6 Best Areas Where to Stay in Grand Canyon → Hotels&Prices

A place like no other! The Grand Canyon is on every traveler’s list and once you discover its magic and history you won’t get enough of it! The Grand Canyon is located in the northwest corner of Arizona and most of it lies within the Grand Canyon National Park.

The Park manages 3 entrances: South Rim, which also serves as the South entrance, is the main entrance to the Park and is where you will find most of the famous spots. The North Rim also has an entrance but is not frequented as much as it’s closed from November to May and the East Entrance.

The Hualapai native American tribe manages the west side of the Canyon and the Havasupai tribe manages the Havasu Falls which are located in the west as well. You can also visit these parts of the Grand Canyon but keep in mind that it doesn’t fall in the National Park’s premises.

In this post, I will talk about the best area where to stay in Grand Canyon. Most people choose hotels in the nearby towns to the South entrance, as it is the main entrance and has the biggest attractions and nice Grand Canyon hotels (which you should definitely book in advance). This is one of the biggest attractions in America, and lots of tourists come here every year, so saying places sell out fast is an understatement!

Let’s go, the Grand Canyon lodges are waiting for us!

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book your accommodations to stay in Grand Canyon now, then quickly browse this list with the best hotels all located around the Grand Canyon National Park main entrance:

Here’s a map of all the areas for where to stay in the Grand Canyon that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Grand Canyon Village & Tusayan – near the main entrance

Finding a perfect area to stay nearby the Grand Canyon can be quite difficult as you probably want to be close enough to get there super quick, but you also need to find hotels with all the amenities and facilities we need.

These towns are conveniently located near the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park, which is also the main entrance. The South entrance serves as the gateway for the South Rim, which is by far the most popular spot. (As I mentioned earlier, tourists often avoid the North Rim as it’s closed from November to May)

The small town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village are equipped with everything you need, from dining options to shopping spots and attractions to visit. You’ll have plenty of things to discover here, and the stunning views of the Grand Canyon are just a short walk away.

Both are surrounded by natural beauty, and Tusayan even has an IMAX Theatre where you can go for a cool movie night! There’s also a free shuttle bus between Tusyan and the South Rim Visitor Center so all your needs really are taken care of here.

Now let’s see the best hotels to stay near the Grand Canyon! Keep in mind that these two areas are the closest ones to the National Park so accommodations will sell out so fast! Make sure you book yours in advance to get your hand on the best hotels. Check out the Airbnbs as well, they’re so unique!

Other options in Grand Canyon Village & Tusayan

Things to do in Grand Canyon Village & Tusayan

2. Williams – where to stay in Grand Canyon for history

Located 60 miles (90 km) south of Grand Canyon National Park, this small town has a rich history filled with stories about the cowboys and explorers of the Old West. So if you’re into history, I’m sure you’ll love to find out more about the town’s past!

Don’t rush your way to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. There is a lot of fun stuff that you can try in Williams, plus all the beautiful natural attractions you can visit at any time like the Bearizona Wildlife Park or the Kaibab Lake.

I always thought that it’s such a good idea to stay in nearby towns to the National Parks. You get to discover so many interesting things that sometimes you don’t even plan, so you just go with the flow! Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum is one of those cool places that you might just run into but end up spending a few hours there! Those vintage cars look so cool!

Besides the cool historical spots like the Polar Express Museum, Williams has many cool restaurants, old-fashioned shopping places, and hotels. You’ve got all the facilities you need here before you start your road trip to the Grand Canyon area. And if you don’t have a car, you can hop on the Grand Canyon Railway train and experience a unique trip there!

Other accommodation options in Williams

Things to do in Williams

• Spot some cute animals at the Bearizona Wildlife Park
• Take a ride on the Polar Express train at Christmas
• Grab a blanket and have a picnic near Kaibab Lake
• Check out the vintage cars at Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum
• Explore the town and find out new things about its Old West history
• Play some golf at the Elephant Rocks Golf Course
• Admire the views while hiking on the Clover Trail

3. Flagstaff – best place to stay in Grand Canyon for families

Located 75 miles (120 km) south of the Grand Canyon National Park, this town sits in a mountainous landscape offering stunning views to its visitors! It’s a piece of heaven for anyone who loves to spend time exploring the forests and other surroundings.

Featuring many hiking trails, museums, and parks that you can visit with the family, Flagstaff is a great base for your visit to Grand Canyon National Park.

The Museum of Northern Arizona and Pioneer Museum are great places to learn more about the culture and history of the town. And if you’re in the mood to go for a hike with the kids, Buffalo Park is close to these 2 attractions and offers stunning views! Don’t worry, there are also a few parks with playgrounds for the little ones in case they get tired of all the hiking!

One of my favorite spots, the Walnut Canyon National Monument, is located right near Flagstaff too and I highly recommend visiting this place. The ruins look unbelievable and if you’re a history fan you’re going to enjoy learning about it!

