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We are contemplating traveling from Chicago-Williams Junction-Grand Canyon on the SWC. Anyone have experiences (+ or -) with using AMTRAK VACATIONS in connections with Grand Canyon touring? How about the Gand Canyon Steam Train? Suggestions? Thanks, D.M.
UncleBuck44 Member # 2049
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I went to the Grand Canyon when I was 4(1992). We went to K.C. and got on the SC there. We went to Flagstaff, but now the arrival times for that station are early and late, so I would suggest Williams. We got a bus from the station to a hotel in Flagstaff. The next day we went to a motel in the Grand Canyon area. We took the steam train from a station somewhere(Help me out anybody) to Locknivar lodge next to the Canyon. It was a cool ride. This was not part of Amtrak Vacations at least I dont think. Good Vacation overall, although my dad, bother, and I almost wandered off into an Arizona Desert and died.
Mike Smith Member # 447
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I've just booked my May vacation to the "big Ditch" through Amtrak Vacations.
Their Grand Canyon packages did not fit with our itinerary, so I tried to book through www.thetrain.com . Their packages didn't work for me either ($630 for night in Williams Junction, train to Grand Canyon, two nights at Maswik Lodge, and train back to Williams junction).
Unfortunately, the Fray Marcos Hotel wants $142 for 10 hours (arrive 11:00 pm and depart at 9:00 am), so I dumped them and booked at the Budget Host for $35 (www.thegrandcanyon.com/budgethost/). The train trip (round trip) was $130 with AAA discount, and the two nights at the Maswik at the Grand Canyon is $236, for a total of $401.
This is my 3rd time booking through Amtrak Vacations. So far, so good....no complaints
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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If you want to check your baggage or rent a car, or if you are trying to economize, consider Flagstaff as an alternative. The times are a little better. Hertz will have your car waiting at the depot no matter how late the train is. Rates for a decent motel there are very competitive. If you prefer not to drive but take the Grand Canyon Railway, Williams would be the choice if checked baggage is not necessary.
CHATTER Member # 1185
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This is just a test. I made a post to this thread earlier this week, but it does not show up in here now when I read the thread. However, when I pull up my screen name and ask to see all recent threads I have posted, there it is! Anyhone know why?
Kairho Member # 1567
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Hehehe ... there are 2 threads with the same title: "Southwest Chief-AMTRAK VACATIONS" The other one is roughly 9 or 10 below this one! Wait, I'll go bring it up.
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