After the pure luxury of the Phoenician, we traded desert opulence for high-end adventure at Under Canvas Grand Canyon. There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, but even when you’re “roughing it,” there’s no reason to pay full price for the experience.
The Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
We stayed in a stunning Stargazer tent, complete with a private bathroom. I surprised my husband with this spot, and it was the perfect home base for exploring the canyon. While the setup was about as luxurious as a tent can be, it kept us grounded in nature—we had no electricity in the tent itself, but with provided power banks and lanterns, it felt like a cozy, intentional retreat. The property itself was a blast, featuring s’mores by the fire, board games, a few rounds of corn hole, and a great on-site restaurant.
The experience was wild in every sense. It was incredible looking up from our bed at the Milky Way and the Big Dipper, though we didn’t count on it being the brightest moon of the year—it was so bright I almost needed sunglasses to sleep! We woke up at sunrise to coyotes howling and fresh elk tracks right outside our tent.
It’s the kind of bucket-list accommodation that usually comes with a hefty price tag, but as always, we refused to settle for the first rate we saw.
- The Price Gap: When I checked the official Hyatt website, the rate was sitting at $380 per night. I kept looking as the dates drew near and a few days before our trip a quick search on Hotels.com revealed the exact same tent and amenities for just $193.43
- The Saving: By doing a little due diligence before booking, we saved $164 on a single night—nearly 50% off the official rate. Tip: Be sure to book a hotel rate that has free cancellation so you can rebook at a lower rate.
The Bottom Line
Travel hacking isn’t just about points and elite status; it’s about being a conscious consumer. Always compare your options across multiple platforms before hitting “reserve.” That $164 in savings isn’t just “money saved”—it’s a budget we now have to spend on a guided tour or a fantastic dinner while we’re here at the Grand Canyon