you're able to get food like this at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in such a historic location."

Interestingly, the food at Phantom Ranch is said to be scrumptious. And, rather than eating at individual tables, hikers are encouraged to mingle at mealtimes. Per another hiker on Google, "We opted for the steak dinner, and it did not disappoint! Meals are served family-style in the canteen ... Sitting around a table with fellow hikers from all over the world, sharing stories, laughter, and a delicious meal, created a strong sense of community and connection." To enter the lottery for Phantom Ranch, apply over a year in advance.

The Grand Canyon may be one of the best U.S. national parks for a family-friendly vacation, but that doesn't mean it's always easy to find a hotel that appeals to kids. Luckily, Village Camp Flagstaff provides the type of environment that keeps families entertained. With a pool, hot tub, play area, and game-filled event lawn, Village Camp Flagstaff offers tons of fun activities that previous visitors adored. Writing on Google, one mom recalled, "We stayed in the Spruce cabin and it was awesome! Kids had fun sleeping up in the loft, making s'more's on the balcony, playing pickleball and going on the water slide!"

The tiny house-style cabins are also a huge hit with families, as they come with either kitchens or kitchenettes. This allows visitors to save money on restaurants and eat at their new homes away from home. As another parent shared on Google, "The ease in which village camp flagstaff made our family vacation seamless will keep us coming back for years. The cabins were cute and cozy, with everything you need–just bring your food." Basic cabins sleep four people and cost $319 per night this fall.

Organizing this list of the best hotels near the Grand Canyon was an enjoyable experience. As there are so many unique hotels in the region, we were excited to highlight some of their characteristics. While Inn History invokes elements of the Grand Canyon's unique past, the Red Garter Inn immerses you in it fully. If Backland Glamping offers an upscale outdoor experience, Village Camp Flagstaff keeps things extra family-friendly.

As far as convenience goes, it's hard to beat the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim and the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. The former is located directly in the canyon, and the latter provides access to a historic train that will take you right there. When it comes to experiencing unique lodging, the Grand Canyon Western Ranch will give you a taste of a Wild West ghost town. Bar 10 Ranch, meanwhile, offers guests the chance to sleep in a real covered wagon. Folks who are interested in cultural history will love the culinary and architectural experience of spending the night at the Hopi Cultural Center Motel. Hikers, of course, will love Phantom Ranch for its unique location at the bottom of the canyon.