The historic El Tovar lodge will be closing this winter for a makeover. Perched on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the lodge was originally built in 1905 for well-heeled travelers keen to see the great wonder of the west. Of course there are many opportunities for camping in Arizona’s popular National Park, but El Tovar provided luxurious rooms (78 of them) and a fine dining restaurant reminiscent of a European hunting lodge.
The iconic lodge is routinely sold out in the summer months, so the renovation will take place from January 2 through April 10, 2014 in the slow season. Management decided to close the entire property rather than inconvenience guests during the construction. As reported by AZCentral.com, guest rooms will get new carpet, bedding, fabrics, and flat-screen TVs, plus the lobby and restaurants will also be freshened up with new carpets and furniture. Two more rooms will be added for disabled guests, bringing the total to five. The lodge’s exterior will also get a paint job. For more information, visit www.grandcanyonlodges.com/el-tovar-409.html