The Most Romantic Spot In Grand Canyon National Park Is A Scenic Hotel Perched On The Rim

Seeking comfortable accommodations that give easy access to the Grand Canyon? Your answer is the El Tovar Hotel, a century-old luxurious lodge just 20 feet from the South Rim. This historic hotel has positioned itself as a truly romantic spot in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, and that can be easily linked to the hotel's sophisticated and rustic interior as well as its striking exterior design that brings together the allure of a Swiss chalet and the elegance of a Norwegian villa. The surroundings will give your eyes unforgettable natural and architectural views capable of stealing your breath, giving an atmosphere that's perfect for memorable moments between couples.

Just a step onto the porch, and the Grand Canyon is right there, giving you and your partner a golden sunset or sunrise-painted horizon. Indeed, when you see its stunning verandahs, its clean lounge, bell service to reduce stress, and the dining room where the lights create just the perfect mood, you'll understand why El Tovar remains a worthy place for lovers to visit. You and your partner might even consider going there for your anniversary celebrations, and you can witness a romantic stay in one of the 78 rooms and suites that let you relish the beauty of the Grand Canyon through the windows or balconies. And the amazing thing about the rooms here is that each one is distinct with unique decor and architecture.

You can get to the El Tovar Hotel via the South entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park, roughly a four-hour drive from Phoenix or Las Vegas. You might as well opt for a shuttle bus from Flagstaff or Williams, or board the Grand Canyon Railway, which operates daily from Williams to the Grand Canyon Village. From there, you only have a 13-minute walk to the hotel.

In addition to being a great spot for a romantic getaway, everything about El Tovar carries a piece of history with it. The hotel was opened in 1905, exactly 14 years before the Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919. The hotel was built from Oregon pine and local limestone by the Fred Harvey Company in partnership with the Santa Fe Railway, and it was designed by architect Charles Whittlesey. It was originally meant to provide luxury accommodations to the elite travelers of that period, like Albert Einstein, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and several others. Till today, El Tovar remains an official National Historic Landmark since 1987, well-ensconced among the best national park hotels for a serene nature getaway.

The murals and furniture within the hotel reflect the work and culture of Native American tribes, making your stay at El Tovar a rich experience that many travelers have also enjoyed in the past. Outside of El Tovar, side attractions await you and your partner; you can both take a walk hand-in-hand along the Rim Trail and enjoy the area's natural beauty. You can also check out some handcrafted souvenirs at the Hopi House, or visit the Kolb Studio for vintage canyon photographs. For a more exhilarating experience, Yavapai Point is one of the attractions you can go to if you want to catch the sunset as the canyon colors change across purple, orange, and pink. For sunrise lovers, Maher Point is where to go for that magical glow of dawn. You may as well go ride a mule down the Grand Canyon if you're that adventurous. Elk can also be sighted on the lawn as you sip your coffee on the porch.

Booking early is one of the important travel tips you should hold on to regarding the El Tovar Hotel. This is because rooms can get booked very fast in advance, as reservations are typically open 13 months ahead. Expect rooms that offer the canyon-view advantage to get taken even faster since people would want to rush such a stress-free opportunity to savor the sweet views without having to hike. Among the things you shouldn't miss at this hotel is the dining room meal experience, but ensure to make reservations ahead of time. Try to get a window seat, so you'll be able to have exciting canyon and sky views while you enjoy your meal.

The best time to visit El Tovar is spring or fall, when the weather will be mild, and there'll be fewer crowds. For your comfort, you may bring along layers to keep you warm during evening walks and bring comfy shoes with you also. Very importantly, note that this hotel doesn't have elevators, meaning that you only have stairs to reach your room, but staff can help with luggage, just in case. If, for any reason, you have to cancel your reservation, bear in mind that it's possible 48 hours before you arrive, and you may get a full refund.