U.S. Park Lodging is a private service that can help you find accommodation in some of our country's most popular tourist destinations.  Check here often for updates and specials on lodging and activity opportunities in and around America's National Parks!

The Historic Grand Canyon

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

“The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world. … Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see.”

~ President Theodore Roosevelt

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Over 100 years later, the beauty and awe of the Grand Canyon has been preserved to be revered by millions of people each year. The Grand Canyon will continue to impress and inspire for many years to come.

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Most Grand Canyon hotels are in close proximity to these spectacular Grand Canyon National Park scenes. Many people report a sense of extreme spirituality and emotion when they first lay eyes upon this great Wonder of the World. There are several Grand Canyon hotel choices to choose from. Give the friendly professionals at US Park Lodging a call to assist you in your Grand Canyon hotel selection. US Park Lodging will ensure that you get the best possible Grand Canyon hotel for your budget and vacation priorities. You cannot put a price on the Grand Canyon experience.

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The Historic El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

As the transcontinental railroad was completed and train travel exploded onto the American frontier, the Santa Fe Railroad Company extended an interior rail to the Grand Canyon in 1901. Prior to the completion of this spur, travelers to the Grand Canyon arrived by stagecoach. The El Tovar Hotel originated as just a sparkle in the eyes of the Santa Fe Railroad partnered with the Fred Harvey Company, as a destination resort. The accommodations between the east and west coasts were somewhat primitive which begged for the El Tovar Hotel’s creation in 1905 to provide a luxurious experience for the Santa Fe Railway travelers. This focus led to the Grand Canyon evolving from a forest reserve into a national monument in 1908 and eventually a national park in 1919. In this year, 1919, there were over 44,000 visitors to Grand Canyon National Park. Today the Grand Canyon receives more than 5 million visitors each year.

El Tovar Lodge - Grand Canyon

El Tovar Lodge, Grand Canyon circa 1908 from Haines Photo Co. Courtesey of the Library of Congress: Prints and Photographs: Panoramic Photographs: LC-USZ62-97315

The El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of the mighty Grand Canyon is an historical landmark as well as a top Grand Canyon vacation destination. As one of the first national park styled lodges built over 100 years ago, the El Tovar Hotel helped pave the way for a legacy of grand and rustic national park lodges around the country. This iconic Grand Canyon National Park lodge is situated just 20 short feet from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. This makes the El Tovar Hotel a breathtaking place to experience the glory of the Grand Canyon.

The El Tovar was also a trendsetter for the famed Grand Canyon activity of riding mules down the Bright Angel Trail, which was vigorously promoted by the Fred Harvey Company via the El Tovar. These new trails were built upon the paths of the Native Americans who traveled it long before the days of the El Tovar. In 1922, the Fred Harvey Company finished the construction of the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. This addition made it possible to offer the utmost in service, even at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

This iconic national park hotel is still a luxurious hotel with attention to service and detail, even 100 years later. For visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, staying at El Tovar will make all the difference. For those who miss it, they are truly missing an historical and grand experience.

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