The El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon's South Rim will close early in 2017 for some needed rehab work/Xanterra Parks & Resorts

After 110 years, is it any surprise that El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park needs some work? That's why the grand dame will close for three-and-a-half months early in 2017 for some major rehabilitation work.

Officials say El Tovar will close Jan. 1, 2017, for work that will include substantial improvements to the building’s back-of-the-house facilities as well as public areas and guest rooms. The hotel will reopen April 14, 2017.

“Over the years our beloved El Tovar has seen its share of upgrades and maintenance worthy of one our great park lodges,” said Jon Streit, general manager of Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. “We take our responsibility as steward of this beautiful building seriously, and we are looking forward to this project and operating the hotel for many years to come.”

One of the original great hotels of the National Park System and a key influence in opening the Southwest to tourism, El Tovar opened in 1905 and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The Fred Harvey Company, now called Xanterra Parks & Resorts, has managed El Tovar from the start.

Components of the rehabilitation will include:

* Extensive work on the HVAC systems that service guest rooms, dining rooms, public spaces, offices and service areas.

* Upgrading electrical, safety, plumbing and security systems.

* Painting all public spaces and corridors.

* Upgrading ADA guest rooms and ADA public spaces.

* Improving all guest rooms by painting the rooms and corridors as well as replacing soft goods, case goods and carpeting in guest rooms, corridors and public spaces.

* Upgrading interior satellite cable infrastructure.

* Replacing kitchen equipment.

* Replacing carpet in the dining room and lounge.

* Relocating ceiling fans to more appropriate locations.

* Refinishing wood flooring in main gift shop.

* Upgrading lighting.

The project will occur during winter months in order to minimize impacts upon guest experiences, added Mr. Streit. Overnight accommodations will be available at Thunderbird, Kachina, Bright Angel and Maswik Lodges in Grand Canyon Village as well as at Phantom Ranch on the floor of the canyon. Alternative dining options will include the Arizona Room, Bright Angel Restaurant, Maswik Food Court and the Maswik Pizza Pub. Grand Canyon National Park Lodges will continue to operate mule rides and motorcoach tours.