The Grand Canyon Headquarters

I only found the Google reviews after booking, and wish I’d checked sooner. I reserved through Booking.com, then got a private message from the owner saying a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle was required. There was no mention of that on the listing, even in the fine print, so I couldn’t have known before making the reservation. I was travelling in a regular car and had to cancel. Since then I’ve tried repeatedly to reach the owner by email and through other channels, and Booking.com has also contacted them several times. Nobody has replied, and I never got my money back. Attention, this feels like a scam.

The handmade details made the room feel so homey, especially the hand-plastered shower, Arizona decor, and lovely kitchen. It was a perfect place to decompress for an evening. The shared area is peaceful and comfortable, too. This family-run business gave us wonderful service, and the location feels incredibly secluded. The road was passable for us in dry weather if we drove slowly, and the drive was worth it. A smaller car could have trouble, but they offer pickup. If you’re concerned, call and ask whether your make and model can manage it. They’ll be honest about the conditions. If you arrive unprepared and need food, there’s a good food truck at the dome resort up the road.

The casita had everything we needed, and the electricity and water both worked perfectly. We also appreciated the complimentary drinks in the commons area. It’s a wonderfully remote spot, just right for relaxing after a busy road trip. We drove in with a Chevy Suburban and had no trouble at all. The road was much easier than expected, especially compared with roads in some national parks or the Monument Valley drive. To everyone worried about it, the conditions are stated beforehand and we found it totally manageable. I’d happily recommend staying here, especially if you’re heading back to Phoenix after the Grand Canyon.

I cancelled within the period that qualified me for a full refund, but two months have gone by and the business still hasn’t returned any of my money. I can’t say what’s happening financially, but it seems they intend to keep it. Mary was in touch briefly for a couple of days, then stopped responding completely. Booking.com, where I made the reservation, also seems to be getting ignored when it tries to contact the business.