North Rim or South? Inside the park or out? Is it better to stay in Vegas? These are some of the questions you’ll need to ask and answer when planning your bucket list trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s a classic American vacation, combining awesome natural beauty with tons of adventurous activities like helicopter rides, group tours, hiking and biking. With so many available things to do in the area, finding a place to stay often proves to be more challenging than planning your itinerary! Read on for the pros and cons of different hotel options in the area to help you choose the right fit for your Grand Canyon family vacation.
Most travelers choose to stay near the South Rim because this is where you’ll find the most lodging options and it is open year-round, as opposed to the North Rim which is only open seasonally. You can also find several hotels in the nearby cities of Williams, Valle, Flagstaff or Kanab, but you’ll be adding an hour drive to several hours drive to your day just to get to the park. Alternatively, some families choose to stay in kid-friendly Las Vegas hotels and take a day trip or book an excursion to the area. However, if you plan to soak up all that the Grand Canyon has to offer, we recommend checking out the following best family-friendly hotels near the Grand Canyon. Did you know that you can actually stay inside the park, even directly on the canyon rim?
Read More: Top Places to Visit in April (The Grand Canyon’s One of Them!)
Best Hotels with Canyon Views
Thunderbird Lodge
7 N Village Loop Dr, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Similar to the Kachina Lodge above, the Thunderbird Lodge is also centrally located, giving you easy access to dining options, gift shops, a visitor center and hiking trails. In fact, they’re next-door neighbors! The rooms here also feature double queen beds with available views of the canyon.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families with young kids can request a free crib for their room.
- Rooms include a full bathtub for easy kid clean-up.
- Guests can easily access the National Park Service free park shuttles.
- Located directly within the Grand Canyon National Park on the canyon rim.
El Tovar Hotel
1 El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
For families looking for an immersive Grand Canyon vacation, a stay at the El Tovar Hotel inside the Grand Canyon Village area is a great option. This is because the hotel sits directly on the rim of the canyon and the interior retains its rustic 1905 beginnings. The lodge hotel makes a great choice for families because it offers double bed occupancy with the availability of rollaway beds for extra sleeping space.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between double bed standard rooms, deluxe rooms or suites with a sitting room.
- Many of the suites have either a balcony or porch, which is great for parents who want to stay up later than the kids.
- Large family? Many of the rooms and suites can accommodate a rollaway bed for added sleeping space.
- Guests can easily access the National Park Service free park shuttles.
- Located directly on the canyon rim.
Kachina Lodge
5 N Village Loop Dr, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
If you have a family who wants to be close to all of the action, the Kachina Lodge within the Grand Canyon National Park is a great choice for you! This “more modern” park lodge is located within walking distance of many of the area attractions. The rooms are equipped with double queen beds – nice for a small family to enjoy.
Why It Works for Families:
- Rooms include double beds – some with a view of the canyon.
- A great option for families of hikers because it’s within walking distance to restaurants, gift shops, visitors center and Bright Angel Trail Head.
- Guests can easily access the National Park Service free park shuttles.
- Located directly within the Grand Canyon National Park on the canyon rim.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visiting the Grand Canyon during the winter months? Click here to find out what it’s like to visit off-season.
Best Grand Canyon Hotels for Large Families
Maswik Lodge
202 S Village Loop Dr, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
A bit further away from the canyon edge, nestled within the Ponderosa pine forest, is the Maswik Lodge. This hotel is a great option for families who may want to prepare their own meals as many of the new Maswik Lodge South rooms feature kitchenettes with apartment-sized refrigerators, microwaves and a cooktop. Don’t feel like cooking? Your family can simply visit the nearby Maswik Food Court and Pizza Pub. The lodge is broken up into the north and south lodges. The Maswik Lodge South rooms are now available to book for Summer 2022.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can book double bed queen rooms with a kitchenette for preparing meals (Maswik Lodge South only).
- Kitchenette rooms include basic cookware and utensils to use – no need to pack your own!
