"We're pleased to report that AAA has notified us that Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges have been awarded a three star rating since we finished this renovation," said Bill Johnston, Xanterra's general manager of South Rim operations.
 

The Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges are identical facilities located on the South Rim in the Grand Canyon Village Historic District. The two hotels' 104 rooms received a major upgrade in early 2004. Rooms now feature two queen beds or one king bed, new soft goods and all furniture was upgraded. In-room amenities were also enhanced to include new artwork, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer, 25" television, clock

Yavapai Lodge

Yavapai East is a popular off-rim visitor facility located near Grand Canyon's Market Plaza. Its extensive $1.2 million renovation included installation of air-conditioning in all rooms; replacement of double beds with queen beds in 132 rooms and one king bed in 66 rooms; and installation of new armoires, nightstands, desks, lamps, tables, headboards, carpeting and artwork.  All rooms were painted.  Additionally, all bathrooms were refurbished with new bathtub/shower enclosures and linoleum flooring.  

Maswik Lodge is a 278-room facility located a short walk from the South Rim at the southwest end of Grand Canyon Village. Maswik features a gift shop, cafeteria, lounge and sightseeing tours. Its 28 historic cabins were upgraded and renovated with soft goods and hard goods, ceiling fans and two queen or two double beds per room. Modern drop ceilings were removed to give the cabins a more rustic appearance and bathrooms were completely remodeled, including new tile shower enclosures. Total cost of this extensive remodel was $160,000.  

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra is the country's largest national park concessioner. The company operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National Park, the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Death Valley National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and eight Ohio State Parks.  www.xanterra.com.