Donna Leong

Review of Grand Canyon Railway

We booked this trip to the Grand Canyon with AAA ...

We booked this trip to the Grand Canyon with AAA which included the luxury dome train ride, a night stay at the Grand Canyon Railriad Hotel, one night stay in the Grand Canyon and a bus line tour when we arrived at the Grand Canyon. Our luggage was taken care of from hotel to the train to the next hotel so you did not have to worry about lugging your suitcase around.
The train ride was so much fun and so relaxing.it was nice just to sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic and other cars. There's food and drinks to enjoy. Entertainment was fun and lively plus there are train robbers that come on board. Our host was wonderful and gave us the history of the area we would pass by on our way into the canyon.
When you choose the luxury dome section you are able to roam to the other sections of the train. In the luxury dome section you can go downstairs and sit in the parlor which is Victorian in style. It's very comfortable in there and quiet enough to read a book. I love going outside and riding in the open section of the last car. I love feeling the wind blowing in my face from the moving train and watching the scenery change as you get closer to the canyon. It's hard to believe that from a flat surface with a few trees you get to the majestic view of the Grand Canyon.
OMG what a beautiful view of the canyon when you get off the train.You'd think you were looking at a painting when you first see the canyon. It's so beautiful that words can't describe the majestic beauty of the canyon with all the beautiful colors found in the rocks. Your bus driver greets you as you get off your train and drives you around the canyon with narration to highlight places you may want to see on your own time.
There are bus service in the canyon that are free that takes you to the different points of interest. You have to get a map to find out where the bus stops are for each of the points of interest. There's a cafeteria you go to for lunch which is included in this hotel/train package. You are responsible for your own dinner and breakfast if you spend the night. We ate at the canteen which offered pizza. It had the most reasonable price for food.
We had breakfast at the Tovar hotel as a splurge to the Grand Canyon. What a history this hotel has and there is a lot of interesting pictures and history in the hotel lobby. It's very pretty and rustic. The view outside of the hotel is gorgeous. A must see when you visit the Grand Canyon and just to say you were there even if you don't eat there or stay there.
On your return train ride back to William's, AZ if you were in the luxury car you were served champagne to celebrate the beautiful trip to the Grand Canyon with an array of delicious pastries cheese , crackers, chocolate dipped strawberries and chocolate candies. You also had someone who came to your car to entertain and engage you with their music.
What a great way to see the Grand Canyon by train-a once in a lifetime trip.