The Grand Canyon is one of the true wonders of the world. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to this majestic landscape every year to see the incredible channel created over millions of years by the sheer power of the Colorado River.
Outside of the national park, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon lies within the Hualapai Indian Reservation and provides a truly one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Though this section of the Grand Canyon is fairly remote, accessible only by an unpaved road, there are a few unique hotel options in the area.
Hualapai Lodge
Located alongside historic Route 66, the Hualapai Lodge is owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation Tribe of Native Americans. Traditional Hualapai artwork adorns the walls of this 60-room hotel and offers a full immersive view of life within the Hualapai tribe. All of the Hualapai Lodge’s oversized rooms are non-smoking and amenities include a heated pool and spa, fitness center, in-room coffee and free-WiFi.
The Hualapai Lodge is home to the Diamond Creek Restaurant, which serves authentic Native American cuisine as well as American favorites. The Lodge offers full vacation experiences beyond the sights of the Grand Canyon, including guided tours of historic Hualapai villages, traditional performances and a working ranch where visitors will learn the ways of the Old West.
Grand Canyon Ranch
The Grand Canyon Ranch is situated just west of the West Rim and offers visitors a chance to authentically experience how life was on the frontier. Not a traditional hotel, the Grand Canyon Lodge offers guests the opportunity to stay in a historically accurate pine cabin or tipi. At The Grand Canyon Ranch, guests may partake in horseback riding, helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon and bison safari tours in covered wagons.
Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
A flashback to the 60s and the old days of cruising Route 66, The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn is a true gem of Americana nostalgia. All rooms at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn are ground level with two double beds and free-WiFi in the motel’s lobby. The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn has an onsite guest Laundromat, a convenience store and a disc golf course, but the real excitement comes with the guided cave exploration tours in the caverns from which the Inn gets its name.
Frontier Motel
Also embracing the old-school vibe of Route 66, The Frontier Motel in nearby Truxton sits along the historic road and is part of the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Originally opening its doors in 1951, this small, vintage motel features nine rooms and a nostalgic, 1960’s themed cafe.
Meadview Motel
Similar to the Frontier, The Meadview Motel is a small, ten room motel in the nearby town of Meadview. Overlooking Lake Mead to the West and the West Rim to the East, the Meadview Motel features a picnic area and plenty of open RV & boat parking. Across the parking lot is the Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Lounge, serving standard American fare and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Other Considerations
Visiting the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is as much a cultural experience as it is a fully-immersive view of the power of Mother Nature, which makes it a very attractive tourist destination. Because accommodation options are limited, when rooms sell out, many visitors choose to stay near the South Rim, in the Grand Canyon Village or in nearby Kingman or Las Vegas. Several hotels and private companies in these nearby cities offer daily tours and shuttles to the West Rim.
