Where to Stay in Flagstaff

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Where to Stay in Flagstaff and near the Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon remains the primary attraction drawing people to Flagstaff, today the northern Arizona town has much more to offer visitors. In addition to hosting several museums, highly regarded restaurants, and other locations of interest within the city limits, Flagstaff serves as an excellent base for exploring other astonishing natural wonders nearby (it`s known as the city with seven marvels). These include the vast Coconino National Forest, the volcanic Sunset Crater National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, the majestic San Francisco Peaks (home to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort in winter), the scenic Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and more. The resort town of Sedona is merely a 30 mile drive to the south as well.

While the Flagstaff region has been separated into multiple neighborhoods, the primary choice will be whether to remain within the town itself or inside the federally protected land known as the Grand Canyon National Park. Choosing accommodations inside the boundaries of Grand Canyon will provide solitude before and after the daily influx of visitors arrive and depart; opting to stay in Flagstaff offers greater variety of evening entertainment and dining establishments, and closer proximity to additional natural sights. Another potential option is the village of Williams, located somewhat nearer to Grand Canyon and notable for access to the scenic Grand Canyon Railway excursion.

While exploring Downtown Flagstaff on foot is relatively easy, possessing a car makes the most of this area possible.

β€’ Note that the North Rim of the Grand Canyon isn’t covered here – it’s effectively a different destination, over 200 miles and 3.5 hours’ travel from Flagstaff.

Best Places to Stay in Flagstaff & Grand Canyon (South Rim)

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    • The best luxury hotels are in Flagstaff & Grand Canyon.

 

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    • near the Grand Canyon,

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Best Neighborhoods in Flagstaff for…

    • Best Area to Stay for First Timers/Sightseeing: Downtown Flagstaff or Grand Canyon National Park
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Choosing to lodge in Downtown makes sense if touring the local natural wonders and seeing as much of the surrounding region as possible is a priority. Flagstaff is approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Grand Canyon by vehicle, and everything else is conveniently accessible by car. One will also have the best restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance of the accommodation. Alternatively, for a first visit focused primarily on Grand Canyon, nothing surpasses staying inside the park itself – camping under the starry sky, at the tranquil Phantom Ranch along the canyon floor, or in one of the historic suites at the grand El Tovar Hotel. Getting an early start before day-trippers arrive allows one to experience the canyon at its most magical.

  • Most Romantic Destination: Grand Canyon National Park
    Observing the sunrise over the vast Grand Canyon or sharing a drink under the starry desert sky would create a romantic atmosphere. The El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim is generally the best place to stay inside the national park, but all the park campgrounds are well-kept, and the isolated setting of Phantom Ranch, which otherwise offers fairly basic accommodation, is exceptionally tranquil. Couples may also appreciate the atmospheric desert lodgings and new “glamping” options near Grand Canyon Junction/Valle, such as Under Canvas Grand Canyon and Clear Sky Resorts.
  • Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Downtown Flagstaff
    Though the rocking Museum Club lies in East Flagstaff, downtown provides by far the most nightlife options throughout the region, all within stumbling distance. Sample the local craft beers at Lumberyard Brewing Company or Mother Road Brewing Company, mingle with locals and play pool at Uptown Pubhouse and Collins Irish Pub, or check out a show at the Orpheum Theater,Yucca North, or Theatrikos Theatre Company.
  • Best Neighborhood for Cuisine and Eateries: Downtown Flagstaff
    You’ll find adequate dining selections through Flagstaff and Williams, with much less choice in Grand Canyon, but by far the most extensive range of restaurants can be found in Downtown Flagstaff. Atria is one of the best for fine dining, showcasing the produce of Northern Arizona, but we also like the sandwiches at Cafe Daily Fare, the Mexican snacks at MartAnne’s, the pastries and drinks at Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery, and the pizzas at Pizzicletta.
  • Most Popular Area for Shopping: Flagstaff
    If you need lodging near Juan SantamarΓ­a International Airport, there are some great options nearby, though they are not convenient for exploring the city; Courtyard Alajuela,Hampton Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express.
  • Best Neighborhood for Low-cost Lodging: East Flagstaff
    While camping is probably the most affordable option in the park and along the routes to it, you`ll find the best budget hotel and motel accommodation in eastern Flagstaff. We enjoy staying at Hotel Elev8 and Relax Inn in this region, but the local branches of Days Hotel and Econo Lodge are also acceptable. You`ll find even cheaper places along the strip, but quality can be variable – always check rooms before making payment

The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Flagstaff/Grand Canyon for Tourists

1. Downtown Flagstaff

The historic center of Flagstaff is the biggest commercial hub in the area, a walkable district of stately aged structures, dining establishments, art galleries, boutiques, craft breweries, and gift stores offering Route 66 souvenirs and Native American craftworks. It’s full of Wild West charm, though there are no substantial touristic attractions in downtown itself. The main thoroughfare, Santa Fe Avenue, was once Route 66. One block north, Heritage Square is encircled by Victorian buildings, while the Flagstaff Visitor Center is housed in the old Flagstaff Station of 1926. Much of the southern part of the neighborhood is taken up by the Northern Arizona University campus. Just to the west of downtown, the wooded slopes rise up to the Lowell Observatory, renowned as the place Pluto was found in 1930 under Flagstaff’s famously dark skies (the city is an official β€œDark Sky Place”). Just to the northwest, on US-180, the Museum of Northern Arizona offers an excellent introduction to the geology, geography, flora and fauna, and Native American history of the Colorado Plateau. Nearby the Pioneer Museum focuses on the region’s more recent past, with displays on early homesteaders, old cabins, logging, and farming.

