Howard Johnson by Wyndham Williams

This Howard Johnson sits right on Grand Canyon Boulevard in Williams, an easy walk from the Grand Canyon Railway depot and the neon-lit Route 66 storefronts downtown. It's a straightforward budget hotel rather than a destination in itself, but for a one- or two-night home base before heading north to the South Rim, it covers the basics well.

What to expect

Rooms are spread across two separate buildings with no elevator, so ask about ground-floor options if stairs are a concern. Reviewers consistently mention clean, comfortable rooms and a genuinely good free breakfast — one guest called the spread of waffles, fruit, and pastries "amazing," while another cited the comfortable bed and breakfast as the reasons for their rating. The indoor heated pool and hot tub are a plus for families or anyone easing sore legs after a day at the canyon. Parking is available but can feel tight when the lot fills up.

• Rating: 3.6 stars from over 1,100 Google reviews
• Amenities: free breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub, free parking and Wi-Fi
• Location: walking distance to the Grand Canyon Railway depot and downtown Williams

Don't expect boutique polish — a few guests noted uneven housekeeping and a dated bathroom layout — but for the price, it's a practical, well-located stopover for Grand Canyon Railway travelers or anyone road-tripping Route 66.