Super 8 by Wyndham NAU Downtown Conference Center

Right on old Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, this Super 8 is a straightforward budget pick for travelers staging a Grand Canyon South Rim trip — Flagstaff sits about 80 miles south of the park, and this hotel puts you within walking distance of the NAU campus and downtown's restaurants and shops rather than out on the highway strip.

What's included

Rooms come with a microwave and mini fridge, and the property has an indoor pool and hot tub — a nice option after a long day of driving or hiking. Free WiFi, free hot breakfast, and free parking are all part of the stay, and reviewers consistently point to the pet-friendly policy (a $20 pet fee, cheaper than most alternatives in town) as a standout for travelers road-tripping with animals.

What guests say

With a 4.1 rating from 964 Google reviews, this is a well-reviewed budget property. Guests describe rooms as clean and comfortable with hot showers, and repeatedly call out the downtown location as convenient for getting around Flagstaff. The trade-off at this price point is noise — several reviews mention hearing traffic or other guests through the walls, so light packers might want earplugs.

• Location: 602 W Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ — downtown, near NAU
• Good for: budget-conscious South Rim road-trippers, pet owners
• Amenities: indoor pool, hot tub, free breakfast, free parking, free WiFi