There are many places on Earth that nature has transformed over millions of years into "works of art." Some of them were not disturbed by human activity and retained their original appearance, for example, the Grand Canyon National Park in the USA.
National Park Location
Each resident of Arizona is proud of the great national heritage of his state and the country as a whole. It is here on the Colorado Plateau that a natural park is located, known throughout the world. It is the territorial property of the Indian Navajo and Hualapai tribes.
The scale of the largest gorge in the world impresses even the most experienced travelers - an area of almost 5,000 km 2 and a length of 446 km with a width between its walls of 8 to 29 km are breathtaking. The depth of the gorge is about 1800 meters, and the realization that the Colorado River, helped by erosion and weathering, made all the changes to the once flat plateau, it allows us to evaluate the effects of nature on a planetary scale and time.
The restless river continues its work today, carrying its waters along the bottom of the gorge at a speed of 20 km / h. In order to look at this incredible sight, people overcome distances and time zones, and in order to reward them for this and create maximum comfort for them, the Grand Canyon provides hotels of various quality and level of service.
Landscape and History of the Grand Canyon
More than 10 million years of persistent “labor” of the river over soft limestone rocks of the plateau led to the fact that it cut deeper and deeper until it reached the granite layer, which became its channel. Rains and wind helped turn the walls of the canyon into stone structures of various shapes - caves, “pyramids” and “towers of bastions”, bizarre ledges and impregnable rocks.
The Grand Canyon is never the same, as it constantly changes in the rays of the sun and the shadows created by it. You can watch him for hours, and each time you find something new in his appearance. Still Colorado, a muddy river with water red from clay, daily carries tons of sand and rocks into the sea. In this case, even the lower granite walls of the gorge can not stand and are erased from friction by 1.5 mm per year.
From the history of this amazing place it is known that it was opened several times. The Spaniards were the first among Europeans to discover the canyon in 1540, but since there was nothing to profit from here, they safely forgot about it.
The first scientific expedition to study the Grand Canyon took place in 1869 under the leadership of Professor John Powell, and after Theodore Roosevelt visited him in 1903 and urged the Americans not to change anything in natural beauty, all the inhabitants of America showed interest in him. In 1909, this place was given the status of "Grand Canyon National Park." And it has become a tourist pilgrimage destination for travelers around the world.
Canyon Ecosystem
For millions of years, the own ecosystem has formed in the gorge. Depending on the height of the wall, not only the plant and animal world, but even the climate can differ at its various levels.
So, at the bottom of the canyon, the air temperature warms up in the summer to +40 degrees due to the stones heated in the sun. When rising higher, the temperature gradually decreases with a significant increase in humidity, which affects the vegetation, of which there are more than 1600 species.
On the plateau itself, the average temperature is +15 degrees, which favors hiking, which there are a lot of lovers in the USA. Those looking for a thrill can raft along the Colorado River or take a train along the very edge of the Grand Canyon Gorge. Hotels hospitably welcome guests all year round, but the best time to visit the sights is from May to October, so during this period you should book a place in advance.
Williams City Hotel, Arizona
Near the train station of Williams is a cozy hotel Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, which often stops tourists visiting the Grand Canyon. It is convenient to get to the gorge by train or car on highway 66.
This hotel is suitable for those visitors who decide to spend more time near the canyon, and those who are in transit and just want to relax, eat and drink a cup of coffee.
Guests are waiting for:
- Two à la carte restaurants serving local specialties.
- The bar is suitable for just drinking coffee or a glass of beer, and for a fun party with friends.
- A fitness center will help customers accustomed to daily activities keep themselves in shape.
- A jacuzzi will help you relax after exploring the canyon.
- Specially equipped barbecue or picnic areas.
- Children's play will entertain the child.
- A business center equipped with all necessary equipment allows you to combine a pleasant stay with work.
According to tourists' reviews, cozy and well-equipped rooms with comfortable furniture and free toiletries allow you to fully relax in between excursions.
Great hotel
Travelers who wish to stay in the vicinity of the area are sure to visit The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon. It is conveniently located near the entrance to the national park and works year-round.
