Wheelchair Jimmy Comments
The El Tovar Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted such luminaries as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, President Bill Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, and countless others. It’s one of the grand hotels of its era! There are several buildings along the south rim including El Tovar (78 rooms, 2 accessible rooms) Kachina Lodge (22 rooms, 2 accessible) , Bright Angel and 2 other lodges. El Tovar is situated directly along the paved 8 ft.wide asphalt walkway that overlooks the Grand Canyon and goes on for miles. I rolled for about a mile and enjoyed the breathtaking views. There are areas with somewhat steep grades but it was mostly manageable.
There are 5-6 entry steps at El Tovar but there is a very convenient side ramp (see picture). Our accessible room (#6439) was very convenient just 25 feet inside the side entrance. The beds were high quality and very comfortable with bed height at 28 inch. Beds will not accommodate Hoyer Lift . There is at least 36 inches for wheelchair access on both sides of bed. I was told accessible room #6441 (next door to our room) was a deluxe room and slightly larger with a sitting room and slightly larger bathroom.
Our accessible room was rather small with very limited storage space and no closet. Both accessible rooms are located on the first floor. There is no elevator to the other floors.
The bathroom in #6439 is a decent size, was accessible for most any wheelchair and has a removable plastic shower chair. The 4 accessible room bathrooms in El Tovar and Kachina Lodge have tubs only.
The huge, spacious, spectacular El Tovar dining room is totally wheelchair accessible with all tables accessible. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner and following day breakfast in the El Tovar restaurant. Make your dinner reservation well in advance. The cocktail room and gift shops are all accessible. There is a huge wheelchair accessible lobby restroom (probably 20 ft x20ft) just off the dining room. Get a key from the front desk.
There were 2 van accessible parking spaces near the front entrance.
On the WJAR index the El Tovar Hotel gets a 3 as the guest room is not spacious, but it’s otherwise a magnificent historic property. The El Tovar is absolutely spectacular and a MUST VISIT! You will love it!
