The Best Hotels for the Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona

If the romanticism of the Old West has always enchanted you, then look no further than this hotel in Williams. It’s the best of both worlds: old American charm but with Netflix, wifi and fewer guns at high noon. The spruced-up Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has 298 rooms, which makes rounding one up a breeze, even in peak season. It’s also right next door to the train depot (from where you can take themed railway trips) and a block away from downtown Williams and historic road-trip-ready Route 66.

This place is all about history, so you can grab your own little piece of Americana when you stay here. It opened its doors way back in 1891, making it the oldest hotel in Arizona – and it still bears saloon-style frontage with a neon-lit sign. The vibe is family-run and folksy, with patterned quilts and dark-wood furniture – plus a bar downstairs and board games on tap. It’s centrally located, just two blocks from the train station that will deliver you to the mouth of the Grand Canyon, on the coolest highway in the world, Route 66.

This Wild West outpost from the ever-reliable La Quinta brand by Wyndham provides the ideal springboard for your Arizona adventures. It’s in the perfect position to explore the Coconino National Forest and also gives you easy access to the Grand Canyon National Park, where you’ll find incomparable scenery and plenty of great outdoors to explore. On your return, hop into the welcoming pool and hot tub, sheltered from the Arizona sun.

This well-known hotel brand places you within walking distance of the Williams Train Station and Grand Canyon Railway, which takes you directly to the national park and close to other highlights, including the Grand Canyon Deer Farm, Bearizona Wildlife Park and Slide Rock State Park. That’s a lot of Grand Canyon for your buck. In winter, you’ll be close to the Elk Ridge Ski Area and Oak Hill Snow Play Area, too, for cold-weather fun and games.

This adults-only tranquil hotel in Williams means lots of peace and quiet for you, and anyone you might be traveling with. Surrounded by pine forest, at an altitude of 7,000ft (2,133m) in the mountains of northern Arizona, this inn offers log-cabin comfort within its wood-clad walls. You’ll never be short of things to do, with the Grand Canyon and the red-rock formations surrounding Sedona, both about an hour away by car. You can also ski, golf, taste local wines, tour iconic slot canyons or hike in the mountains.

Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon has all the essentials and is within striking distance of Bearizona Wildlife Park and Kaibab Lake. You can take an epic train ride from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon – or stay close to Route 66 and the nearby shops displaying highway memorabilia. The rates here are reasonable and the parking is free. Also, enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tub and sun deck before hitting the road.

This fuss-free, comfortable hotel in Williams is just moments away from the horse-drawn carriages, cowboy reenactments, unique shops and restaurants on Route 66. The Grand Canyon itself is a scenic zip along the rail-route from Williams, or you can take a quick drive to the Bearizona Wildlife Park and the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Back at the homestead, you have a pool, a hot tub, a gym and free breakfast at your disposal.

This really is a proper slice of golden-era America. With a choice of the Route 66 motel, Caboose and Railway Car suites, camping or a Nomad RV home, you’ll be surrounded by the mountains of northern Arizona, with excellent views to boot. The park is surrounded by 13 acres (5ha) of ponderosa pine forest, and it has a heated garden patio for sinking beers come evening. Also, the Kaibab National Forest is at its back door.

You’ll find this ever-reliable brand hotel at the base of Bill Williams Mountain, where the surrounding town got its name. One of its prime perks is that it offers an on-the-house breakfast with an all-American pancake station, no less. After a hearty breakfast, go hiking for the day, or hit up the outdoor pool, hot tub and gym if you need to work off the pancakes another way.

Road-trippers, you’ve found your base. The Days Inn is moments away from Route 66, so it’s perfect if you’re driving the long-distance Mother Road, which loops from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The hotel itself offers a generous free breakfast, a pool and spa, and an on-site convenience store to stock up on hiking snacks, whether you’re hitting the road on two feet or four wheels.