What are the best places to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim?
Searching for hotels near Grand Canyon South Rim?
Perhaps looking for Grand Canyon lodging?
You have come to the right place.
Cities near Grand Canyon South Rim are small and have limited hotel availability, especially if you want to stay close to the South Rim Entrance. Besides limited supply, hotels near South Rim get booked months in advance.
I wish I knew this when I was planning our half-day Grand Canyon itinerary. So getting accommodation near South Rim Grand Canyon can be tricky. Booked hotel rooms can be a reality if you are visiting Grand Canyon in April, and in summer.
Whether you’re a nature-lover looking to explore the beautiful scenery, or an adventure-seeker looking to take a hike down the Canyon, Grand Canyon has something for everyone. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, cottage, or budget accommodation you will find it here. You will find something even if you are searching for unique places to stay near Grand Canyon, like tents and sky domes.
Best places to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim are waiting in the closest city Tusayan to more distant Valle/Grand Canyon Junction, Flagstaff, Williams, and even Tuba City. Stay at one of these stunning hotels that will provide you with unmatched luxury and comfort. So get ready to find an answer to your question “Where to stay in Grand Canyon national park?”
Now, let’s discover best hotels near Grand Canyon South Rim.
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Places to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim
Cities near Grand Canyon South Rim
Getting accommodation around Grand Canyon South Entrance can be tricky.
And as you might guess, the lodges and hotels in Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan get booked faster, even months in advance, compared to the hotels in cities further away, like the ones in Williams and Flagstaff.
Below you will find a list of cities near the Grand Canyon South Rim with the distance, approximate driving time to Grand Canyon visitor Center, and which of those cities you should consider staying, based on the direction you are coming from.
RELATED POST:
• HOW TO GET FROM LAS VEGAS TO GRAND CANYON BY CAR – FANTASTIC ROAD TRIP GUIDE
- Tusayan, Arizona – 7.0 mi (11 km), 15 minutes
Tusayan is the best place to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim. It is the closest Arizona town to the Grand Canyon and the best option is you can only have a half day at the Grand Canyon. Tusayan offers the best lodging near Grand Canyon South Rim if you are driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, or coming from Sedona to Grand Canyon. - Valle/Grand Canyon Junction, Arizona – 29 mi (46.5 km), 32 min
Grand Canyon Junction or the Valle area is the second best place to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim. It is a short 30 minutes ride away from Grand Canyon and the hotel prices are much more affordable. Here you can find unique places to stay near Grand Canyon, like Clear Sky Resorts – Grand Canyon – Unique Sky Domes.
Grand Canyon Junction or Valle area is where we stayed. We were booking our accommodation a month and a half in advance, so, as expected, everything was booked at Tusayan. And we got the last available room at Grand Canyon Inn and Motel. I really liked the southwestern theme, rooms and proximity to the South Rim Entrance.
Just like Tusayan, this is a great lodging town if you are driving to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, or driving from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim. - Williams, Arizona – 60 mi (96.5 km); 1 hour 10 minutes
Williams is an hour by car away from Grand Canyon Visitor Center. That means that you will have to calculate one hour more into your one day at Grand Canyon itinerary and start your day early if you don’t want to add an extra waiting time at the South Entrance station. Great option (after the above two) if you are driving from Hoover dam to Grand Canyon. - Flagstaff, Arizona – 79 mi (127 km), 1 hour 30 minutes
With around 80.000 people and its own airport, Flagstaff is the biggest and the closest town that you can fly into. It is around 90 minutes drive from Grand Canyon South Entrance and the best place to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim if you are coming from Phoenix or Sedona. - Tuba City, Arizona – 58 mi (93.5 km); 1 hour
Tuba City is a small town with only 9000 people. This is the best place to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim if you are driving from Monument Valley to Grand Canyon on your Southwest itinerary. In that case, you should do half day in Grand Canyon itinerary in reverse. Tuba city is famous for its dinosaurs tracks and Navajo Museum.
I would recommend booking a hotel as close to the Grand Canyon as possible. That way, you don’t have to start as early, you have less driving time in the morning, there is no line at the Grand Canyon Entrance (sometimes you have to wait for up to 2 hours), and NO CROWDS at the viewpoints and trails.
