There are six lodges within Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim confines. Over the last decade or so most of the rooms have been remodeled and upgraded, and you won’t find any of them too much more expensive than those outside the park, as the rates are set and controlled by an annual review comparing the park’s offerings to similar accommodations elsewhere.

El Tovar

(303/297-2757, $140–325 day),

A stay at El Tovar, more than 100 years old and one of the most distinctive and memorable hotels in the state, would be the secondary highlight—after the gorge itself—of any trip to the South Rim. The log-and-stone National Historic Landmark standing about 20 feet from the rim has 78 rooms and suites, each with cable TV. The hotel’s restaurant serves some of the best food in Arizona for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s a comfortable cocktail lounge off the lobby with a window on the canyon. A mezzanine sitting area overlooks the log-cabin lobby, and a gift shop sells Native American art and crafts and canyon souvenirs. If you’re looking to splurge on something truly exceptional, a honeymoon suite overlooking the canyon is available for about $325 per night.

Bright Angel Lodge

(303/297-2757, $52–143 day)

When first built in the 1930s, the Bright Angel Lodge was meant to serve the middle-class travelers then being lured by the Santa Fe Railroad, and it is still affordable and comfortable, while retaining a rustic character that fits perfectly with the wild canyon just outside. Lodge rooms don’t have televisions, and there is generally only one bed in each room. Some of the lodge rooms have shared bathrooms, so if that bothers you make sure to ask for a room with a private bath. The lodge’s cabins just west of the main building are a little better equipped, with private baths, TVs, and sitting rooms. There’s a gift shop; drinking and dining options include a small bar; a family-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and a more upscale eatery that serves lunch and dinner.

Kachina Lodge

(303/297-2757, $125–142 day)

Standing along the rim between El Tovar and Bright Angel, the Kachina Lodge, a more recent addition to the canyon’s accommodations list, offers basic, comfortable rooms with TVs, safes, private baths, and refrigerators. There’s not a lot of character here, but its location and modern comforts make the Kachina an ideal place for families to stay.

The Thunderbird Lodge

(303/297-2757, $125–142 day)

The Thunderbird Lodge is located in the same area and has very similar offerings.

Maswick Lodge

(303/297-2757, $79–130 day)

Maswick Lodge is another non-historical lodging option, located just west of the village about a quarter mile from the rim. The hotel has a cafeteriastyle restaurant that serves just about everything you’d want and a sports bar with a large-screen television. The rooms are basic and comfortable, with TVs, private baths, and refrigerators.

Yavapai Lodge

(303/297-2757, $100–118 day)

Yavapai Lodge is east of the village and is another of the non-historic facilities that offers nice rooms with all the comforts but little character or artistic value, though you don’t really need any of that when you’ve got the greatest sculpture garden in the world just half a mile away.