It was kind of like staying at a highway chain motel. Bed was a little mushy, but linens and bathroom were clean, and everything was operational (carpet spotted but clean). It was nice to be able to check in and use the El Tovar lobby with the same privileges as Tovar guests; I think guests at the neighboring Thunderbird Lodge are supposed to use the Bright Angel, where they check in. We overlooked the parking lot, but it really didn't matter as we got out for the sunrise and got plenty of Canyon viewing during the day. Skip the other rim restaurants--just eat at El Tovar. Better food, nicer looking and not much more expensive.

This is a well run basic hotel on the rim of the grand canyon. The front desk is at the adjacent El Tovar hotel, which is quite grand, and when we visited, all decked out for Christmas including a 2 story christmas tree. Very festive. The Kachina Lodge is a short walk next door. Nothing special about the room, which I would have called average, except that the staff and service were so friendly and helpful, it raised my opinion of the place. And we had a view of the canyon from our room and the stars on a clear night. Can't beat that.

Let's face it, if you are going to stay at the Grand Canyon you really want a view of it from your room. What could be more romantic than that?

The rooms themselves are bog-standard motel style rooms with nothing special and are pretty small. What is special though is the view from the window. The call it 'partial view' but ours had a perfect view. If you ask nicely and ask for a second floor room you might get a room as good as our was.

The dining choices are pretty ordinary at the grand canyon. After all it is basically a monopoly so unless you drive 7 miles back to the nearest town out of the park, you'll be eating there.

So, I could give 4 stars because of the price and the actual room you get, since it's not a 5 stars accomodation, but be able to see the Canyon from your room and stay only 50 feet from the edge of the Canyon it's priceless. So, YES it is worth it.
And don't get me wrong. The room is very nice. A little bit smaller than other rooms I stayed in but with a great bed, nice towels, very clean and great condition bathroom. And my room had a air cond. also.
I still can't forget that I was able to wake up at 4:30am, walk just outside my room instead getting a car and see a beautiful sunsire at the Canyon. So, what else could I ask for??????????????????????????????????? I would stay there again, again, again......................................................