Offering all of the same great features guests have come to expect from a Holiday Inn Express plus the incredible convenience of being within a few mere miles of the South Rim entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, this lodging option is clean, comfortable, and reliable. Very recently renovated, this convenient hotel features a variety of amenities and all the essential comforts you’d find at home.
Holiday Inn Express Ambiance
Built in 1995 and renovated just a few short years ago, this Holiday Inn Express is among the nicest and most modern offerings in its genre. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, while common areas are a bit more modest and occasionally crowded. Staff is welcoming and friendly, quick to offer extra accommodations and solve any situations that need their attention.
One of the most helpful things about this Holiday Inn Express – in addition to their usual services – is the excellent concierge service they offer. Dedicated employees are able to help visitors book tours through one of the many tour companies based in or operating out of Tusayan, including everything from helicopter tours to rafting excursions to guided hikes. It’s the best way to explore the National Park that goes above and beyond a simple hike on the Rim Trail (which is still something you should pursue).
Holiday Inn Express Rooms
This Holiday Inn Express offers nearly 200 guest rooms to travelers, with 35 of the rooms categorized as suites. The rooms are exclusively non-smoking, and pets are not permitted (except for service animals). All rooms are equipped with large windows, and many of the rooms have beautiful views of the Arizona wilderness. For the best views, request a top floor room. Internet service is available throughout the hotel, although wireless is a bit limited (as is the case throughout the Grand Canyon region). All rooms also come with several cable channels to help you unwind in the evenings.
Basic guest rooms come with a variety of bed configurations, including specific Kid Suite options (a brightly colored room-with-a-room designed to appeal to their tastes and needs). Connecting rooms are also available for those traveling in groups or with extended family. Rooms also come with a convenient coffee maker for early mornings, as well as a phone, a desk for work or play, and a plentiful number of electrical outlets. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, offering complimentary Bath & Body Works toiletries, a full bath, plus a hairdryer.
Suites offer extra space and convenience for larger groups or extended stay guests. In addition to a modest bedroom, there’s a decent-sized sitting area and a handy kitchenette with microwave oven and refrigerator. There’s also a useful coffee maker to help speed up early mornings before you head off to view the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Bathrooms are very similar to bathrooms in the guest rooms. Windows open for extra fresh air, although all rooms are also climate-controlled by in-room systems.
All rooms are recently renovated, with practically brand new furniture and fresh, crisp white linens that complement the spare but still charmingly Southwestern décor. Grand Canyon-inspired artwork and photographs give a little character to the rooms, too. Overall, these rooms are a comfortable and relaxing place to stay after a long day of Grand Canyon explorations.
Holiday Inn Express Amenities
Like many of its sister hotels, this Holiday Inn Express offers a variety of little perks that guests will enjoy. Complimentary newspapers are delivered to your door daily, and hotel staff are more than accommodating of special requests. Long-term guests should know that there are unfortunately no laundry facilities on site, but there are some in Grand Canyon Village if you make the time to pop up there.
Dining options within the hotel itself are limited to breakfast, but you have both complimentary buffet and free continental breakfast options. Tip: guests love the cinnamon rolls, so be sure to snag a few! The breakfast area is a bit small, however, so be sure to either arrive early or prepare to dine outside of the main dining space. Those looking for lunch and dinner option in Tusayan will find no shortage of choices elsewhere. There’s everything from casual fast food to delicious local Mexican to sumptuous steak and seafood within a short walk or drive of the Holiday Inn Express.
For those visitors who can’t travel without some business obligations, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a full business center on site to meet your needs, including copying, fax, and computers with an internet connection. Those of you who love to stay fit on vacation will also appreciate the modest but clean fitness center, in addition to the large pool.
Parking is free and fairly plentiful, although it may be a challenge to find parking near to your room, so be aware that you may have to carry luggage a decent distance. It may make sense to park your car and leave it, as you’re within walking distance of most restaurants and attractions in Tusayan. You’ll also be able to use the free in season National Park shuttle to get to the Grand Canyon itself, so the need to use your own car can be minimal.
Best Prices at Holiday Inn ExpressHoliday Inn Express Neighborhood
Tusayan is a delightful town just a few short miles from the National Park. It’s the most popular destination for Grand Canyon stay outside of the few hotels located inside the park itself, and offers many of its own charms. There are a number of hotels in the area in addition to the Holiday Inn Express, including a Best Western, Red Feather Lodge, Canyon Plaza Resort, and the Grand Hotel.
If you want to spend even just a little time exploring Tusayan itself, then a must-visit is the National Geographic Visitor Center and IMAX movie. Showing their signature film “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” multiple times a day, this IMAX movie is a wonderful introduction to everything the Park has to offer. You’ll also find a number of gift shops in town, featuring Native American crafts and artwork alongside essential souvenirs like post cards, magnets, and apparel. There’s even an internet café for those of you who didn’t bring a computer or smartphone but want to spend a little time surfing the web.
There are also several tour companies in town that offer everything from long-term rafting excursions to quick, hour-long hikes. Take advantage of their expertise and enjoy the Grand Canyon to the fullest extent.