The first guests arrived at Grand Canyon's El Tovar in 1905; it received a $4.6 million renovation for its 100th birthday in 2005, including a major sprucing up of guest rooms (the most upscale in the park). In between, the sweeping, multi-tiered structure has hosted no fewer than eight U.S. presidents, from Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton. Built during a period of architectural mash-up, this national park lodge has been described as a cross between Swiss chalet and Norwegian villa, with the interior of a hunting lodge (taxidermy included). Situated just 100 yards from the canyon’s south rim, the view all but steals the show. It can be appreciated from many angles – on the lounge porch during cocktail hour; in the dining room over buckwheat pancakes drizzled with prickly pear syrup; or sitting on the private deck of one of three suites with prize views, which consistently sell out more than a year in advance.