Phoenix last week of May-want to visit GC,GC railroad?

Hi-I have reservations at the Arizona Grand for the last week of May in Phoenix. We have two kids-19 and 12. We would like to visit grand canyon and have rented a car but do not want to spend our entire trip driving. We were thinking of driving to Williams and doing the grand canyon railroad tour with an overnight in williams. Any advice?

Thanks

Phoenix last week of May-want to visit GC,GC railroad?

Overnighting is the way to go to get more time out of the canyon. Now the other option is that www.openroadtours.com does pick up at the Phoenix airport and will take you to Williams and even can drop you off there or in Flagstaff or back at the Phx airport. You are going to get mixed reviews on this. The kids will certainly enjoy the train but its 3 hrs there and 3 hrs back. I%26#39;d overnight at the GC. Or the other thing is to do it all yourself but that would require you driving. So its kind of up to you what you want at this point. The train can be kind of pricy too if thats an issue. I do know they give AAA members a discount.

If you do the train I recommend even with the kids upgrading out of coach to one of the other cars. First class is awesome you are in the caboose car with few people. You can go to their website www.thetrain.com or call them at 1-800-the-train for more details and hotel packages.

Phoenix last week of May-want to visit GC,GC railroad?

The GC Railway staff do a great job and the experience is pleasant. Staying in Williams will shave 2-3 hours round-trip off your drive time. The only caveat I would mention is the train ride is not particularly scenic. Don%26#39;t expect breathtaking vistas and endless pine forests, most of the trip is through relatively non-descript plains. That said I would still recommend the train ride, if only to pretend it%26#39;s 100 years ago.

Thank you both for your input. This is going to be a very different vacation for us. We usually go to Mexico, Bahamas or Florida. Trying something new so I thought the train ride would be fun. Any knowledge on the Arizona Grand where we will be staying?

Thanks again.

Arizona Grand is very nice. A new owner has plans to make it even nicer, and room renovations and a general makeover have been completed.

They have a nice water park for guests only and several other free-standing pools. The resort has a roomy feel about the grounds, and it%26#39;s right next to a large desert mountain preserve, which provides lots of chances for easy or moderate hikes of just about any length. You will always be near civilization, but not necessarly see it.

There is a very nice spa and athletic club, and horseback riding is available on-site.

Aunt Chilada%26#39;s Mexican Restaurant is on-site and is very good. There%26#39;s also Rustler%26#39;s Rooste western steakhouse. It%26#39;s kind of touristy, but the food is good (as long as you%26#39;re not expecting Morton%26#39;s) and the view is great.

My wife and I ate at Latitude 40 on-site and it was wonderful, though I hear they may change the concept there.

Overall, you should be pleased with your choice.

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