It's a while off, but if you're making advance travel plans for the Grand Canyon, be advised: The iconic El Tovar hotel and restaurant on the Canyon's South Rim will close Jan. 1, 2017, for a 103-day renovation to update rooms and improve services for guests, the hotel's management company has announced.
As the Associated Press and other outlets reported last month, planned improvements include a better air-conditioning system; plumbing, electrical and safety upgrades; modifications to make the hotel more accessible for the disabled; and fresh paint and carpets in public spaces.
Workers also will add an upgraded satellite TV system for guest rooms — although anyone who visits the Canyon and spends much time watching TV should probably rethink his or her vacation choices.
In the El Tovar Dining Room, modifications are planned to keep out one or more ringtails that have found their way into the restaurant over the years.
Xanterra, which operates El Tovar under a contract with the National Park Service, said most of the renovations will go unnoticed by visitors, and care is being taken to maintain the hotel's vintage look. Better air conditioning will certainly be welcome in July, though.
El Tovar is scheduled to reopen April 14, 2017. And this news isn't the only recent news out of the iconic spot: Thomas Ratz, a longtime server at the restaurant (and the subject of a 2013 Arizona Highways profile), recently had a mule at the Canyon named after him.