Inside The Squire at Grand Canyon

Emily Caldwell Avatar
Rock wall display and water fountain inside The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort lobby
Rock wall and water fountain display at The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort, makes getting to the Grand Canyon National Park a breeze. Located just a 15-minute drive outside the park, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the South Rim.

This hotel impressed me from start to finish. From the updated lobby to extensive dining options, it’s easy to see why this hotel ranks amongst the best in the area. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience for my first visit to a National Park.

All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Products or services were provided free of charge for review purposes.

Overall Impressions

Inside the Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Looking outside the window to the fire pit area
Inside the lobby at night of The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort serves as the perfect place to stay for nearly any type of traveler. Families traveling with kids can enjoy the amenities such as the arcade and bowling alley, located in the basement. Solo travelers or couples can enjoy the two bars on the property after a day in the parks.

Pros

  • Free, ample parking
  • Two swimming pools on site
  • Coffee machine in lobby (free of charge)
  • Water refill machine in lobby (free of charge)
  • On-site store and gift shop in lobby
  • Free Wifi
  • Proximity to Grand Canyon National Park
  • On-site dining
  • Suite rooms available

Cons

  • Very busy during peak times
  • Requires a car to get around

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t forget to use your $5 arcade credit to test your luck in SkeeBall, located in the arcade underneath the lobby. $5 goes a long way on SkeeBall!

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Accommodations

Bed with Grand Canyon picture above it in hotel room of The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort
Grand Canyon photo above a hotel room King Bed at The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

Upon entering the room, the picture of the park above the bed instantly excited me for the visit. Staying at Grand Canyon National Park isn’t about luxury; it’s about comfort. After an eight-mile walk on the Rim Trail, I appreciated the ultra-comfortable bed. The spacious King Suite room offered ample room without feeling claustrophobic. The small kitchen area included a mini fridge and sink, too.

Dining

Ribeye steak with green beans and mashed potatoes at Desert Lounge & Grill
Ribeye dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans at Desert Lounge + Grill at The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

After a long day of hiking, I loved dining at Desert Lounge + Grill. Located right off the hotel lobby, this upscale restaurant has a delicious selection of food. This restaurant can get hectic on busy nights, so make a reservation in advance (if possible). The relaxing atmosphere here makes a great end to a busy day. If you enjoy cocktails, don’t miss the Canyon Bliss cocktail – featuring Absolut Vodka, Chambord, Raspberry Puree, Mionetto Avantgarde and Prosecco.

Amenities

Relaxing couch and lounge area inside the lobby of The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort
Couch and lounge area inside the lobby at The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

This hotel is a one-stop shop for everything you need while visiting the Grand Canyon. I hung out in the comfortable lobby near the Starbucks coffee machine throughout my stay. As a frequent traveler, I truly appreciated the water refill station in the lobby. Having to buy endless bottled water remains one of my biggest travel peeves. The renovated pool and gym area also looked great.

What’s Nearby

Yellow Canyon Punch cocktail drink at the Squire Pub + Social sitting atop a menu at the bartop
Canyon Punch Cocktail at Squire Pub + Social located inside The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

The Grand Canyon area doesn’t have much nightlife, yet the Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort, offers much to do. After dinner, head downstairs to grab a drink at The Squire Pub + Social Bar next to the arcade. Families visiting will enjoy the bowling and arcade games as a nice way to unwind before bed. I also enjoyed the daily s’mores outside the front lobby on the patio, which takes place every day at 7 PM.

Safety Features

Cozy fireplace in the lounge area inside the lobby of The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort
Cozy morning fireplace and seating lounge area in the lobby of The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort, felt safe and family-focused. The hotel keeps a staffed front desk to ensure guest safety. Many guests wake up early to visit Grand Canyon National Park before it gets too hot.

Getting There

Sunset view at Grand Canyon National Park with red rock formations in the distance and blue skies
Sunset views over red rock formations at Grand Canyon National Park. Photo credit: Emily Caldwell

Located near the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, most visitors will fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and drive to The Squire at Grand Canyon. During my trip, I rented a car for easy access. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to park at your desired hikes throughout the large Grand Canyon area.

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Emily is a freelance writer and journalist who has a focus on food, beverage, health, and travel content. When she’s not busy writing her next story, Emily is passionate about exploring new destinations with her husband, Matt. Whether it’s a Caribbean destination like St. Lucia or Barbados, a new luxury city like Dubai, or a trip to Disney World as an annual passholder, Emily finds enjoyment in traveling to both new and familiar places. She provides a realistic and authentic tone in her writing, encouraging others to explore the world around them.
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