We stayed at the Yavapai Lodge east for two nights at the beginning of the month. I had no problems getting a reservation 5 months ahead of time it looks like that was the right lead-time for this lodge. It is in the park just a short walk from the rim. Some people think that is better to stay right on the rim but after seeing the day trippers crowd around the Kachina, Thunderbird and Bright Angel lodges we were glad we choose something a little farther out. The rooms were spacious and clean although the building is quite dated. The operator has little control over this since the Park service owns the place. The staff at the front desk was very nice but not necessarily knowledgeable about the hospitality offerings. I went around asking everyone where I can find a latte or expresso in the park and even the concierge at El Tovar told me that they do not have that in the park. To my surprise there is a bar and lounge and “expresso bar” at the Bright Angel lodge. The price was high for what the lodge offers but it is one of the few options available in the park. When making a reservation for late spring and supper at the Yavapai lodge make sure you reserve a room at the Yavapai east. The Yavapai west do not have AC and are not as nice as the rooms on the east.

We stayed at the Yavapai Lodge east for two nights at the beginning of the month. I had no problems getting a reservation 5 months ahead of time it looks like that was the right lead-time for this lodge. It is in the park just a short walk from the rim. Some people think that is better to stay right on the rim but after seeing the day trippers crowd around the Kachina, Thunderbird and Bright Angel lodges we were glad we choose something a little farther out. The rooms were spacious and clean although the building is quite dated. The operator has little control over this since the Park service owns the place. The staff at the front desk was very nice but not necessarily knowledgeable about the hospitality offerings. I went around asking everyone where I can find a latte or expresso in the park and even the concierge at El Tovar told me that they do not have that in the park. To my surprise there is a bar and lounge and “expresso bar” at the Bright Angel lodge. The price was high for what the lodge offers but it is one of the few options available in the park. When making a reservation for late spring and supper at the Yavapai lodge make sure you reserve a room at the Yavapai east. The Yavapai west do not have AC and are not as nice as the rooms on the east.