Today we’re reviewing the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel for families with young children.
Located in downtown Williams, Arizona, this historic hotel is owned and operated by a family with three young children themselves, and it shows in the family-friendly details through the hotel.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly, budget-friendly hotel with lots of character, keep reading. The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel is for you!
Whether you’re planning a trip to the actual Grand Canyon, the Polar Express (five minutes away) or just a northern Arizona getaway, there’s a few things to know before you book this family-friendly hotel.
Keep reading for the best rooms to book (there’s 22 in the entire hotel) and a few hacks for stretching your budget while staying here.
Plus, make sure to use code XOXOEVM when booking for a special welcome gift and treat for your kiddos.
Xo,
Amy
Family-friendly rooms at Historic Grand Canyon Hotel
The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel has just 22 rooms total, so it feels more like staying in someone’s cozy home than a big-box hotel. Families will appreciate that some rooms have lofts (with five beds in the room total), others offer bunkrooms, some have two bedrooms plus a living room area, while others can be booked side-by-side for older kids.
My favorite room: the innkeepers room with a fully equipped kitchenette, complete with essential cookware, glassware, and a selection of spices, allowing you to prepare your favorite meals at your leisure. This room connects to Room 18 via a discreet door, allowing you to host up to 8 family members in Rooms 18 and 19. It’s also an affordable and allergy-friendly option, providing a safe space free from potential contaminants for guests with sensitivities.
Family-Friendly Amenities at the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel
Because the owners are parents themselves, you’ll notice small touches—and a welcoming staff that doesn’t bat an eye when your toddler is melting down after a long car ride.
We stayed in the “grand family suite” room 7, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a basket of toys waiting for my son in the living room. Also, having two bedrooms plus a living area was so nice. It was the best mixture of a hotel plus a full vacation rental.
Don’t miss the family board games in the common area–parents can grab a glass of local Arizona wine and have a quiet family game night.
While you won’t find a big pool or playground here, you will find a place where kids are truly welcome.
Budget-Friendly Hotel in Williams
For a historic hotel right in downtown Williams, the rates are refreshingly budget-friendly.
Expect to pay less here than at many of the big hotel chains nearby, especially during non-holiday weekends.
My tip? Book early if you’re coming during Polar Express season, as rooms sell out months in advance. You can also save by traveling mid-week or bundling a few nights together.
Plus, take advantage of the continental breakfast included for hotel guests. Served in their newly renovated ballroom (which is old world stunning!), it was a great option to steady the travel budget. We took advantage of the complimentary pastries, yogurts, cereals and more each morning.
Where is the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel
The hotel is located smack in the middle of Route 66 in Williams, meaning you can park your car and forget about it.
All within walking distance: Coffee shops, ice cream parlors, diners, and souvenir shops are all a short stroll away. (Our recommendation: Frontier Family Fun BBQ & Beer Garden–we went there three times during our five day stay in the area).
The Grand Canyon Railway depot (where the Polar Express departs!) is less than five minutes away, and you’re just about an hour’s drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
What is there to do in Williams with Kids?
Check out our favorite things to do in Williams with kids on this blog post! And if you plan to visit Bearizona, be sure to read our tips and budget hacks here. We also highly recommend the Grand Canyon Deer Farm, about 20 minutes away.
What to Expect from a Historic Hotel
This isn’t a glossy, modern resort—and that’s part of its charm. You’ll find creaky wooden floors, smaller bathrooms, and stairs instead of elevators. That said, the rooms are clean, the beds are comfy, and you’ll love the vintage décor touches that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For families, it’s a chance to introduce your kids to something truly different than the chain hotels we’re all used to.
Things to Do Nearby with Kids
Staying here puts you right in the heart of Northern Arizona family fun. Beyond the Polar Express and Grand Canyon day trips, kids will love Bearizona, just a short drive away. The Route 66 zipline and small local museums like the Poozeum (dinosaur poo museum with FREE admission) give you plenty of ways to fill an afternoon.
If you’re looking for a slower pace, just walking downtown and soaking up the old-timey Route 66 vibes is an adventure in itself.
Mom Hacks & Tips
- Ask for a ground-floor room if you’ll have strollers or a lot of luggage—no elevators here!
- Pack a sound machine if your kids are light sleepers—remember, it’s a historic building.
- Bring your own snacks and bottled water, since there’s no onsite dining.
- Book as early as you can for holiday season stays—especially Polar Express weekends.
✨ Bottom line: If you’re looking for a family-friendly, budget-friendly, character-filled stay in Williams, the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel is a gem. It’s not fancy, but it’s memorable—and for families with young kids, that’s often the perfect fit.
