Grand Canyon Village in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
El Tovar Hotel
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 12, 2023
1. El Tovar Hotel Marker
The Santa Fe is going to build the most expensive hotel … at the Grand Canyon … the idea of the architect is to bring the building into harmony with the wonderful scenery of the canyon rather than to put a blot upon its beauty by the erection of a conventional structure … — Coconino Sun, May 24, 1902
The El Tovar Hotel was a game changer. Prior to its construction most Grand Canyon visitors slept in tent accommodations on the South Rim. Opening to great fanfare on January 14, 1905, the hotel catered to a wealthy clientele. Imagine guests' delight upon finding a music room, a solarium, a billiard hall, an underground grotto (where men enjoyed a friendly game of cards), a barbershop, two roof gardens, an art room, and gift shop. For $4.50 and upwards per night, guests were treated to finely decorated rooms with both hot and cold running water.
Captions
(Top) Keeping with the Santa Fe Railway's affinity for naming their hotels after Spanish explorers, "El Tovar" honored Don Pedro de Tovar, who visited the Hopi mesas to the east in 1540.
(Bottom) Early 20th century visitors enjoyed the comforts and luxuries of the El Tovar.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 1905.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hopi House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named El Tovar Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hopi House (within shouting distance of this marker); El Tovar (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Fe Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Verkamp's Curios (about 400 feet away); Grand Canyon Depot (about 400 feet away); CCC Legacy (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Canyon Village.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 12, 2023
2. El Tovar Hotel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on November 18, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on April 18, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
