The staff at the Grand Canyon Hotel is quick to tell you they are the oldest hotel in the state, having first opened their doors in 1891. Back when Williams was a logging, mining and fur-trapping town in the late 1800’s, the Grand Canyon Hotel was the only lodging in the area. It was especially useful when the Santa Fe Railroad laid its track to the Canyon. The hotel closed in 1970 when Interstate 40 by-passed the town, leaving its rooms vacant and board games to gather dust. It wasn’t until 2004 when Amy and Oscar Fredrickson purchased the hotel and renovated it that the hotel began welcoming visitors once again.
This historic, two-story, European style hotel is located in the heart of Williams and just two blocks from the Grand Canyon train depot. It is obvious this family owned hotel has been lovingly restored and cared for and holds quite a bit of character.
If you are into getting in touch with nature, history or if those you are traveling with aren’t the types that crave technology, this might be an ideal property because at the Grand Canyon Hotel all of the guest rooms television-free. To up the quirkiness factor just a bit, each of their 25 rooms are individually decorated with a different theme. One may have a Mexican theme while the other is straight out of the Orient. Be sure to express your desired accommodations with the staff when you make your reservations as only some rooms have bathtubs and showers en-suite. In some cases, two rooms share a bathroom and some utilize a bathroom down the hall.
The Cottage accommodations at the Grand Canyon Hotel sleep four guests in an 825 square foot space. A bathroom is included in the cottage as is a television, DVD player, washer and dryer and dishwasher.
A family loft is available to small groups and families and comes with a mini-fridge and private bathroom. For those on a really tight budget or interested in a backpacking experience with strangers, this property also offers a Hostel package. They call it the “Backpacker/Hostel” room and provide six twin beds and two full private bathrooms with a shower. Air conditioning is also included.
Amenities
- Ballroom
- Exhibit space and audio/visual equipment
- Beer and wine bar
- Board games
The Scoop
There is no fitness center here or a coffee maker in your room, but patrons find board games in the lobby along with a TV and computer for general use.
Who is it good for?
Because of the exhibit space and complimentary audio/visual equipment, this makes a unique, ideal property to hold business meetings, retreats or small group gatherings. Because of the deliberate lack of technology, this is an ideal property for those wishing to escape their smartphones and iPads.