As other reviewers have mentioned, the biggest plus of staying at any of the rim hotels is the proximity to the Grand Canyon. There is nothing like having such a spectacle right outside your back door. We found the Kachina to be plain and a bit boring, but very clean and soundproof. Unfortunately all the rooms with a canyon view were booked when we made reservations/checked in, but it really didn't matter since the canyon is just steps from the hotel. The building is only 2 stories so it's not clear the views from many of the rooms would be that great anyway since there is much low lying vegatation obscuring the potential view. The Thunderbird Lodge appeared to be identical to the Kachina so check for availability at either facility.

The Grand Canyon is truly a great natural wonder that everyone should get an opportunity to see. Plan on taking many pictures! If you bring children, like we did, beware as the canyon drop is very exposed in almost all but a few very precarious viewing areas. My afraid-of-heights wife was a nervous wreck about our 13 and 11 year old kids. Be especially careful if you bring young kids.