We stayed one nite. The location was everything. Every time I went outside I was 20 feet from the Canyon rim... great views, this was wonderful. Everytime I was out I could watch the Condors soar. It is a short walk to the shuttle for Hermits rest, the Arizona resturant, the Bright Angel for Ice cream or breakfast goodies, and the Bright angel trail. The staff was great. The food we had was great. We had a 2nd floor canyon view which had a nice view of the canyon. The rooms were on the smaller side, they look clean, but there was alittle odor from the bathrm.

After reading the mixed reviews of the Thunderbird Lodge, I arrived May 1, 2005 and I did not know what to expect. Check in was quick and the room was clean, new-looking, and tastefully decorated. The room was a little on the small side but was large enough and had a fridge, ironing board, and coffee pot.

We were unable to book a canyon view room. Parking is very scarce but we were lucky enough to find a parking space next to the lodge and we didn't move our car the rest of the time we were there! We had dinner at the Arizona Room and it was good. It was crowded at the South Rim during the day but I was on the rim early in the morning and there were very few people out there with me. It was great to be able to just walk out of the motel room and be right on the nearly deserted rim.

I highly recommend the Desert View drive. My favorite view of the Grand Canyon is Lipan Point and it is close to the East entrance. There were no crowds like the South Rim and the views were as good if not better than the South rim.

We arrived early at the South Rim and there was no wait to enter the park. We decided to leave the park for lunch and then had a 10-15 minute wait to re-enter the park. When we left the East entrance at mid-day, we noticed there was no wait to enter the park.

The Thunderbird lodge provided outstanding accomodations. We were on the second floor, with a canyon view room. Our room had been recently renovated and everything from the bathroom tile to the bedding was brand new. Absolutely immaculate. There was also a mini-fridge in the room. The best part was opening up the curtains to see the most amazing and beautiful sight..... We had a perfect view of the canyon, and could not believe that to stay on the rim of the Grand Canyon we were only paying $150.00 with tax a night!!

We were able to wake up early and take a few steps outside to view a sunrise.....We hiked down the Bright Angel Trail six miles, and met people from all over the world at the rest/ranger stops. We saw wild coyote, elk and antelope. A truly magnificient vacation!!!!

Dining options were great. We ate at the El Tovar for breakfast and it was seriously the best breakfast we'd ever eaten. We selected items that had a southwestern flair, which we do not see here in NY for breakfast. Yummy! Dinner at The El Tovar was excellent as well, but remember to make dinner reservations prior to your trip. You will not dine here without one.

I highly reccomend staying at The Thunderbird Lodge. There is so much to do and see at the Canyon, I wish we had stayed longer than the three nights we did.

We will absolutely be returning to The Thunderbird Lodge again!

Make your reservations without any hesitations. It is an incredible place.

I rented a canyon view room on the second floor thinking that it would afford a great view. However, it was somewhat disappointing to have to view the canyon through a window screen with the lower floor's white roof in the foreground. The rooms were OK: clean but on the small side, small bathroom, mini-refrig, ironing board & iron, TV, coffeemaker, hairdryer, heat lamp in bathroom, etc.

Be aware that check-in time is after 4 pm - a bit later than other places.

Also, there is no elevator so this might be a problem for those less physically capable people.

Location is good: right in the middle of the other lodges.

Parking is scarce and I'd hate to be here in the middle of summer or during a weekend. But that's a fact of life for any and all of the lodges from what I saw. Some cabins, however, seemed to have their own stall adjacent to the dwelling.

All in all, I think I'd try staying in one of the cabins the next time I'm here - for $40 to $50 less they might be a better deal.