When visiting the Grand Canyon near Williams, Arizona USA ensure you stay at least one night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Stepping into the spacious two storey lobby, you start to experience the grandeur and space that, I am sure, was inspired by the geography of the area. Paintings decorate the walls, giving you a foresight into the glorious views you will experience when you visit the Canyon. The hotel is just metres away from the train depot, for those taking the Grand Canyon train. Staying here is a wonderful way to begin and end your relaxing and enjoyable train trip. Click here to read more about the train
With 298 rooms, an indoor heated salt-water pool, hot tub, exercise room, Spenser’s Pub and the nearby Fred Harvey Restaurant it would be easy to just stay in the hotel and enjoy all the amenities. Yet, the downtown area of Williams is only a block away, with a variety of places to eat and shop.
My room was spacious, over 300 square feet with two queen sized beds. The mattress was delightfully comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep.
My room had a TV with movie channel, wifi, mini-fridge, microwave oven and a coffee maker, which was very welcome. To sit in the armchairs sipping on a coffee in the morning, looking out the large glass windows onto the snow laden courtyard was a lovely way to greet the day. My bathroom was also spacious, and the bath was full length, just the perfect size for tall people to stretch out (or possibly two people if you aren’t travelling solo!).
There are also suites available and for those wanting to indulge, there is one special room – the Rail Baron suite with over 1000 square feet of luxury.
The lobby is large with a welcoming floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. That was a popular spot on a chilly winter evening when I stayed, with many guests warming themselves by the welcoming flames.
The mahogany bar in Spenser’s pub was built in Europe and brought over in the late 1800s. Drinks and light snacks such as sandwiches and pizza can be purchased here, all without needing to leave the hotel.
A short walk across the driveway brings guests to the Fred Harvey restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed, choosing from an expansive and fresh selection of traditional fare.
The current hotel was built in 1995, to resemble the historic Fray Marcus hotel. That first hotel, not open to the public now, and located in the Williams depot, was first opened in 1908. It was one of the original Harvey houses – where railway passengers could disembark on their journey for meals and lodgings.
More information on the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is available on their website www.thetrain.com
Happy Travels!
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