The Ellsworth Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The Ellsworth Hotel sits right on Route 66 in downtown Williams, an easy walk to the diners, neon signs, and gift shops that make this town a fun overnight stop on the way to the Grand Canyon Railway depot. It's part of Choice Hotels' Ascend Collection, and with a 4.6 rating from 126 reviews, it's one of the better-reviewed places to stay in town.

What to expect

Guests consistently mention clean, spacious rooms and an older building that's been nicely renovated. There's a small pub with a pool table on site, and free laundry available on each floor — a genuinely useful perk for a multi-night road trip. A few reviewers note the trade-off of staying in a historic building: sound carries between rooms, and passing trains can be audible at night. Don't expect a pool or included breakfast; amenities here are kept simple.

• Location: 710 W Route 66, Williams — walkable to downtown
• Good for: travelers heading to or from the Grand Canyon Railway or driving Route 66
• Note: historic building construction means some noise carries between rooms

For a town this size, it's a solid, well-kept option — reviewers consistently praise the front-desk staff and room cleanliness, which counts for a lot on a canyon road trip.