On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, there are a handful of places to stay inside the national park itself, but prices can be high and you may need to book months in advance to score a room. To find more reasonable rates and flexibility, however, it makes sense to stay 10 minutes away in Tusayan, Arizona. That’s what I did when I finally fulfilled my bucket list dream of seeing the Grand Canyon, with a comfortable stay at Red Feather Lodge.
This Tusayan hotel is one of the originals in the area, founded by an entrepreneur who also helped get the local airport going. The original Red Feather Lodge was a more modest affair when it went up in the early 1960s, but now it has 225 rooms in several buildings.
There’s plenty of free parking on site, the spaces occupied with cars sporting an array of license plates from 20 or more states in front of the rooms. You enter through big glass doors to check in with the friendly receptionists and they’re better than Google for getting advice on everything from lookout points and hiking trails to where to go for dinner.
The open lobby rises two stories, with a mezzanine level at the end, some stone accents adding an earthy feel. A fireplace keeps things warm in the winter, which can get cold here at 6,800 feet in altitude. Coffee and tea are available all day in a nook across from reception that’s decorated with historic photos.
Red Feather Lodge Amenities
Most guests don’t spend more than a night or two here, which can be risky since the Grand Canyon weather is unpredictable. (It rained and was cloudy for an entire day when I came, so I was glad it wasn’t my only day!) Those who stick around a while though can enjoy the swimming pool when it’s hot out or the hot tub when it’s cool.
Red Feather Lodge doesn’t have its own restaurant, leaving the dining options to the other outlets up and down the strip here, including Plaza Bonita located on the property. Guests who show their room key can get a discount there and at Foodie Club, which is a nice perk. Tusayan is a rather compact strip of businesses. You can visit other restaurants without needing to get back in your car, including the popular Big E Steakhouse across the street.
You can also gas up at the Texaco and pick up groceries nearby at the General Store, another advantage over the lodges in the park. Plus Tusayan has a visitors center with an IMAX theater that shows an impressive movie about the Grand Canyon’s history.
The hotel has some meeting space and a business center if you need to arrange a gathering and there’s an ATM if you need some cash. Guests have access to a coin laundry facility, a welcome sight if you’ve been on a long road trip. There’s also a fitness center here if you don’t get enough exercise at the Grand Canyon.
Rooms at Red Feather Lodge
While the neon sign out front may be retro, the Deluxe rooms at Red Feather Lodge are spacious and equipped to meet the needs of today’s travelers. Carpeted rooms are quiet and come with a coffee maker, fridge, and microwave. A loveseat in the king rooms will convert into a bed and there’s a desk chair if you need to get some work done. There are ample lights and outlets.
Combo tubs with a shower curtain are hotel standard, but baths do have hair dryers and basic toiletries. Ice machines help keep the party going and a few refreshments are available via vending machines.
The original 1960s rooms have been updated quite a bit, while still having cable TV, coffee maker, and fridge, but they’re smaller than the newer Deluxe rooms and don’t have as many other features. The property is not making any attempt to dupe anyone–they’re called the “Motel rooms” after all, so just be advised that the size and layout are like a typical motel unless you upgrade to one of the few suites. The property is clean and well-maintained throughout.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for anyone visiting America’s most famous national park at the South Rim. You can’t walk right to the canyon edge from here, but it’s easier to get a reservation throughout the year and a stay won’t break the bank. Rates at Red Feather Lodge in Tusayan start at $120 with taxes and top out at about $270 in the summer. Book direct at the hotel website or check rates online at Hotels.com.
Review and photos by Hotel Scoop editor Tim Leffel, who was hosted at Red Feather Lodge by Arizona Tourism while working on a travel article for another publication. As always, all opinions are his own.
We had a wonderful stay here. The best part was the “apartment” we booked in the motel, complete with a full kitchen (full-sized refrigerator, oven/stove, dishwasher) and a large and comfortable living room, in addition to a bedroom. This allowed us to prepare our own meals which was a huge plus, especially in the time of covid We also loved the 24 hour complementary coffee and tea in the lobby. The staff was universally kind and helpful.