- Large family? Many of the rooms can accommodate a rollaway bed for added sleeping space.
- Families with young kids can request a free crib for their room.
- All guest rooms have a small outdoor patio, which is great for parents who want to stay up later than the kids.
- Located inside the Grand Canyon National Park.
Yavapai Lodge
11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
The Yavapai Lodge is a great option for families because it’s situated within walking distance of the South Rim. Nothing beats being able to hike over to the Grand Canyon and then easily retreat back to your Grand Canyon lodge for some rest. Plus, kids will love that the lodge has bunk beds!
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between standard double bed rooms or family rooms with either a king or two queens and a set of bunk beds for the kids.
- On-site dining is available.
- Pet-friendly with an added fee.
- Located inside the Grand Canyon National Park.
Pet-Friendly Hotels Near the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046
Families looking for a vintage-inspired Grand Canyon experience should check out the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. After spending time enjoying the hotel’s onsite amenities, you can book a ticket on the train for a two-way trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon – just like travelers did back in 1901. Plus, large families can find suites with space for up to 6 guests and dogs can get their own room at the nearby pet resort!
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between standard rooms, deluxe rooms or suites with separate living areas.
- Active families can play at the indoor pool, games room or outdoor playground and sports courts.
- Guests can enjoy free wifi during their stay.
- The hotel is a few hours away from the Grand Canyon National Park, but families can book a scenic ride on the train for a fun and easy day trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim and back.
- Traveling with a pet? Book them a room at the nearby Grand Canyon Railway Pet Resort.
- Located in Williams, about 65 miles away from the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
406 Canyon Plaza Ln, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Located in Tusayan, around a 5 minute drive from the Grand Canyon National Park entrance, the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel is a nice option for families traveling with a pet. They even have a wooded area behind the hotel for potty breaks.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a deluxe double room or two queen suites.
- Play as a family in the seasonal outdoor pool or relax in the year-round indoor hot tub.
- Free wifi, free parking and a free seasonal Grand Canyon park shuttle are included!
- Pet-friendly with an added fee.
- 1 mile from the Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon Hotels with Great Pools
Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
74 State Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
If your kids do not count it as a vacation unless there is a pool, the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn has two on-site to choose from! Depending on the weather, your family can choose to swim in the indoor or outdoor pools. When they’re tired of the pool (if that ever happens), families can also enjoy the on-site bowling alley and arcade.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can swim year-round using either the indoor or outdoor pool and hot tub.
- There are three on-site restaurants to choose from – helpful in finding something for picky eaters.
- Active families can also enjoy the on-site bowling alley, arcade and fitness center.
- Room choices include double bed options.
- Pet-friendly with a fee.
- 1.5 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG hotel
226 Hwy 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
If you’re looking for lots of family-friendly amenities to make your stay easier, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon has plenty to offer! Families can enjoy free daily breakfasts, free parking, free wifi and an indoor pool – all while being in close proximity to the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can enjoy the heated indoor pool for year-round swimming.
- Complimentary breakfast included – makes for an easy morning!
- Larger families can request connecting or adjoining rooms for added space.
- 2 miles from the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Join the IHG Rewards loyalty program before you book. It’s free to join and being a member gives you the guaranteed lowest rate on your room. Plus, you’ll earn points you can use later to book free hotel rooms!
Luxury Grand Canyon Hotels
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
149 State Hwy 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
If you’re looking for luxury amenities near the Grand Canyon National Park, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is a great 3-diamond choice. Your family can find space for up to 5 guests in a standard room or 9 guests in a suite. After spending the day at the nearby Grand Canyon, families can relax together in the indoor heated pool or rest on the plush top luxury mattresses within their rooms.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a standard queen room with sleeping space for up to 5 or a 2-bedroom, 2-bath suite with space for up to 9.
- Many of the rooms have a balcony – perfect for parents who want to stay up later than the kids.
- Families can enjoy the heated indoor pool for year-round swimming.
- 1 mile from the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance.
