This Canyon-adjacent property is popular among those seeking a combination of excellent Canyon views and modern comforts. Its proximity to both the Canyon Rim and many other Grand Canyon Village attractions makes it a smart choice for the travelers looking to maximize the value of their stay in Grand Canyon National Park. While the accommodations are essentially quite modest, they’re more than suitable for active vacations spent predominantly exploring outdoors.
Kachina Lodge Ambiance
Kachina Lodge, like the neighboring Thunderbird Lodge, is a clean and contemporary lodging option. Originally built in the late 1960s and periodically (although not entirely) updated in the time since then, the overall vibe of Kachina is one of comfortable convenience. The exterior construction is striking and modern, with impressive, tiered facades on the canyon-facing side and beautiful stone pillars on the street side. Like Thunderbird, Kachina is also entirely residential, which leads to a quiet and peaceful evening experience without the bustle of dining or registration.
The most significant reason anyone stays at Kachina Lodge is its proximity to the Canyon Rim. You’re just steps from the Rim Trail, a flat and easy path that stretches in either direction for a total of approximately 12 miles of comfortable walking. The trail itself stretches from the Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, and sites that are near to Kachina on the trail include the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Trail View Overlook, as well as a number of other viewpoints like the popular Mather Point. Active guests will also appreciate the nearby Bright Angel Trail, a more challenging but equally wonderful hike.
Kachina Lodge Rooms
Two basic sorts of rooms are available at Kachina Lodge – canyon facing, and street facing. Previous guests overwhelmingly recommend requesting – and paying a bit more for – canyon-view rooms. While these views are partial views only (due to perspective and distance, not construction), many consider them worth the small bump in lodging costs. Tip: request a second floor room for better views! Rooms are available with one king or two queen beds.
All rooms come with a number of convenient amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. An in-room Keurig coffee maker streamlines your mornings, making it easy to grab a cup of morning coffee without having to take a walk over to the Canyon Coffee House (although if you prefer it, that’s not a tough or long walk). Also available are flat screen TVs with a satellite feed, a phone, a safe, and a hair dryer. Refrigerators are also located in each room, a nice bonus for those looking to save time (and money) when it comes to dining options. Free wi-fi is available in all rooms, although it may be spotty at times.
The design aesthetic of Kachina Lodge is predominantly influenced by Southwestern culture and Native American art. Patterns are bright and geometric, colors are vibrant, and brick walls make for a rustic but modern feel. Bedding is soft, comfortable, and usually chic white, with a few pops of color for accent throughout. Bathrooms are on the smaller side but are also clean and modern, offering all of the basic toiletries one might need. If guests forget anything, a quick walk to the El Tovar registration desk or nearby gift shops can solve the problem easily.
Kachina Lodge Amenities
Because Kachina Lodge has no registration desk, gift shop, or restaurants, guests look to the nearby hotels to meet those needs. This isn’t an inconvenience, however, as you’re just steps from El Tovar and a short walk from Bright Angel Lodge and its many amenities. Easy guest check-in is available at El Tovar. The extra benefit of these facilities being located elsewhere is the fact that Kachina Lodge is very quiet at all hours of the day.
Dining options abound in Grand Canyon Village, so guests have no need to worry about the lack of a restaurant at Kachina itself. The adjacent El Tovar has a very well regarded dining room that fills up fast (reservations are highly recommended during the busy season of spring and summer). Bright Angel Lodge also offers several options, including a basic dining room (Harvey House Café) that includes complimentary breakfast as well as lunch and dinner menus, a coffee shop, and the extremely popular Arizona Room, which serves lunch and dinner. The Bright Angel Bar is also available for those looking for evening drinks.
Parking near Kachina Lodge is a challenge (as parking is throughout Grand Canyon Village and the National Park as a whole). Find a spot and then leave your car for the duration of your trip, taking advantage of the Park’s excellent shuttle bus system for your transportation needs.
Best Prices at Kachina LodgeKachina Lodge Neighborhood
Located in the heart of Grand Canyon Village, Kachina Lodge is in the thick of things when it comes to exploring the National Park’s many amenities. Nearby lodging options include the Thunderbird Lodge (very similar in design and amenities to Kachina), the lovely El Tovar, and the historic Bright Angel Lodge. A bit further back from the Canyon Rim is the convenient and budget-friendly Maswik Lodge.
Kachina is also close to a number of other attractions in the area, from the Grand Canyon Railway to the Kolb Studio bookstore and gift shop. Guests are also within easy walking distance of the historic Lookout Studio and Hopi House, as well as the Visitor Center. Being so near to the Rim Trail, Kachina is also within a few miles of many other attractions, including (as mentioned above), the iconic Mather Point.