Review of El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Historic hotel in fantastic location:

This hotel is all about history and location. It looks back on more than 100 years and its setting right at the south rim of the Grand Canyon is not to beat. When you first set foot in the impressive entrance hall it may be quite an experience. As I had learnt from other reviews this impression often vanishes when you enter your room. So I didn’t have high expectations but I was taught better because the Whittlesey Suite, which we had booked for our family (two adults and a teenager), was also quite striking apart from the small bathroom and the view (we should have had the suite on the opposite side of the building with an incredible view on the Grand Canyon …).



As far as the restaurants are concerned, we dined twice in the El Tovar Dining Room. While the food was quite good, I felt ambiguous regarding ambiance. Although the setting was elegant, neither service nor numerous guests attired too casually contributed to this atmosphere accordingly. We also had breakfast there which was satisfactory but way too abundant! Several times we went to the bar where we were served equally politely and swiftly but it has to be said that both the interior and the terrace are too small for all these people seeking to be placed there.

All in all, we had a nice stay in the El Tovar notwithstanding certain minor imperfections.

Date of stay: July 2011