If you want to learn more about the accommodation options in Flagstaff, we actually have an awesomely detailed post covering all the great hotels and apartments there. Check it out here!

Other accommodation options in Flagstaff

Things to do in Flagstaff

• Learn new things at the Museum of Northern Arizona and at the Pioneer Museum
• Enjoy a nice hike with the family in Buffalo Park
• Go on the ​​Alpine Pedaler bike and explore the town with a drink
• Take the kids to the playground in Thorpe Park
• Take an organized guided tour from here
• Catch a game with the kids at the Walkup Skydome – Nau stadium
• Have the best time with the family at the North Pole Experience
• Visit the Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Take a day trip to visit the incredible red Antelope Canyon

4. Sedona – where to stay for outdoor enthusiasts

Located 100 miles (160 km) south of Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona is the kind of place that you can’t miss if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon. What better way to combine the two than to find hotels in Sedona to explore the town and its amazing attractions before you go to the park?

It’s the best of both worlds if you ask me! Sedona is a natural oasis filled with rock formations, sculpted canyons, and sweeping mesas, making this city one of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers!

Sedona is a mecca for all types of travelers, from spiritual seekers, adventure junkies, artists, and photographers who come to capture its beauty. Trust me, once you get here, you won’t have enough of this place!

There are many hiking trails that you can explore like Huckaby, Munds Wagon, and Cow Pies, and if you want to learn more about the town’s history, you can visit the Sedona Heritage Museum and learn all about it.

If you’re looking for the best preview of your trip to Grand Canyon National Park, then I highly recommend booking your hotels in Sedona! You won’t regret it! These are your top options for each budget but if you are looking for more choices we actually have an entire post dedicated to Sedona Hotels.

Other accommodation options in Sedona

Things to do in Sedona

• Explore the Huckaby, Munds Wagon, and Cow Pies hiking trails
• Learn about the town’s history at the Sedona Heritage Museum
• Catch a sunset near the Mormon Canyon
• Unwind after all that hiking at Winery 1912
• Take a Grand Canyon railroad excursion
• Take a picture of Snoopy Rock
• Go on a road trip to visit the Oak Creek Canyon & Coconino National Forest
• Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross that sits on a rock and explore the Cathedral Rock Hiking Trail

BONUS: Cool places to stay near the Grand Canyon

I know many of you want to find unique accommodations to stay near the Grand Canyon National Park because, let’s face it, a destination like this one requires a top-notch place to stay! That’s why I thought I would make a list of some of the coolest places to stay near the park!

So let’s see which one is the best for you:

1. Moose Manor (~US$250)
There’s nothing like the feeling of staying in a cabin that’s tucked away between the trees! This accommodation is located in William, just 60 miles (90 km) south of Grand Canyon National Park, and offers room for up to 8 people. Relax in front of the fireplace after a long day of exploring or on the little patio of the Cabin. The accommodation also provides free wifi, a kitchen, and parking for its guests.

2. Charming Cabin (~US$225)
This cabin looks like it was taken out of a fairytale book! It can accommodate up to 8 people and has a kitchen and a lounge area with a fireplace. The little porch is the perfect place to drink your coffee in the morning and it even has a garden. It’s located in Kachina Village, just 90 miles (145 km) south of the Grand Canyon National Park.

3. Lotus Belle 66 (~US$200)
This is what I call traveling in style! This amazing glamping site is located near Williams, which is situated just 60 miles (90 km) south of Grand Canyon National Park. Perfect for a romantic trip to the Grand Canyon, this place offers amazing mountain views and lots of space that you can explore nearby. 

4. Grand Canyon Campgrounds (US$20 – US$50)
If you really want to connect with nature, what better way is there than camping? Here are your options for camping in the Grand Canyon:

• Mather Campground – Set your tent between the trees in this campground and RV park that’s located in Grand Canyon Village, on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. There are 327 sites on the campground premises which allow tents, RVs of maximum 30 ft, and trailers of maximum 27 ft. You need to reserve in advance your spot here.
• North Rim Campground – This campground is located on the North Canyon Rim of the Grand Canyon, which doesn’t see as many visitors as the other 2 spots. Just keep in mind that the North Rim entrance is closed between November and the middle of May. There are 78 campsites and you’ll need to reserve yours in advance. Tents, RVs of 40 ft, and trailers of 30 ft are allowed on the North Rim Campground.

Frequently asked questions about Grand Canyon

Conclusion

I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in the Grand Canyon and which area or Grand Canyon lodge to pick!

There are so many amazing Grand Canyon hotels in this post, and I know how hard it is to make a decision, so here are my 2 favorite ones, both located in Grand Canyon Village & Tusayan: 

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to book all the hotels and surrounding cabins near the Grand Canyon in advance if you want to get the best deals and avoid those high prices!

Have the time of your life here! Explore all the amazing sights from the Canyon edge, the historic Route 66, the North Rim, and take lots of pictures while you’re here! If you have any questions, you can easily leave a comment below, and I’ll make sure I answer!

Safe Travels,

Victoria