Tucked into downtown Williams on Historic Route 66, The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel is the oldest hotel in Arizona — and it doesn't hide its age, it leans into it. Guests consistently mention the same things: a grand staircase, a book-lined library, and a lobby with 24/7 coffee where the front desk staff will happily talk your ear off about the building's history. It's earned a 4.5 rating across 825 Google reviews, an unusually strong showing for a small independent property.
What to expect
Rooms are older-building charm rather than chain-hotel uniformity — reviewers single out the two-bedroom suite (room 14) as a standout, and several call the place "small but well-appointed." A hot breakfast, including boiled eggs and cinnamon rolls, is served in the original ballroom and is included with a stay. The library doubles as a wine-and-coffee lounge, and the hotel has also hosted small weddings in its event spaces.
- Location: 145 Historic Rte 66, Williams — walkable to the town's restaurants and shops
- Rating: 4.5 stars (825 reviews)
- Good to know: recently renovated while keeping its 19th-century character; breakfast included
Williams sits about an hour from the Grand Canyon's South Rim and an hour from Sedona, making this a solid home base for exploring both — and reviewers say the hotel itself, not just the location, is worth the stop.
