The Weatherford Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Arizona and the most prominent historic building on Flagstaff's downtown skyline. Dating to around 1900, it has welcomed railroad passengers, cowboys, loggers, writers and travelers on the old Route 66 for more than a century, and it has been restored and reopened to guests in recent decades. The building stands on the corner of Leroux Street and Aspen Avenue, only a short walk from Heritage Square, the depot visitor center, the breweries and the restaurants of the historic district. Rooms are in a historic style, with some features that reflect the building's age, and the common spaces include a pub and event rooms where locals mix with guests. It is a good choice for travelers who want character, a walkable location and a story, and who do not mind a few quirks of an old building.
The atmosphere is the draw. Step inside and you are in a building that has seen the growth of Flagstaff from a rough lumber and railroad outpost into a university and tourism town. The Weatherford is also known for ghost stories, told by staff and guests, and it is the focus of its own evening ghost tour, so travelers who like local folklore will find it a fitting base.
The ground-floor pub and the event spaces bring a social energy, with live music and gatherings on many evenings, which suits visitors who want to be in the middle of the action but can be noisy for light sleepers. Check what the hotel currently offers in terms of dining, bars and amenities when you book, since services in historic hotels change.
Rooms and practicalities
Expect rooms with period character rather than modern resort polish, which can mean smaller bathrooms, older windows and the creaks of an early twentieth-century building. Ask about quieter rooms away from the street and the bar if you value sleep, and about elevator or stair access if mobility is a concern.
Downtown parking is a mix of street and lot options, so ask about arrangements for your car. In summer and during university events, downtown can be busy, so book early. In winter the snow around the old brick makes the area especially picturesque, and being within walking distance of restaurants means you can leave the car parked.
Who it suits
Couples, history buffs and friends who want atmosphere and nightlife on their doorstep, and travelers who plan to use Flagstaff as a base for the Grand Canyon, Sedona and the national monuments but prefer to return to a lively downtown at night. Families with older children can enjoy it too, though the bar scene means younger kids may prefer a quieter chain hotel. Combine a stay here with the Weatherford ghost tour, a Route 66 walk and a brewery tour for a full downtown weekend, and use the hotel as a launch pad for day trips north to Wupatki and Sunset Crater or east to Walnut Canyon.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic downtown landmark from around 1900
- ✓Walk to Heritage Square and the depot
- ✓Pub and event spaces on the ground floor
- ✓Rooms in a period style
- ✓Steps from breweries and restaurants
- ✓Linked to local ghost stories
- ✓Short drive to Lowell Observatory
- ✓Base for Grand Canyon and Sedona day trips
Good questions
Is the Weatherford Hotel haunted?+
It has a long tradition of ghost stories told by guests and staff, and a ghost tour is built around it. Whether you believe them is part of the fun.
Is it close to the sights?+
It is in the middle of downtown Flagstaff, within walking distance of restaurants, breweries and the depot visitor center.
Will it be noisy?+
The pub and the nearby streets can be lively at night, and trains pass through town, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