2. East Flagstaff

East Flagstaff is an extension of the city that lies along the I-40/US-180 corridor (the old Route 66). Unlike Downtown, it has a more spread out layout designed for automobiles rather than pedestrians. Budget hotel and motel accommodations are plentiful here and constitute a main attraction. There are some quality dining and drinking establishments as well, such as the Museum Club, a large timber lodge constructed in 1931 as a museum that now functions as a bar featuring live country music. Other retro diners capitalizing on the Route 66 association include the Crown Railroad CafΓ©, and Miz Zip’s. Just beyond the Flagstaff Mall are abundant hiking trails winding into the surrounding forested hills, plus the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve and the Elden Pueblo Archaeological Site, the enigmatic remnants of a Sinagua village inhabited from approximately 1070 to 1275.

3. South Flagstaff

Southern Flagstaff lies along the Historic Route 66 and Hwy-89 (Milton Rd) corridors south of Downtown, close to the Northern Arizona University campus and with easy access to I-40 (Exit 195). The chain motels and hotels here tend to be a bit newer and more contemporary than elsewhere in Flagstaff; there are less budget accommodation options than East Flagstaff and restaurants are more generic. The main attraction is the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, containing a grand Arts and Crafts-style house built in 1904 for logging magnates Timothy and Michael Riordan. South Flagstaff is also the closest area to the popular Arboretum at Flagstaff and Fort Tuthill Military Museum.

4. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park is rightly considered one of North America`s most impressive natural sights, an awe-inspiring chasm spanning over a mile in depth and between four to 18 miles across. You will never forget your initial view of it: an endless variation of weathered forms and hues, jagged promontories, and soaring sandstone peaks. The South Rim serves as the primary access point, with viewpoints along the edge accessible through a system of trails or by automobile on Hermit and Desert View roads (though the eight-mile Hermit Road is only accessible by shuttle bus or bicycle for most of the year). Desert View itself, located 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, sits at the highest elevation on the South Rim (7500ft).

With more available time, one could hike down into the canyon bottom on foot or by mule, spending an evening at Phantom Ranch; soar high above the canyon in a helicopter; or run the whitewater rapids of the Colorado River itself; you can also swim in the cascading waterfalls in the tranquil Havasupai Reservation nearby.

Spending at least one night in the canyon can be an enchanting encounter as you will see it without crowds at sunrise from Mather Point and under a clear night sky full of stars. Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim contains premier park lodging, dining, and visitor facilities. Slightly more choices and slightly cheaper rates are available in Tusayan, an unattractive strip about 7 miles south of the entrance on Highway 64 and further at Grand Canyon/Valle another 22 miles down, where desert “glamping” is becoming popular. Click here for more on the charter and scenic flight airport in Tusayan.

    • The cheapest options in the park involve 3 allocated campgrounds and several very fundamental backcountry campgrounds, but even there, you need to book ahead of time.
    • Note that hotel rooms with canyon views can be reserved up to 2 years in advance, completely filled.
    • During December to February, vehicles typically have access to Hermit Road, while other times one must use the park`s complimentary shuttle services.
    • In summer (May to late September), shuttle buses run between Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village.
    • There is another lodge and campground at the North Rim as well, though this section is usually closed by snowfall in winter (November until mid-May). To arrive there from the South Rim involves either a challenging 2-day hike down one side of the canyon and up the other or a 215-mile road journey.
    • Best Accommodation:
      Bright Angel Lodge β€’ El Tovar β€’ Maswik Lodge β€’ Phantom Ranch β€’ Thunderbird Lodge
    • Best Cheap Accommodation:
      The Bright Angel Campground,Desert View Campground,Indian Garden Campground, and Mather Campground are camping options in the Grand Canyon
    • Best Accommodation in Tusayan (just outside the National Park):
      Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn β€’ Grand Hotel β€’ Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon

€› Item: Best Cheap Accommodation in Tusayan:
.€� 7 Mile Lodge – Grand Canyon Camper Village – Red Feather Lodge – Ten-X Campground

    • Top Accommodation in Valle/Grand Canyon Junction:
      .

Possibilities to consider are the Clear Sky Resorts – Grand Canyon, the Under Canvas Grand Canyon, and the Dumplin Patch Bed & Breakfast

5. Williams

Although Flagstaff is generally viewed as the main base for Grand
Taxis are available for transportation from the port or airport to destinations on the island, though only around thirty taxis service the whole location, meaning there is often a long wait time; to avoid this delay, it is best to pre-arrange a ride through a private vehicle service like Welcome Pickups that I suggest and use. Taxis on Mykonos do not have meters, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before departing. A taxi from the airport or ferry port to Petasos Beach Resort should cost somewhere in the range of €20 to €25. Arranging transportation through a private vehicle service will cost just a little more – about $38 (€31) – but is worth it to avoid waiting and for the convenience of pre-paying

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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