Don’t have time to go through the entire list?
Here are my picks for the best places to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim:
• Luxury: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
• Mid-range: Grand Canyon Inn and Motel
• Unique: Clear Sky Resorts – Grand Canyon – Unique Sky Domes
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1. Tusayan hotels
Overview of hotels in Tusayan, Arizona
| Booking.com score | Location score | Travel sustainable | Breakfast included | Has pool | Price range | |
| Tusayan 1 | 8,3 | 9,0 | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | 💲💲💲 |
| Tusayan 2 | 8,2 | 9,3 | 💚 | ❌ | ✔️ | 💲💲💲 |
| Tusayan 3 | 8,1 | 9,2 | ❌ | 👌 | ✔️ | 💲💲💲💲 |
| Tusayan 4 | 7,8 | 9,1 | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | 💲💲 |
| Tusayan 5 | 7,7 | 9,0 | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | 💲💲 |
1.1. Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments
Located in Tusayan, Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments offers the best location for your Grand Canyon trip. This accommodation is only a short 5 minutes drive 3,2 km (2.2 mi) from Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance and offers amazing views of the forest and surrounding areas. Each unit has a balcony.
Here you will find an outdoor swimming pool and indoor hot tub. There is a fully equipped kitchenette in studios and apartments. But if you don’t feel like preparing food, there is a restaurant on site open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you don’t want to explore the Grand Canyon on your own, there are Grand Canyon tour pick-ups available.
Stars ⭐⭐⭐ | 💕 Rating 8,3 | 📍 Location: 11 km (6,9 mi) from Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Sustainable ❌ | Breakfast ❌ | Pool ✔️
WHAT PAST GUESTS HAVE SAID
“A very clean, big and comfortable place, great for a family stay. It is only a short drive to the Grand Canyon. The area around the apartment was quiet, which was perfect after a long day of traveling and walking.” – Christina (More reviews)
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1.2. The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon has a prime location for your Grand Canyon visit. It is only 6.9 mi (11 km), 15 minutes drive, from Grand Canyon Village. This is a travel sustainable property and a 5-star hotel in Tusayan. They have a restaurant, bar, ATM and free WiFi. You can take a refreshing dip in their indoor pool or hot tub.
You will find fresh linen, towels, and free toiletries in every unit. Alongside air conditioning, you will also find flat-screen TV, coffee machine and fridge in a room. There is no free breakfast included in the price, but you can purchase it. Here you will get celebrity treatment with world-class service.
This is one of the first hotels that gets booked out. Reserve yours ASAP.
Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💕 Rating 8,2 | 📍 Location: 11 km (6,9 mi) from Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Sustainable 💚 | Breakfast ❌ | Pool ✔️
WHAT PAST GUESTS HAVE SAID
“Hotel is very close to the entrance to the Grand Canyon. Nice hotel with a large fireplace. Staff is very kind and helpful.There was no complimentary breakfast, but you can buy a breakfast bag for $15.” – Patricia (More reviews)
1.3. Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel
Another Tusayan hotel with prime location and a short drive to Grand Canyon visitor Center is Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel. Just like some other hotels in Tusayan, this one also offers an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub.
Rooms at IHG Hotel grand Canyon are modestly furnished but still have an air conditioning, a coffee machine and a free WiFi. Hotel is on a main Tusayan road, very close to shops and other restaurants. Delicious breakfast is included in the room price for an easier start of your Grand Canyon trip.
Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon is usually the first hotel that gets booked out. So, act fast if you want to stay at this Tusayan hotel.
Stars ⭐⭐⭐ | 💕 Rating 8,1 | 📍 Location: 11 km (6,9 mi) from Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Sustainable ❌ | Breakfast 👌 | Pool ✔️
WHAT PAST GUESTS HAVE SAID
“Location of this Tusayan hotel is ideal. Breakfast staff is superb along with the food that brings smile and joy to your face. Perfect stay.” – Jennifer (More reviews)
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• HOW TO SPEND A HALF DAY AT GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM
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1.4. Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Set in the closest town to Grand Canyon South Entrance, Tusayan is also Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn. There are 4 restaurants inside this lodging facility, among which Coronado Rooms offers regional cuisine. There is also a pub and a bowling alley.
