The Canyon Motel & RV Park

The Canyon Motel & RV Park is a simple 1940s motel in Williams, the small Route 66 railroad town most travelers use as a launch pad for the South Rim, about 60 miles north. What sets it apart from a standard roadside motel is the lineup of retired railway cars converted into rooms, parked permanently on the property alongside the regular motel wing.

Rooms, railcars, and RV sites

Guests describe the railcar rooms as having a "tiny home" feel, with bunk beds that reviewers say are a hit with kids — one traveler mentioned a themed "Tow'Mater" cabin their son loved. Beyond the railcar and standard motel rooms, there's a working RV park with spacious, easy-to-maneuver pull-through sites. An indoor pool is on site, though recent reviewers note it's been closed for maintenance or the off-season, so it's worth calling ahead if that's the draw. The property carries a 4.0 rating from about 860 Google reviews: families consistently praise the railcar rooms and RV guests like the pull-through sites, though several reviews flag inconsistent upkeep in specific rooms and RV loops, so it's worth being clear-eyed about expectations for the price.

Good to know

• Location: 1900 Rodeo Rd, Williams — close to downtown's Route 66 diners and shops
• Distance to the South Rim: about an hour, roughly 60 miles
• Booking tip: the railcar rooms are the main draw, so call or book ahead for those specifically

It's not a polished resort, but for a budget-friendly, novelty stop on the way to the canyon — especially traveling with kids — the railcar rooms are a distinctive option in a town built around the railroad.