Little America Hotel Flagstaff

The well-kept lobby has the feeling of a ski lodge, decorated from floor to ceiling in wood and cushy chairs set next to a wood-burning fireplace. The guest rooms have a similar design. The multiple buildings can make finding your room a bit tricky, but the atmosphere in the pool area, set among the pine trees, is peaceful.

The Little America is surrounded by both tranquil woods and a busy interstate. While there are 500 acres of forest out back, the front of the hotel is alongside I-40 and busy Butler Avenue, and there is little to walk to in terms of other venues besides a gas station across the street. Still, the two-mile hiking trail through the woods takes advantage of the beautiful natural settings.

Flagstaff is considered a gateway town to Grand Canyon National Park, which can be reached in an hour and 20 minutes. Other attractions are closer by, including the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which is a 30-minute drive away.

The 240 large guest rooms and seven specialty suites have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and hairdryers. The bathrooms are clean with large vanities and curtained shower/tub combos. Views of the San Francisco Peaks, the signature landmark in Flagstaff, can be seen from rooms that face northwest.

The Silver Pine Restaurant serves a Sunday brunch that is popular with both guests and locals, while drinks and appetizers are available in the Tiffany Tree Lounge. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but is only free in the restaurant and travel center run by the hotel. There’s also a gift shop and business center with one computer. Outside is a heated pool and hot tub surrounded by pine trees. The kid-friendly hotel has a large playground as well as a sand volleyball court, with croquet, horseshoes, and badminton available on request. At Christmastime, the grounds are decorated with thousands of lights and chorale performances take place.