See review on Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
Whilst I have a number of reservations with the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel – the same doesn't apply for the train adventure itself! The station is located about 75 metres from the Hotel and certainly makes life very easy if you’re a guest in the hotel!
The train trip starts at 0900 with a lighthearted Wild West show located at the end of the platform! Good fun, lots of laughs and extremely personable cowboys ensure that the trip starts off on a high!
We were in the Max Beirnart parlour car which is the last car on the train and has a rear viewing platform. We were greeted by our Car Attendant, Carol, who was friendly efficient and extremely helpful Pastries were available for us as were juices and some alcoholic drinks could be purchased.
The ride itself lasts about 2 hours and the scenery varies from scrub to Forrest and towards the end of the trip, glimpses of the Grand Canyon. A very comfortable journey and long enough to get into the swing of things and not so long as to be tedious.
Depending on the package you purchase the options alter once you reach the Canyon. We were staying overnight at the Xanterra owned, Maswick Lodge and as such our bags were taken from the train and put into our rooms.
Once we alighted from the train we directed to tour buses and ours headed immediately to the Maswik Lodge for lunch. An Buffett was provided and the food was of an average standard. We then climbed back on the bus and were given a great tour of the South Rim by our personable and very knowledgeable tour guide Larry. He was great fun and was able to impart information on everything! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
The return train trip departs at 3.15 and again delightful finger food was available in the Max Beirnart car and we were very capably and efficiently looked after by Carol.
Of course no train trip would be complete without a “robbery” by cowboys who gallop alongside the train and board it and then “ rob” the guests on board who are happy to be robbed!!! This is a great end to a wonderful train trip which I thoroughly recommend.