Where to Stay in Flagstaff, AZ → 4 BEST Areas + Hotels

aiherrera 0 Comments

Aerial view of a town with low-rise buildings, surrounded by forest and mountains under a colorful, cloudy sky at sunset.

Nestled in the Arizona mountains, Flagstaff is an amazing destination that gives you access to many outdoor activities, cool bars, restaurants, breweries, festivals, and much more! So, if this sounds like the ideal holiday destination for you, it’s time to start considering where to stay in Flagstaff.

To help you out, I compared all the Flagstaff areas and selected the 4 best neighborhoods.

The best place to stay in Flagstaff, especially if you’re visiting for the first time, is Downtown. This area is home to numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and some of the top hotels in Flagstaff.

In addition to featuring the top Flagstaff neighborhoods, I also handpicked hotels for each recommended area and for every budget. All you need to do is hurry up and book as soon as possible – the city is becoming increasingly popular, and the good Flagstaff hotels sell out fast!

Let’s start this journey!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you’re eager to book your stay, check out the best hotels in Flagstaff, all situated in the Downtown area:

Here’s a map of the 4 Flagstaff neighborhoods I will be talking about in the post so you can visualize them better:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Flagstaff for the first time

Aerial view of Hotel Monte Vista, a historic brick building with a neon sign, surrounded by other buildings and trees under a pink and blue sky at dusk.

Downtown Flagstaff is the heart of the city, offering authentic experiences for everyone and a great laid-back atmosphere! With endless options for dining, shopping, local art, events, and entertainment, any first-time visitor can find what they want here!

This is also the historic part of the city, where you can wander around the atmospheric streets and encounter many historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

No matter what time of year or day you head to Downtown Flagstaff, it will entertain you with fun activities. During summer, you can have picnics or attend concerts at Wheeler Park (map), or, if you’re traveling with kids, head to Thorpe Park (map), where the little ones can enjoy the playground.

If you want to spend some time indoors, head to the Old Town Shops (map). This shopping mall hosts a variety of cool shops and restaurants, so you can spend a few pleasant hours browsing and enjoying a nice meal.

Another great place to try delicious food and get some souvenirs is the Flagstaff Community Farmers Market (map). The market is open every Sunday morning, 8 a.m. through 12 p.m., with plenty of local vendors and live music, and is an amazing place to spend a relaxing morning.

Aerial view of a small town with a railway station in the foreground, buildings, and tree-lined streets, set against a backdrop of mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

PRO TIP: If you happen to be visiting Flagstaff on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss out on the Art Walk. This event takes place throughout the city, and many of the local art galleries and businesses hold special performances and art exhibitions. It’s a must if you’re in town!

Being a bike- and pedestrian-friendly area, the Downtown area has more people walking and riding bikes rather than driving! Walk by locals relaxing on their outdoor patios and enjoying the sunny weather, and you’ll immediately get in the same mood!

Downtown Flagstaff abounds with restaurants, bars, cafes, and microbreweries, so there’ll always be a new and interesting place to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Now, let’s check out the top Downtown Flagstaff hotels!

Luxury hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton

A 4-star hotel in the heart of Flagstaff offering comfortably furnished rooms, each featuring a work desk and satellite TV. During your stay, you can relax in the hot tub or the sauna and enjoy a delicious Japanese meal at the on-site restaurant or order a cocktail from their extensive list.

Other accommodation options in Downtown

Mid-Range

Residence Inn by Marriott

Situated in Downtown Flagstaff, this hotel boasts an indoor pool and a hot tub and provides a free daily breakfast

Budget

Highland Country Inn

Get yourself comfortable in the spacious suites featuring big beds and flat-screen TVs, and enjoy a complimentary coffee every day

Airbnb

Downtown Modern Studio

Beautiful flat in historic Downtown Flagstaff, with restaurants and shopping within walking distance, free parking and Wi-Fi

Things to do in Downtown

Have a picnic at Wheeler Park and take the kids to Thorpe Park
Spend an afternoon at the Old Town Shops
Try some local food at the Flagstaff Community Farmers Market
Embark on a haunted history walking tour of Downtown Flagstaff
Admire the art and street performances at the Art Walk
Join a guided tour of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

2. Southside – coolest area to stay in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff’s Southside is a historic neighborhood situated about a 10-min walk South of Downtown. The area has a very trendy yet laid-back vibe and is full of super cool spots – bars, restaurants, craft breweries, and more. So, if you’re on the hunt for a hip and cool neighborhood, Southside is the best area to stay in Flagstaff, AZ.

As I mentioned, there are plenty of spots in Southside where you can have a fun time, but seeing as there are so many, it can be tough to choose. That’s why I’d recommend trying some of the craft beers at the Beaver Street Brewery (map) or Lumberyard Brewing Co (map).

If you’re craving a delicious meal, you should definitely stop by Pizzicletta (map) and enjoy one of their authentic wood-fired pizzas, or have a traditional American meal at The Toasted Owl Cafe (map).

When you need some outdoor time, the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park (map) is located right on the outskirts of the neighborhood, or better yet, you can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon!

The Flagstaff Amtrak (map) train station is situated on the well-known Route 66 that goes through the Southside and serves as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Many people arrive here before exploring the Grand Canyon National Park – there are plenty of guided tours, so you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore this stunning natural wonder.

NOTE: Unfortunately, there are no luxury hotels in the area, so if you want to splurge on your Flagstaff trip, consider staying in Downtown.