Inside the room, you will find a coffee maker, cable TV, free WiFi and ironing facilities. Inside this Tusayan hotel, you will find a tour desk with information about the Grand Canyon tours, fitness center and a gift shop.
Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💕 Rating 7,8 | 📍 Location: 11 km (6,9 mi) from Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Sustainable ❌ | Breakfast ❌ | Pool ✔️
WHAT PAST GUESTS HAVE SAID
“Absolutely loved it. Wonderful hotel with great location, amazing staff and comfortable rooms equipped with everything you need.” – Brandon (More reviews)
1.5. Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
Tusayan, the closest town to stay near the Grand Canyon South Rim, has another stunning lodging option. This is 3-star Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel with a restaurant, indoor spa and an outdoor pool in the summer months. You can book various Grand Canyon tours here, including a helicopter tour over Grand Canyon.
All rooms at Grand Canyon Plaza hotel have free WiFi, coffee machine, microwave, TV and a private bathroom. If you are not in the mood to cook or go outside, they have a on-site restaurant, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a lounge serving cocktails and on-site gift shop.
Stars ⭐⭐⭐ | 💕 Rating 7,8 | 📍 Location: 11 km (6,9 mi) from Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Sustainable ❌ | Breakfast ❌ | Pool ✔️
WHAT PAST GUESTS HAVE SAID
“I really enjoyed our balcony and the view from it to the inside. Was not a fan of going outside and into the elevator to actually get to the room, during cold weather.” – Jose (More reviews)
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Best places to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim, in a nutshell
Searching for best places to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim can be a daunting task. First is to find a hotel that is close to the South Rim, picking just one and then making a reservation. Especially when you know hotels near Grand Canyon get booked weeks, if not months, in advance. Above mentioned Grand Canyon hotels include historic lodges, cozy cabins, and sky domes.
Grand Canyon hotels are arranged by the cities near Grand Canyon South Rim. Those cities are Tusayan, Grand Canyon Junction, Williams, Flagstaff and Tuba City. Cities and South Rim hotels come with distance and driving time to the Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance. There is also a recommendation in which city to stay, based on your Grand Canyon itinerary. Tusayan hotels, since they are the closest to the entrance, get booked out first.
Some of the best options to stay close to Grand Canyon are the Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon in Tusayan, unique Sky Domes and Grand Canyon Inn and Motel in Valle. Selected hotels, lodges and domes are crème de la crème. Choose one and book then way in advance.
No matter which hotel from the above list you choose, hotels near Grand Canyon, their cute decor, friendly staff, amazing service and will help you put all the troubles behind. Plus, prepare you for the stunning views of stunning natural wonder.
Shine on,
Anja
From the options above, which one looks the most appealing to you?
Let me know in the comments!
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Want more Grand Canyon travel content?
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• 187 FASCINATING GRAND CANYON CAPTIONS AND QUOTES FOR INSTAGRAM
• 217 AMAZING ARIZONA CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – SUNNY AND UNIQUE
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Interested in hotel recommendations?
ALSO READ:
• TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• 17 BEST HOTELS IN DUBAI WITH BURJ KHALIFA VIEW
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources;
FLIGHTS: I use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. The destination everywhere feature is perfect to find some cheap deals!
ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals.
RENTAL CARS: When planning an epic road trip, I travel with Discover Cars.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group I book a tour with GetYourGuide.
Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist
Here you will find the best place to stay near Grand Canyon South Rim? These Grand Canyon hotels include historic lodges, cozy cabins, sky domes and more. Best cities near Gran Canyon to spend the night before your day at Grand Canyon are Tusayan hotels, Valle or Grand Canyon Junction and Flagstaff. Closeness to the Grand Canyon, friendly staff, cute room decor, and amazing service will make you want to extend your stay.
Some of the best options to stay close to Grand Canyon are the Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon in Tusayan, unique Sky Domes and Grand Canyon Inn and Motel in Valle. Selected hotels, lodges and domes are crème de la crème. Choose one and book then way in advance.
I hope this article helped you to select the best place to stay near Grand Canyon.
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About Anja On Adventure
Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester.
Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me.
