We stayed at Kachina lodge mid March 2005- just before spring break. The room was rather small, but we didn't stay in the room except to sleep. Room was well kept, nicely decorated, and quiet. We managed to reserve a room on the canyon side. It had a wonderful view. Checked in at Bright Angel instead of El Tovar.

The bathroom had been recently redone. It was clean and modern. Closet space is very limited so we just kept most of our clothes in the suitcases. There was an iron and ironing board in the room if we needed it.

Room had a refrigerator and coffee pot. Desk was a nice size to hold all the snacks, water bottles, etc.

The TV/entertainment center had drawers for clothing, and there was a room safe. It wasn't working when we checked in, but when we called the front desk, the woman said she would send up the locksmith on call. The safe was fixed by the time we got back from eating dinner.

There are lots of stairs here, so check if the room your are reserving is serviced by an elevator if you need one.

We only had to walk out the side door and walk 50 feet to be at the rim of the Canyon! The El Tovar was closed for remodelling so we had to eat at the Bright Angel Lodge Restaurant. The food was decent. Nothing gormet, but served hot and it was standard cafe food. The portions were filling, and the service was good. We didn't try the Arizona room because we didn't want to be tied down with reservations. But they fill up early, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

The only drawback was the lack of parking. Since the El Tovar was closed, the construction fence cut off parking spaces. If you find a parking space....DON'T MOVE!
Get on the shuttles that run every 15 minutes or so. We used them throughout our visit. They were punctual and easy to use.

The Kachina lodge was an excellent value considering the location.....no long wait to get into the park each day.....beautiful sunrises and sunsets just outside your door.

This is a great value lodge with amazing views. The rooms are small but functional and their proximity to the Grand Canyon make them a fabulous proposition. If only they had balconies to sit out and take it all in, especially at sunset!

One problem they are currently experiencing, which I think is down to the work at El Tovar - NO PARKING. There are plenty of spaces outside the lodge for guests but these seemed to be taken by Xanterra and other staff. We didn't get a space once the whole 3 days we were there, which made suitcase hauling extremely annoying.

Also, all the guides state that the Colorado room dining area is on a strict first come first served basis - no reservations. Well we found that it was reservations only so were left with a drive into Tusayan for food late at night!

The long anticipated visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was upon us. We had three people in one room at the Kachina Lodge at the Grand Canyon on March 14 and 15, 2005. Apparently this lodge had been remodeled since the last time my brother stayed there. The room was nicely decorated. We were on the 2nd floor and an elevator was available (helpful when lugging the bags in a high altitude which we weren't used to!) The rooms were clean, plenty of towels and room service was prompt. The rooms were not overly large, but then we were there just to sleep. We had to check in at Bright Angel Lodge, because the El Tovar was closed for remodeling (until 4/14/2005). We did not get a canyon view room (none available), but then again, who cares? All we needed to do was walk outside to the rim of the Canyon. We were able to see the sunset and sunrise the next day from the same point, all within a short walk to our room. The lodge is located next to the famous El Tovar. The were a few souvenir shops and restaurants all within walking distance of the Kachina. The Tram stops to the observation points (cars not allowed to the western points) on the South Rim were within walking distance of the Kachina. The price was reasonable when split among three people. I would definitely stay there again.

You really can't ask (or, at least, don't need) anymore. We paid about $130 for one night in a canyon side room and, for the price, we were truly pleased with our lot. The room was a decent size, clean and warm (it needed to be, it was snowing outside). It had a neat little bathroom with modern fittings and plenty of hot water from a pretty fierce shower. Parking was awkward, but I assume we had it easy in November compared to some more popular times of the year.

And, of course, you've got that big beast of a canyon literally steps from your door - awesome. The Kachina is probably the best possible way to see, and stay next to, the Grand Canyon.