You are here

Home » Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel To Close For Three-And-A-Half Months In 2017

Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel To Close For Three-And-A-Half Months In 2017

Share

Published Date

December 22, 2015

The El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon's South Rim will close early in 2017 for some needed rehab work/Xanterra Parks & Resorts

After 110 years, is it any surprise that El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park needs some work? That's why the grand dame will close for three-and-a-half months early in 2017 for some major rehabilitation work.

Officials say El Tovar will close Jan. 1, 2017, for work that will include substantial improvements to the building’s back-of-the-house facilities as well as public areas and guest rooms. The hotel will reopen April 14, 2017.

“Over the years our beloved El Tovar has seen its share of upgrades and maintenance worthy of one our great park lodges,” said Jon Streit, general manager of Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. “We take our responsibility as steward of this beautiful building seriously, and we are looking forward to this project and operating the hotel for many years to come.”

One of the original great hotels of the National Park System and a key influence in opening the Southwest to tourism, El Tovar opened in 1905 and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The Fred Harvey Company, now called Xanterra Parks & Resorts, has managed El Tovar from the start.

Components of the rehabilitation will include:

* Extensive work on the HVAC systems that service guest rooms, dining rooms, public spaces, offices and service areas.

* Upgrading electrical, safety, plumbing and security systems.

* Painting all public spaces and corridors.

* Upgrading ADA guest rooms and ADA public spaces.

* Improving all guest rooms by painting the rooms and corridors as well as replacing soft goods, case goods and carpeting in guest rooms, corridors and public spaces.

* Upgrading interior satellite cable infrastructure.

* Replacing kitchen equipment.

* Replacing carpet in the dining room and lounge.

* Relocating ceiling fans to more appropriate locations.

* Refinishing wood flooring in main gift shop.

* Upgrading lighting.

The project will occur during winter months in order to minimize impacts upon guest experiences, added Mr. Streit. Overnight accommodations will be available at Thunderbird, Kachina, Bright Angel and Maswik Lodges in Grand Canyon Village as well as at Phantom Ranch on the floor of the canyon. Alternative dining options will include the Arizona Room, Bright Angel Restaurant, Maswik Food Court and the Maswik Pizza Pub. Grand Canyon National Park Lodges will continue to operate mule rides and motorcoach tours.

Related Stories:

Images Of America’s Historic National Park Lodges
Some Trail News From Grand Canyon National Park
Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Bruce Brossman on December 22, 2015 - 12:43pm.

Actually only 3.5 months, not 4.5 months. We look forward to reopening with a refreshed and improved El Tovar April 14, 2017.


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 22, 2015 - 12:54pm.

Good catch, Bruce. Now that we've corrected that, we'll get back to improving our math skills.


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Donate Today.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.