Embarking on a road trip across the historic Route 66, often referred to as the \"Mother Road,\" is an iconic American adventure. As you traverse through Arizona, you'll encounter the charming city of Flagstaff, a designated International Dark Sky City. Here, directly on Route 66, stands the High Country Motor Lodge. Originally established in 1962, this property has evolved from a paper mill and various hotel chains into a unique boutique motel. Its transformation, completed in 2022 by Marc & Rose Hospitality, has lovingly preserved its vintage roadside appeal while incorporating contemporary comforts.
The High Country Motor Lodge boasts 123 thoughtfully designed rooms, including exclusive cottage and junior suites. The property offers expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it perfect for gatherings of all sizes. Guests can choose from classic rooms, pool-view accommodations, and accessible or pet-friendly options, ensuring a comfortable stay for every family member. For those desiring more space, the unique \"Cosmic Cottages\" provide a private retreat. Modern amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, a pioneering Nordic spa, a lively game room, a refreshing pool and hot tub, and an inviting on-site restaurant. Its prime location, just over a mile from downtown Flagstaff, allows for effortless exploration of the city and its surrounding natural beauty.
A stay at the High Country Motor Lodge is enhanced by its exceptional amenities, conveniently included with a nightly amenity fee. Guests can unwind by taking a dip in the pool or hot tub after a day of discovery, or energize themselves with a workout in the fitness center. The General Store, open daily, caters to every need, from morning coffee and fresh pastries to artisanal Italian pizzas and local craft beverages in the evening. It also serves as a vibrant social hub, offering grab-and-go options, fire pits, outdoor games, and access to the indoor game room, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. This comprehensive offering makes the lodge an ideal base for exploring renowned Route 66 attractions, including Holbrook and the Painted Desert.
For ultimate relaxation, the lodge introduces Arizona's first Nordic Spa. This 50-minute wellness journey combines heat and cold therapies to promote recovery and rejuvenation. Guests begin in a sauna, followed by a cold shower and a dip in a heated pool, concluding with relaxation in heated chairs by fire pits. Sessions are available for couples, with flexible booking options online and by phone, providing a unique opportunity to unwind after an adventurous day in the Arizona mountains.
The vintage allure of the High Country Motor Lodge extends into its guest rooms, where retro touches like cassette tape players with curated mixtapes evoke a sense of nostalgia. Designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, the spacious rooms comfortably accommodate families, pets, and even winter sports equipment. Interior design elements feature retro-style mini-fridges, exposed wiring, and dark, rustic wood paneling, while exterior colors of deep blue and green harmonize with Flagstaff's forested and celestial landscape. Artwork by celebrated local artist Katie Lee and others adorns the hotel walls, adding to its distinctive character. The lodge's welcoming courtyard serves as a vibrant community space, hosting stargazing events, live music, DJ performances, and weekly movie and game nights. Guests can enjoy night-sky viewing with portable telescopes provided by Flagstaff's renowned Lowell Observatory, famous for the discovery of Pluto. Additionally, the lodge organizes weekly \"Sunday Shakedown\" events, featuring outdoor concert experiences, and \"Fadeaway Sessions,\" a series of live music performances supporting environmental causes. For those continuing their journey to the Grand Canyon, nearby Williams offers another charming stay option at the Trailborn Grand Canyon.