Other accommodation options in Southside

Mid-range

Drury Inn & Suites

While staying at this hotel, you can use an indoor pool and a fitness center, plus a complimentary breakfast

Budget

The Lofts

A modern and comfortable apartment with a full kitchen, a bedroom with a king-size bed, and laundry facilities

Airbnb

JoStack 4

This retro-style apartment has a comfy bed, a small kitchen, and a dining area, plus free Wi-Fi access

Things to do in Southside

Sample some of the craft beers at Beaver Street Brewery or Lumberyard Brewing Co
Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzicletta or The Toasted Owl Cafe
Spend a day outdoors at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park
Embark on a guided tour of the Grand Canyon

3. East Flagstaff – where to stay in Flagstaff with family

Person walking on a gravel path in a grassy field, pushing a stroller. Mountains and trees are visible in the background under a blue sky with a few clouds.

East Flagstaff is a quiet neighborhood with a local vibe, a little further away (a 10-min drive) from the busy Downtown. The neighborhood’s sleepy atmosphere makes it the best place to stay in Flagstaff for a peaceful vacation with the family at affordable prices!

Here, you can find several beautiful parks where you can enjoy long walks while breathing the pristine mountain air. Your kids will love the playground and skatepark at Foxglenn Park (map) and Bushmaster Park (map), two awesome green parks offering activities for all ages and tastes.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and want to do some hiking, head to Buffalo Park (map). This park features a hiking loop trail and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, there are some great picnic spots, so you and the family can stop for lunch and rest.

East Flagstaff is also ideally located for exploring the town’s surroundings! Thanks to its proximity to the famous Route 66, East Flagstaff provides many opportunities for a fun day trip. However, if you’re staying here and want to explore, you should definitely have a vehicle; if you didn’t drive here, it’s best to rent a car.

A wooden bridge leads over a rocky landscape with sparse vegetation, mountain peaks, and clear blue sky in the background.

Some of the top spots to visit around East Flagstaff include the incredible Sunset Crater Volcano (map), where you can see the ancient lava flows, and the Walnut Canyon National Monument (map). Besides the canyon’s natural beauty, you will also see some old stone dwellings, and you’ll even be able to go inside and admire the buildings.

NOTE: The only way up and down the Walnut Canyon National Monument is via stairs. There are nearly 300 stairs, so the hike can be strenuous – not suitable if you’re traveling with young kids.

One of the best things you can do with family in Flagstaff if you’re in town over Christmas time is spend a day at The North Pole Experience. This event takes place every year at the Little America Hotel on select days during November and December. The kids will meet Santa, see his workshop, build toys with the elves, and more – it truly is a unique experience.make a stop in tranquil settings without necessarily visiting the city!

Luxury hotel

Little America Hotel Flagstaff

Nestled in a Ponderosa Pine forest, this Flagstaff resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and coziness. Relax in the seasonal outdoor pool, take advantage of the free private parking to explore the surrounding natural landscapes, and sleep in comfy air-conditioned rooms.

Other accommodation options in East Flagstaff

Budget

Best Western Pony Soldier Inn

Offering free breakfast and a pool, this hotel is family-friendly and also pet-friendly, plus the staff is very helpful

Airbnb

Family Joy

Lovely house with free Wi-Fi and access to an enormous backyard, perfect for a stay with your four-legged friend

Things to do in East Flagstaff

Take the kids to the playground at Foxglenn Park or Bushmaster Park
Spend the morning hiking in Buffalo Park
Go to the gym, try rock climbing, or take a dip in the pool at Aquaplex
Take a day trip to the Sunset Crater Volcano
Hike up to the top of the Walnut Canyon National Monument
Take your kids on a Christmas adventure at the North Pole Experience
Do some shopping at the Flagstaff Mall (map)

4. University Heights & surrounds – for a budget stay

Modern building with glass windows near a street and trees, with a snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

The University Heights area and its surroundings are centered around Northern Arizona University, about a 15-min walk Southwest of Downtown Flagstaff. Even though it’s a bit further away from the city center, the area is popular with students and budget travelers, giving a very lively atmosphere.

When you want to start exploring the neighborhood, I suggest you start at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, a historic mansion that offers guided tours of the building and the grounds.

Seeing as there aren’t too many tourist attractions in the area, you’ll have to get a bit outside of town and explore some of the nearby landmarks. If you decide to do this, it’s a good idea to rent a car, so you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The first spot you should visit is Fort Tuthill County Park (map), where you can hike, bike, or have fun at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course; here, you can try ziplining and attempt to complete one of the suspended obstacle courses!

A large wooden frame set in a grassy landscape, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.

If you’re into plants, you cannot miss The Arboretum at Flagstaff, but if you’re more into science and stars, then you absolutely have to spend a day at the Lowell Observatory. On your visit here, you’ll see many cool exhibitions, admire historic telescopes, and even do some stargazing.

FUN FACT: Pluto, now classified as a dwarf planet, was discovered at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff in 1930!

Another thing to check out is the Museum of Northern Arizona, which chronicles the history of the area and hosts some cool events.

If you’re up for some day trips, I’d recommend the Coconino National Forest (map), which is a great place to admire the Ponderosa Pine forest and the famous red rocks. While in the area, you should also visit the nearby town of Sedona, which is another great base for outdoor activities.

Luxury hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Flagstaff

This lovely hotel offers exceptional accommodations with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi for a comfortable stay! The Hilton Garden Inn Flagstaff is also located only a short drive from major points of interest, so take the car and go for a panoramic ride through the Grand Canyon National Park or on the historic Route 66!