US National Parks: Get Your Glamp On

What is the complete opposite of sitting in an office re-reading opposing counsel’s factum? Exploring an American national park. This year the parks celebrate their 100th anniversary. But while the terrain may be rugged, these three in-park properties prove you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for the view. ...
US National Parks: Get Your Glamp On
Yosemite National Park, California
What is the complete opposite of sitting in an office re-reading opposing counsel’s factum? Exploring an American national park. This year the parks celebrate their 100th anniversary. But while the terrain may be rugged, these three in-park properties prove you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for the view.

> El Tovar (Grand Canyon, Arizona) – Wake up to views of the Grand Canyon from your bedroom window. Set right on the rim, El Tovar is an American classic brimming with history. When it first opened in 1905, the elegant hotel was thought to be well ahead of its time. Since then it has hosted a range of celebrities including Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein and Sir Paul McCartney. Book a suite with a sitting room and balcony and you can take in the view in your robe. You’ll need to book early though: The hotel is one of the most popular in the parks system. Rates for suites start at US$400 per night. www.grandcanyonlodges.com

> Greyfield Inn (Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia) – If what you’re seeking is a sedate island getaway amidst 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, this is your spot. The romantic 16-room inn hosted the wedding party for John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Set on Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, you’ll enjoy the southern charms of sprawling gardens and candlelit gourmet meals. And when it’s time to explore the seashore, bikes, kayaks and naturalists await. Master suite starts at US$550 per night. www.greyfieldinn.com

> Ahwahnee Hotel (Yosemite National Park, California) – The name of the AAA-Four Diamond hotel that first opened in 1927 may be changing but demand for rooms isn’t going anywhere. The property was designed to blend into the setting of the park and is so well done you might mistake it for a simple cottage. You won’t make that mistake once you step inside. English country manor and Native American influences combine beautifully. Views of iconic park features like Yosemite Falls are one of the reasons it’s a favourite; the outdoor pool, incredible murals and attentive staff are others. www.travelyosemite.com

Heather Greenwood Davis is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Reach her at www.globetrottingmama.com.