When it comes to the classic comedy film “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” one of the most iconic scenes takes place at a hotel near the Grand Canyon. But what is the name of this hotel, and where is it actually located?
First off, it’s worth noting that while the movie takes place on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to California, much of the filming actually took place in and around California. This includes the scenes set at the Grand Canyon, which were actually shot at a location in Arizona known as Monument Valley.
As for the hotel itself, it’s called simply “The Grand Canyon Hotel” in the movie. This isn’t a real hotel, however – it was actually just a set built for filming purposes. In fact, many of the exterior shots of buildings in the film were sets rather than real locations.
Despite not being a real hotel, The Grand Canyon Hotel still plays an important role in the film’s plot. It’s here that Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) has an ill-fated encounter with his flirtatious neighbor (played by Christie Brinkley), as well as where he gets into a physical altercation with another guest over his stolen money.
So while you won’t be able to book a room at The Grand Canyon Hotel from National Lampoon’s Vacation, you can still visit Monument Valley and see firsthand where some of Hollywood’s most iconic scenes were filmed. And who knows – maybe you’ll even meet your own Christie Brinkley along the way.
In conclusion, while The Grand Canyon Hotel may not be a real place that exists outside of National Lampoon’s Vacation, it remains an integral part of pop culture history and continues to entertain audiences over 30 years after its initial release.