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Make a Trip to the Grand Canyon Effortless With a Stay at One of These Close-By Hotels

Epic Stays
by Matador Creators Aug 16, 2023

The Grand Canyon National Park is situated in the northwestern region of Arizona. The park stretches over 277 miles, encompassing the Colorado River and its adjacent uplands. While the Grand Canyon sprawls across several states, it’s most commonly visited from Arizona, specifically via the well-equipped South Rim. Its sheer size, geological form, and changing colors of the thousands of rock formations makes this natural wonder deservedly popular.

Within the park’s boundaries, there are a handful of decent lodges around Grand Canyon Village. Staying in proximity means you can beat the crowds in the morning and enjoy the various shades of the canyon at different times of the day. But you can also base yourself at nearby towns and cities and do a Grand Canyon day trip. Flagstaff, Williams, and Sedona are all accessible gateways to the park. Due to this, you’ve got quite a few options when it comes to choosing from one of the hotels near Grand Canyon National Park. The most important factor is to decide if you’d like to stay within the boundaries or take a day trip in. The standard (and value for money) of accommodation is vastly improved if you choose the latter, but it depends on what kind of experience you want to have and your itinerary. The hotels outside of Grand Canyon National Park have been selected for their connection to the outdoors, so even if you’re not sleeping with a view over the canyon, you’ll have an equally special vacation in Arizona.

What is the best month to see the Grand Canyon?

The shoulder seasons between March through May and September through November are best. During these periods, the daytime temperatures are manageable and there’s less footfall. You will also find that accommodation options are more available and reasonably priced.

We hope you love the hotels near Grand Canyon National Park we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Enchantment Resort

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Located in Sedona, about two hours away from the park, Enchantment Resort offers luxury accommodation amid the red-rock landscape. The resort’s remote location in Boynton Canyon is arguably the most spectacular spot in Sedona Red Rock country. Enchantment’s buildings are modern and complement the environment.

The resort delivers over 100 weekly activities, including stargazing adventures, artistic workshops such as beading and pottery, and mountain biking, climbing, ballooning — the list goes on. There’s also three swimming pools, tennis courts and croquet courts.

Enchantment Resort is a great option if you’re after luxury, comfort and amenities. Keep in mind the distance from the Grand Canyon National Park, but a stay here gives you access to Sedona’s landscape and makes for an unforgettable vacation.

Enchantment Resort : 525 Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ, 86336

Price per night: $643

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Backland Glamping Resort

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This pet-friendly, luxury glamping eco-resort is located about 20 minutes from Williams on 160 acres of private land. The road to Backland is part of the adventure. The section from town is scenic and beautiful, but it’s an unpaved Forest Service track. A four-wheel drive is not necessary, unless you are staying during heavy winter conditions. From the resort, it’s just over an hour to the Grand Canyon.

Backland’s accommodations are far from “roughing it”. Perfect for groups and families, large glamping tents (sleeping four to six) feature a king-size bed with a large window for stargazing, twin bunk beds, a sofa bed, an en-suite bathroom, and climate control. The spacious tents also have a glass front with a private deck. On-site evenings can be spent at the farm-to-table restaurant, or under a blanket of stars at the communal fire pit.

Backland Glamping Resort : 6929 E Rosilda Springs Rd, Williams, AZ, 86046

Price per night: $395

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Thunderbird Lodge

External view of Thunderbird Lodge one of the best hotels near Grand Canyon National Park

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Situated within the park itself, Thunderbird Lodge provides easy access to the South Rim. It’s ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. However, availability can be limited due to high demand.

It’s just a stone’s throw away from restaurants, gift shops of Grand Canyon village, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, and the Bright Angel Trail Head. Thunderbird Lodge has all the amenities you’d expect from a mid-range hotel. There’s a family-focus with accommodating staff and some rooms have a partial view of the canyon.

Thunderbird Lodge : 7 North Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $270

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Yavapai Lodge

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Also located on the South Rim, Yavapai Lodge offers large, comfortable rooms and is pet-friendly, making it another great option for families. Again, during peak season, it can get quite busy, so you’ll need to book in advance. If traveling with kids, it’s worth considering staying in the park. Yes, the accommodations are not as luxurious, but they are geared towards making a trip to the canyon as easy, fun, and educational as possible.

On-site there’s a decent restaurant serving hearty dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a tavern, and a coffee shop. Recently, the business also added electric car chargers to the car park. Staff are friendly and can help you plan your stay and exploration of the park.

Yavapai Lodge : 11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $216

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The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

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The Grand Hotel provides a more upscale lodging experience near the park. It’s about a mile from the South Rim entrance, offering convenience without compromising on comfort. Built in 1998, the hotel resembles a sprawling three-story chalet with renovated guestrooms that are bright and comfortable. Star amenities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and adjacent fitness center.

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon : 149 State Highway 64 – Tusayan, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $199

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High Country Motor Lodge

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For budget-conscious travelers, the High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff provides affordable rooms and is roughly a 90-minute drive from the park. The modern-day motor lodge’s vintage design reflects its iconic 1960s origins, with guest rooms leading onto an inviting courtyard with a large pool, fire pits and lawn games. There are 120 guest rooms and suites available and for groups and families, there are three stand-alone cottages. Pet-friendly accommodations can be booked, just mention this in advance.

High Country Motor Lodge : 1000 West Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001

Price per night: $190

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Maswik Lodge

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Another in-park accommodation, Maswik Lodge, offers a range of rooms amidst Ponderosa pine forest. From the front door, it’s a short quarter-mile walk or bus ride from the canyon’s edge.

Its central location makes it a popular choice, but keep in mind this is a pretty basic accommodation. The lodge is a super option for those passing through the park, aim on spending most of the time outdoors, and want somewhere clean and comfortable for a night or two. The 280-room lodging complex houses a gift shop, food court, and pizza pub. Maswik also offers rooms with kitchenettes, making this a great budget option for those who want to save money on eating out.

Maswik Lodge : 202 South Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Price per night: $180

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