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.

Loved the Kachina. Can't beat the location. Easy check in next door at El Tovar. Parking turned out to be not a huge issue, but you definately need to get there early. We could have sold our spot any number of times! Lovely, decently re-done room with 2Q, canyonside with great view. The bathroom was beautiful, new, with gorgeous tiles with native american symbols. Lots of towels, hair dryer etc. Coffee pot and alarm clock included...a must for getting up early to see the sunrise. We had planned to drive to a "better" view, but once we were up and ready to go we found that it was already daybreak and so we decided to stay right there in front of El Tovar to watch the sun come up. Lovely and highly recommended. Great giftshop nearby. Close to Bright Angel Trail down into the canyon. This is a treat, even if you don't go down very far. Great to see what its like "below the rim". Don't miss the eastern viewpoints....Grandview, Lipan Point and Desert View with the watchtower. We thought these were the finest overlooks in the park.