Under Canvas Grand Canyon

Under Canvas Grand Canyon, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique and upscale glamping experience just a short drive from the majestic Grand Canyon National Park. Guests consistently praise its exceptional service, stunning natural setting, and well-appointed safari-inspired tents, though some considerations regarding comfort in colder weather and pricing are noted.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Under Canvas Grand Canyon generally receives excellent to wonderful ratings from guests, with an average score of 8.9 out of 10 on platforms like Agoda and Booking.com. The overall sentiment is highly positive, with many guests highlighting the unique and memorable "glamping" adventure it provides, often exceeding expectations for an outdoor experience.

Key Highlights

Guests frequently laud several aspects of Under Canvas Grand Canyon:

• Service & Staff: The staff is consistently described as exceptionally friendly, attentive, helpful, and accommodating, receiving high scores of 9.5 out of 10 for service.
• Location & Scenery: Situated amidst 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, the camp offers a peaceful immersion in nature. Its proximity, approximately 25-40 minutes, to the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance is a major draw. The DarkSky-certified status provides exceptional stargazing opportunities.
• Design & Ambiance: The property features a beautifully designed central area that is both cozy and comfortable, contributing to a relaxing ambiance. The safari-inspired tents offer a luxurious camping aesthetic.
• Amenities & Activities: Guests enjoy communal fire pits with nightly s'mores, live music, yoga classes, and board games. Complimentary firewood and refillable water bottles are also appreciated.

Room Quality

The accommodations at Under Canvas Grand Canyon consist of spacious and comfortable safari-style tents. Many tents feature king-sized beds with plush mattresses, though one review noted a need for mattress replacement. Deluxe and Suite Tents come with private en-suite bathrooms, including flushing toilets and showers, while Safari Tents utilize shared bathroom facilities. In-tent amenities include USB battery packs, battery-powered lanterns, fans, and organic eco-friendly toiletries. A wood-burning stove is provided for warmth, creating a cozy atmosphere. For an elevated experience, Stargazer Tents offer a viewing window directly above the bed for celestial observations.

Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Embers, is well-regarded for its delicious and hearty American fare, served for both breakfast and dinner. The culinary offerings often feature locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. A coffee shop is available for freshly brewed coffee and espresso. While breakfast is not typically included in the room rate, a variety of options are available for purchase. Some guests have mentioned that food can be served on plastic cups and paper plates. The property maintains a strict no-food-in-tents policy to uphold its mindful approach to the surroundings.

Service & Staff

The service at Under Canvas Grand Canyon consistently receives outstanding feedback, with staff being described as incredibly friendly, helpful, and efficient. Guests appreciate their responsiveness, whether it's assisting with the wood stove or providing transfers to and from the campsite. Guest experience coordinators are also on hand to help arrange tours and activities, enhancing the overall stay.

Location & Accessibility

Under Canvas Grand Canyon is strategically located in Valle, Arizona, positioning it approximately 25 to 40 minutes by car from the Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim entrance. This offers a convenient base for exploring the park while providing a tranquil retreat. The camp is set within a picturesque landscape of piñon and juniper forest. Getting there is feasible via rental car from Flagstaff (the closest airport), Phoenix, or Las Vegas, with free self-parking available on-site. The property operates seasonally, typically from mid-April to late October. While the camp aims for inclusivity, some areas may present challenges for guests with limited mobility due to the natural terrain and the fact that upper floors are accessible by stairs only; however, some wheelchair-accessible amenities and tents are offered.

Value & Pricing

Under Canvas Grand Canyon is recognized as a "glamping" experience, and its pricing reflects this elevated form of camping. While many guests find the unique experience and amenities to be well worth the cost, particularly for those seeking an "outdoors" experience without traditional camping, some reviews suggest it can be expensive, with prices comparable to luxury hotels. "Value for money" scores are generally lower than other categories, indicating that the cost can be a point of consideration for some travelers. Rates can range from approximately $189 to $246 or more, depending on the tent type and season.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues are mentioned by guests:

• Heating in Colder Weather: The wood-burning stoves, while charming, can be challenging to maintain throughout the night and may not adequately heat the tents during very cold evenings, sometimes leading to smoky interiors.
• Inconsistent Hot Water: Some guests report issues with the pull-chain showers, experiencing inconsistent hot water or difficulty controlling its temperature.
• Lack of WiFi: In line with its "unplugged" ethos, the camp does not offer Wi-Fi, which, while intentional, can be an inconvenience for some guests.
• Perceived High Price: A minority of guests feel the experience is overpriced for what is still fundamentally a tent accommodation, albeit a luxurious one.
• Limited concerns about mattress comfort and the use of disposable dinnerware have also been noted.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. farahilde.com
5. kayak.com
6. undercanvas.com
7. tablethotels.com
8. michelin.com
9. hyatt.com
10. mrandmrssmith.com
11. reddit.com
12. thepointsguy.com
13. expedia.com