I'm 53 and stayed with my 2 adult daughters, 21 & 22. Checking in, there was a very long line (I felt sorry for the front desk folks having to deal with the occasional rude & demanding guest...only a couple of those). We booked a sunset bus tour upon our arrival for the next day...I'd highly recommend. The lodge room itself was very comfortable and quiet, off in a somewhat isolated area but close enough to all conveniences such as cafeteria, general store, ATM, etc. It was peaceful just as I'd hoped. I see a big advantage with the fact that this lodge is a small distance from the rim: I prefer not to have the noise and traffic outside my door. Also, no worries about parking here as there can be at the other hotels. East rooms are in 2 story buildings and have A/C and refrigerators, which I believe the West rooms lack. I've just booked a room for the Yavapai West for June 2008 since that is the only room available (would have preferred the A/C again). I'm confident from the other reviews plus my own experience that this will be just as nice as Yavapai East. As for food, I don't suppose I'm one of those that needs a gourmet experience given such a spectacular setting. The 3 of us were perfectly satisfied with the cafeteria food even though it's nothing to rave about. It was nourishing and filling. We took the shuttle to other restaurants, as well as to a 'Star Party' in the Bright Angel parking lot one evening. There's nothing quite like the incredible clarity of the night sky in this park. It was a great opportunity to look through many different telescopes at the various planets. We hiked the Bright Angel trail for a couple of miles next day...even though I have asthma, it was doable. The fact that I wore a good pair of hiking boots helped a great deal. We're very much looking forward to another stay in a few weeks!

there was nothing special about the lodge, other than it being in the park. typical hotel room, pretty clean. you can ride the free shuttles around the park so we didn't have to drive at all. the food in the restaurants was pretty pricey, as was the hotel room, but you can't find anything cheaper near the grand canyon.

We were pleasantly surprised with this accommodation. The rooms were very spacious, well located and extremely clean and 'homely', though a tad dated. This wasn't a problem in the least as to be honest we expected much less. The beds were comfortable and the rooms very convenient for the cafeteria and general store, both within a 5 minute walk. Would I use them again - you bet!!

Certainly one of the cheaper accommodation solutions within the park (102$ per night in "West" area, great for our family of four) and suitable for hikers/nature lovers/families who just need clean rooms, comfy beds, white fluffy towels and a good hot-water shower ! The nearby general store and cafeteria were very handy but don't expect anything more than 'cafeteria food' .... although fine for a classic big breakfast before setting our for the day. Several other restaurant solutions are within a short drive (Maswik Lodge cafeteria, Arizona room...). Great to wake up right in the middle of the woods and be so close to the walks.