This recently refurbished hotel offers the distinctive experience of staying right near a historic train depot in the heart of Williams, AZ. It’s just a block away from all the downtown Williams has to offer and the iconic Route 66, as well as about an hour drive from the Grand Canyon itself. Luxurious even in the most basic of rooms, this hotel also offers extra amenities like an indoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, a game room, and delicious restaurants.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel Ambiance
Although this hotel is of newer construction, it is designed to honor the heritage of this historic railway town. The aesthetic is inspired by the nearby Fray Marcos Hotel, which is today a National Historic Landmark open to visitors. The Fray Marcos Hotel was originally built in Williams in 1908, and is located directly adjacent to the railway depot. Like its predecessor before it, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel stands as the most elegant hotel in all of Williams.
Décor epitomizes early twentieth century elegance alongside the modern convenience of new furnishings and features. Southwestern flair really characterizes much of the hotel, both in the public spaces and in the individual guest rooms. In the lobby, for example, you’ll find warm wood furnishings, a pale stone fireplace, wrought iron light fixtures, and turn-of-the-century-inspired furniture.
This hotel is very sought after by guests in Williams, particularly because of the vacation packages available directly through the hotel. These packages include options like round-trip transportation on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon and a guided tour of the South Rim, and are a convenient way to see the sights without the hassle of trip planning.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel Rooms
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel boasts nearly 300 guest rooms, available in standard, deluxe, or suite varieties. There’s also the truly special Rail Baron Suite, which is designed to make guests feel like VIPs. This luxe suite is over 1000 square feet in size, with designer furniture and unique furnishings, all inspired by the historic railway that gives the hotel its name. Additional luxurious features include a 50” television, a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a granite countertop and a king-sized bed. This suite is perfect for romantic getaways or special occasions.
Standard rooms come with two queen-sized beds, charming custom furnishings in warm southwestern palates, and conveniences like a desk and mini-fridge. You’ll also enjoy the handy Keurig coffee maker, plus essentials like a telephone, alarm clock, and the all-important air-conditioning. Bathrooms are also recently remodeled, boasting impressive granite countertops and all the usual amenities. There is a flat-screen TV with a wide selection of channels – including STARZ – for your evening relaxing. Deluxe rooms offer all the same features as the standard rooms, but have been more recently updated (in 2016).
There are ten available suites at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, each with a distinctive railway-inspired design and aesthetic. The suites are larger, coming in at 550+ feet, and include a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, sink, and coffee maker. These suites are ideal options for families staying in Williams for a longer duration and who may prefer more space and the facilities to prepare some meals in-room.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel Amenities
A delightful benefit of staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is the indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a perfect combination for relaxing and unwinding after a long day of sightseeing, particularly in the summer heat. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of an on-site fitness center, for those who prefer to keep to their fitness regimen on vacation.
What’s truly special about this hotel for families, however, is their children’s playground. This site is designed to allow families to enjoy themselves, unwind, and spend time together. You’ll find a horseshoe pit, a volleyball court, and a basketball court, as well. If the weather is cold or otherwise unfavorable, there’s also an indoor game room with features like a pinball machine and video games.
Guests will find plenty of dining options within the hotel itself, with Spenser’s Pub and the Grand Depot Café offering a wide variety of casual cuisine. Spenser’s Pub is a cozy, welcoming environment offer a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and more. The menu offers a diverse selection of classic American cuisine, from sandwiches and salads to pizza and fun appetizers. Spenser’s Pub opens at 4 pm for dinner, and is open late into the evening for your enjoyment. During the warmer months, visitors can also take advantage of their delightful patio with cool mountain breezes.
The Grand Depot Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is a buffet-style restaurant. Menu options vary seasonally, but some fun long-term favorites include their taco & burrito bar and pasta bar. A fun detail for kids is the replica train that circles the dining room. You’re also directly adjacent to the train depot’s coffee bar, perfect for early morning caffeine runs before you head off to the Grand Canyon.
This hotel also boasts free WiFi, which helps keep guests connected at all times, making everything from trip planning to finding a new restaurant simpler. Parking is free and plentiful. For those who need to keep in touch with the outside world while traveling, a business center offers computers and a printer. There’s even a “pet resort,” which helps you pamper Fido while you’re enjoying your own relaxing vacation.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel Neighborhood
Williams is full of charming attractions and restaurants. An especially popular destination for many is the Elephant Rocks golf course, an 18-hole course just a mile from the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Families and nature-lovers of all stripes will appreciate the nearby Bearizona wildlife park and the surrounding Kaibab National Forest.
Of course, the historic train depot that was originally built to service the Santa Fe Railway in the nineteenth century is also open for tours. The Grand Canyon Brewing Company is a fun option for the over 21 crowd, too.
Nearby hotels include the La Quinta Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and more.