The Historic El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon
The History, Location and Haunting of the South Rim's Oldest Hotel
Sep 26, 2009
Today, the El Tovar hotel is the oldest remaining of the many hotels located at the Grand Canyon; consequently, the El Tovar hotel has many stories to tell. The El Tovar is popular with thousands of tourists who visit the Grand Canyon each year and is part of the overall Grand Canyon experience; however, due to its popularity, it is wise to book a room there many months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Where is the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon?
The El Tovar is located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, and is within 20 feet of the edge of the Grand Canyon; when the El Tovar was originally built, visitors arrived at the Grand Canyon on the train and therefore the hotel is situated close to the Grand Canyon train depot in today's Grand Canyon village.
The History of the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel
The El Tovar hotel was built in 1905, the result of the demand for accommodation for rail road visitors who had traveled a great distance to visit the Grand Canyon. The El Tovar was originally financed by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, at a cost of $250,000, and was managed by Fred Harvey and his team of Harvey Girls.
At its conception, the El Tovar hotel was one of the finest and grandest hotels in the West; under the management of Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls, high standards were maintained at the El Tovar, which rose in popularity after the Grand Canyon was declared a national monument in 1908.
The El Tovar hotel was designed by architect Charles Whitlesey with vaulted ceilings, large log beams and old style wrap around porches; today, the El Tovar hotel maintains its original character and many original features, despite a renovation in recent years which reduced the number of rooms.
How the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon Received its Name
The original name planned for the El Tovar hotel was Bright Angel Tavern; however, it was eventually named El Tovar with reference to the explorer Pedro de Tovar who led part of the 1540 Coronado expedition to the area. Ironically, Pedro de Tovar never actually saw the Grand Canyon.
Famous Guests at the El Tovar Hotel
Over the years, many famous guests have stayed at the El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon, including the author Zane Grey (1872 – 1939), playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950), physicist Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) and President Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919); it is said that the private dining room at El Tovar was built for President Roosevelt in 1906.
Hauntings of the El Tovar Hotel
Like many of the historic hotels and buildings in Arizona, the El Tovar hotel has its own ghost stories and sightings. The grave of a former Harvey Girl is located in the middle of today's parking lot and there have been several sightings of a ghostly figure walking from the El Tovar hotel to the Hopi House, passing the grave; another common ghost sighting at the El Tovar hotel is that of Fred Harvey, during the holiday season, on the third floor of the hotel.
Visiting the El Tovar Hotel
The following information may be useful for visitors planning to visit the El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon:
- now operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts
- last renovation was 2005
- 78 rooms and suites with air conditioning, cable TV, telephone and full bath facilities; some suites have a balcony or porch
- all hotel rooms are non-smoking
- free parking
- admission payable for entry to the Grand Canyon National Park (where the El Tovar is located)
- open year round, weather permitting
- advance booking (up to a year in advance) is strongly recommended
- for 2009, room/suite rates vary from (per night) $174 - $421
- restaurant/refreshment services available at the El Tovar Dining Room and El Tovar Lounge (with Grand Canyon views).
Central Reservations:
Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Central Reservations, 6312 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 600N, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
E-mail: reserve-gcsr@xanterra.com
Telephone: 888-297-2757 (toll free within the U.S)
303-297-2757 (outside the U.S.)
References
- Arizona State University: Nature, Culture and History at the Grand Canyon – El Tovar Sarah Bohl website accessed 09/26/09
- Grand Canyon Hotels and Tours: Grand Canyon Lodging website accessed 09/26/09
- Legends of America: Sleeping with Ghosts in Arizona website accessed 09/26/09
- National Park Service: Architecture in the Parks: A National Historic Landmark Theme Study website accessed 09/26/09
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