The Santa Fe Railroad commissioned the majestic El Tovar Hotel in 1902, but it wasn’t finished until 1905.  The rustic, yet elegant, structure is a cross between an aristocratic hunting lodge and a Swiss chalet.  The El Tovar derives its name from the Spanish explorer, Pedro de Tovar, of the Coronado Expedition, and is a must-see landmark of the Grand Canyon.

Within a stone’s throw from the south rim of the Canyon sits this legendary ‘grand dame’ of hotels.  There are fewer places more serenely beautiful to watch the sun setting on the Canyon than from the back porch of the hotel.   Sitting on the old wooden veranda you feel a part of history as you enjoy a cocktail overlooking the grassy lawn.  The Canyon is a blazing spectacle of fiery reds, coppers and shimmering golds.   It is no wonder The Grand Canyon is the most famous of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Natural World.’

There is unmistaken sophistication of a bygone era at the El Tovar - of women in blousy white cotton shirts, long skirts and wide-brimmed hats coming in by railcar.  In fact, the El Tovar is still at the northern terminus of the Grand Canyon, and you, too can arrive by train. 

The hotel has 78 rooms furnished with modern day amenities, including; cable television, telephone, air conditioning and concierge.   The fine dining at the El Tovar is very good and you can still see the same historic art and murals as previous luminary guests, such as, President Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein and writer, Zane Grey.   The hotel is a national treasure and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.  If you can’t stay as a hotel guest, at least have a drink at sunset.

Book early at 888-297-2757 or 303-297-2757.