South Rim Hotels

The South Rim is the most popular rim at the Grand Canyon to visit. There are a few great South Rim hotel and lodging options in the park itself. These accommodations typically need to be reserved close to a year in advance. Visitors who really want to interact with the Grand Canyon and spend time here often camp. But if camping is not a option for you, El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and Phantom Ranch's famous cabins are all excellent options.

The nearest town to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is Tusayan. It's about 6 miles from the entrance of the Grand Canyon and offers South Rim visitors hotel and motel accommodations. There is not much else in this area so if you are thinking that you're just going to go see the Grand Canyon, take a few pictures and walk around a little, you might only want to stay one night. Going on a helicopter tour, guided hike and bus tour can really enhance your Grand Canyon experience and assist in making the most of your trip.

If you'd like to stay longer and explore more of the area, perhaps Williams, Flagstaff or Sedona hotels would provide you a better jumping off point to explore the great Southwest.

Williams is a mountainside town on the Historical Route 66 and just 60 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Williams has several excellent lodging choices ranging from budget motels to luxury hotels. Williams is a good option if you want to be close to the Grand Canyon but want dining options, markets and shops as well. It offers more things to do than Tusayan, but it's further from the Grand Canyon itself.

The Grand Canyon Railway with its famous Christmastime Polar Express and year-round rides to the South Rim leaves from Williams making this an incredibly convenient and family-friendly location to stay in if a train ride is on your agenda. Williams hotels cater to Grand Canyon visitors and have helpful and knowledgeable staff that can help you make the most of your trip. Ask about attractions like the drive-through wildlife park and cowboy cookouts. Williams is also only 35 miles from Flagstaff, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Staying in Williams is a great jumping off point for travelers who want to spend time at the Grand Canyon and explore Flagstaff and other parts of the Great Southwest.

Flagstaff is about 79 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and offers cabins, bed and breakfasts, hotels, vacation rentals and more. The city itself is at 7,000 ft elevation and rests at the base of the Mt. Humphreys and Mt. Elden offering visitors and residents the opportunity to ski, hike, mountain bike, camp and explore an alpine environment just two hours north of the Phoenix desert. Flagstaff is the ideal mix of close proximity to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and city comforts. There are other things to do in the area in addition to seeing the Grand Canyon and is a place a visitor could enjoy for a few days.

Flagstaff hotels are in demand year round, but there is typically always some type of lodging available. Its cooler temperatures during the summer make it Arizona locals' favorite place to visit during the summer, and its high elevation allows for winter sports and activities. Also just a 45-minute drive southwest of Flagstaff is the red rock wonderland, Sedona. Everything requires a bit of a drive out here, so make sure you plan your transportation accordingly.

Sedona is about 110 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and offers the most luxurious and scenic hotel and lodging options for Grand Canyon visitors. Sedona is a destination in its own right. Known for its stunning red rocks, beautiful creeks and rare energy, Sedona attracts visitors from all over the world. Grand Canyon visitors will find that Sedona offers hotels and resorts with the highest quality of service and amenities. From spa treatments to five-star dining opportunities, Sedona never ceases to amaze its visitors.

Also, Sedona's elevation is about 4,500 ft and is on average 15°F or more warmer than the South Rim. Depending on the time of year, Sedona might be a better Grand Canyon lodging option if you're looking for more moderate temperatures.

Hotels are not the only Sedona lodging choices. Grand Canyon visitors, especially our international friends, may prefer a bed and breakfast. Sedona's myriad bed & breakfasts each offers a charming and unique experience, many with extraordinary views, accommodations and amenities. Or one can rent a cottage along the creek or even rent a Sedona vacation home rental. Whatever your needs are, Sedona will have the perfect place for you to stay when visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

At an elevation of ~4,500 ft, Sedona is often a better Grand Canyon lodging choice, depending on seasonal temperatures, road conditions and the length of your itierary. Sedona is about a two hour drive north of Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. There are Grand Canyon tour shuttles that pick up in Sedona, but it becomes more difficult to get around without a car. Everything is spaced out here in the Southwest, so plan your transportation accordingly.