Aware of Americans' love for TV and coffee, each room at the hotel is equipped with a coffee maker and satellite TV. Guests are greeted by a relaxing lobby with upholstered furniture, a fireplace and a piano. At the disposal of vacationers:
- a restaurant serving Western food;
- hotel cafe;
- Jacuzzi where you can relax;
- pool and gym for outdoor enthusiasts;
- children's room for games;
- business center;
- souvenir shop;
- ATM;
- laundry;
- vending machines with snacks and drinks.
On-site parking and Wi-Fi are free, which for many customers is decisive when choosing a place to stay.
Hotel with tradition
The closer the hotel is to the sights, the higher the demand for it. This also applies to the Canyon Plaza Resort Grand Canyon, located just 20 minutes from the Grand Canyon. Tradition is honored in this place, so a daily breakfast buffet awaits guests, while an American-style lunch is prepared in the open-air restaurant.
According to reviews from grateful pet lovers, this is one of the few hotels where you can come with them on vacation.
After reconstruction in 2009, this hotel meets the high level of service for people with disabilities, businessmen who came to business meetings, and ordinary travelers.
Comfortable non-smoking rooms and the hotel grounds are equipped so that the client can fully relax, having everything you need at your fingertips:
- SPA center with a hot tub;
- pool with hydromassage in the courtyard of the hotel;
- halls for conferences and banquets;
- horseback riding and hiking;
- free parking;
- Cafe;
- laundry.
Children under 16 years stay free of charge when using existing beds. Extra beds cost $ 10 per night. In all respects, this is the best option to relax and see the Grand Canyon. Hotels like this should be booked a few months in advance.
Relax with comfort
The name of the hotel Comfort Inn Near Grand Canyon speaks for itself. Everything is arranged here for the most comfortable stay in the city of Williams.
It is easy to get into it both from Route 66, along which it is located, and from the railway station. Near the hotel there are attractions for which you can overcome any distance: the Grand Canyon National Park, a ski resort, an observatory, and the University of Northern Arizona.
For guests equipped with golf courses, picnics and barbecue. Jeep tours go to the park daily, while those who decide to spend the day at the hotel are welcomed by shops, restaurants and entertainment.
For guests are organized:
- complimentary breakfasts with traditional cereals, waffles with various fillings, hot dishes, cold cuts and yogurts;
- heated pool and hot tubs;
- comfortable non-smoking rooms;
- laundry;
- rooms for people with disabilities;
- free parking.
Reviews about this hotel are the most favorable, as it combines comfort and proximity to numerous attractions.
Best Western
The Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire is just 10 km from the center of the Grand Canyon. For more than 40 years, he has been meeting guests within his walls. After reconstruction in 2011, it began to correspond to the level of comfort of the 21st century, which means the presence of air conditioning, a microwave, a refrigerator, a TV and a safe in each room with free Wi-Fi.
In addition, guests expect:
- Complimentary breakfast and local specialties in the restaurant;
- conference room and business center;
- children's room;
- pool;
- gym and fitness center;
- sauna;
- jacuzzi;
- bowling;
- Comfortable rooms for non-smokers and people with disabilities.
The hotel can accept 250 guests at the same time, who expect not only a great vacation, but also interesting excursions.
Camping & Camping
Not everyone who wants to visit the Grand Canyon can afford hotels, so the park has specially equipped parking lots where you can stay for the night.
In the Kaibab national forest, for example, prudent park rangers are equipped with areas where you can pitch a tent, make a fire and cook food. This can only be done in strictly designated places, otherwise a serious fine awaits violators.
Free nights in the forest, in principle, are safe, but inconvenient, since there are no toilets at these parking lots, and they are more suitable for those travelers who found the night on the way. To get more or less acceptable conditions, you can book a campsite, of which there are only a few in the immediate vicinity of the Grand Canyon, but there are enough of them at a distance from the sights.
Grand Canyon today
Today, more than 2 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon Park, a UNESCO heritage site, annually. Prices for accommodation, meals and excursions in these places depend solely on the choice of type of vacation. You can be a "savage" for free, or you can spend your vacation in a hotel room, paying for it from $ 70 per day or more.