The El Tovar Hotel was built in 1905, and much of the original architecture stands today. While the concept of luxury hotels was not new to American culture in the early 20th century, national parks were. As railway lines and rail service to more remote areas increased, so did the necessity of accommodations for those traveling to these remote locations. The El Tovar sprang from such necessity.
The El Tovar, with its various-leveled roofs, covered porches, and spectacular location, offers a visually appealing accommodation. The hotel contains 78 rooms and suites, all with cable television, telephone, full bath and air conditioning. Built perpendicular to the rim, the El Tovar Restaurant and Bar provides tables with great views of the canyon. The hotel itself is decorated in a combination of Swiss chalet and Norwegian villa styles. With stone fireplaces, Native American art, European decor and spectacular views, the El Tovar leaves an unforgettable impression.
According to the National Park Service, the true significance of the El Tovar lies in its architecture. The original architecture of the El Tovar combined the more stodgy 19th-century resort Victorian style with a more rustic look that would emerge as the preferred architectural style for resorts located in national parks throughout the United States.
