The Best Hotels for the Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona

Williams, Arizona, is the gateway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Williams, Arizona, is the gateway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon | Courtesy of Comfort Inn Near Grand Canyon / Expedia
Matt Charlton

In the Old West state of Arizona, Williams is the gateway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and other impressive national parks in the state. The wilderness and vistas gathered around this red-rock river valley and geological centerpiece are epic – so saddle up and settle into any of these hinterland hideaways and ranch-style retreats along historic Route 66. Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Williams.

1. Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel

Luxury

A comfy two-bed guest room at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, adorned in shades of yellow
Courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel / Expedia

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.

2. Grand Canyon Hotel

Hotel

A cozy bedroom at the Grand Canyon Hotel, with a wrought-iron bed, chunky wood furnishings and wood floors
Courtesy of Grand Canyon Hotel / Expedia

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.

3. La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Williams-Grand Canyon Area

Chain Hotel

A modern two-bed guest room at La Quinta Inn and Suites, with mauve accent walls, monochrome imagery and bold patterns
Courtesy of La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Williams-Grand Canyon Area / Expedia

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.

5. Sheridan House Inn

Inn

The Sycamore room at the Sheridan House Inn, with wood floors, pops of green, wood furniture and leafy views
Courtesy of Sheridan House Inn / Expedia

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.

6. Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon

Hotel

Rooms at the Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon overlooking the outdoor pool and hot tub with accessible lifts
Courtesy of Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon / Expedia

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.

7. Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area

Hotel

A simple two-bed guest room at the Ramada by Wyndham, with striped drapery and red accents on the bed
Courtesy of Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area / Expedia

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.

8. The Canyon Motel and RV Park

Motel, Camping

A red bridge leading to a red Santa Fe caboose at the Canyon Motel and RV Park, with tree-covered hills in the back
Courtesy of The Canyon Motel and RV Park / Expedia

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.

9. Best Western Plus Inn of Williams

Chain Hotel

The Best Western Plus Inn of Williams overlooking the on-site outdoor pool with loungers and an accessible lift
Courtesy of Best Western Plus Inn of Williams / Expedia

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.

10. Days Inn by Wyndham Williams

Budget Hotel

A king bed set against a padded headboard at Days Inn by Wyndham Williams, with a chocolate-and-blue color scheme
Courtesy of Days Inn by Wyndham Williams / Expedia

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.

For more options, discover our guide on where to stay in the Grand Canyon and book now on Culture Trip.

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