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

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

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. 

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!

Other accommodation options in Downtown

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

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

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

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

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. 

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!

Other accommodation options in East Flagstaff

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

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! 

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. 

Other accommodation options in University Heights

Things to do in University Heights 

• Go on a tour of the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
• Try some outdoor activities at Fort Tuthill County Park
• Have a fun day at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
• Admire the plants at The Arboretum at Flagstaff
• Gaze at the stars at the Lowell Observatory
• Learn about the history of the area at the Museum of Northern Arizona
• Take a day trip to the Coconino National Forest or Sedona

👑 Luxury price:	US$250
💵 Mid-range:	US$140
🛏️ Budget:	US$90
📍 Best area:	Downtown Flagstaff
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	DoubleTree by Hilton
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Residence Inn by Marriott
👛 Best budget hotel:	Highland Country Inn

BONUS: Best places to stay in Flagstaff for camping

Flagstaff is surrounded by stunning landscapes, so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular camping destination. So, if you prefer being close to nature and want to camp instead of staying at hotels, here are the top campgrounds in and around Flagstaff: 

• Flagstaff KOA Holiday – conveniently located near Downtown Flagstaff, this campground has both RV and tent sites, plus camping cabins, and provides access to an on-site cafe, a convenience store, and a children’s playground
• Black Bart’s RV Park – this RV park has 175 available campsites, each with a water and electrical hook-up, a general store, and a steakhouse where you can dine at discounted rates
• Fort Tuthill County Campground – this campground has a total of 101 campsites, including both RV and tent sites. The campground takes reservations but also works on a first-come, first-served basis
• Canyon Vista Campground – this small campground only offers 14 campsites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Tents, motor homes, and trailers are all welcome at the campground, although there are no utility hookups

BONUS 2: Where to stay in Flagstaff for skiing

Who’s up for a winter week of skiing surrounded by white snow and a view of the best natural wonders? Nestled in the mountains, you could expect that Flagstaff Who’s up for a winter week of skiing surrounded by white snow and a view of the best natural wonders? Nestled in the mountains, Flagstaff is Arizona’s premier destination for snow sports and skiing. Indeed, the area has many long white slopes for advanced, intermediate, and beginner riders. 

There are 2 resorts here: Arizona Snowbowl for downhill skiing and snowboarding and Nordic Village for X-Country. You can stay at either of the 2 skiing resorts, but I also found another great option if you prefer something more private and don’t mind being a bit further away from the slopes – check it out below: 

• Basecamp at Snowbowl – the lodge at the Snowbowl is situated directly across the road from the ski course and offers accommodation in wooden cabins, an on-site bar and a restaurant, and free self-parking
• Arizona Nordic Village – featuring a private ski course, the Nordic Village offers accommodation in lodge suites, cabins, and yurts. At the property, you can also take skiing lessons and rent skiing equipment, including snowboards and snowshoes. 
• Peaks Wildernest House Bed and Breakfast – less than an hour’s drive away from the Snowbowl ski area, this cozy B&B provides access to a shared kitchen, a terrace, and free parking

FAQs about where to stay in Flagstaff, AZ 

Final words on the best places to stay in Flagstaff

We are at the end of this comprehensive guide on where to stay in Flagstaff. Hopefully, this was helpful, and you’ve already decided on an area and a hotel for your next trip. 

But if you still can’t decide on a place to stay, here are my 2 favorite Flagstaff hotels, both situated in Downtown: 

• DoubleTree by Hilton – this upscale 4-star hotel features an on-site hot tub and a sauna, as well as an amazing Japanese restaurant
• Residence Inn by Marriott – a comfortable hotel featuring an indoor pool and a fitness center, and offering complimentary breakfast

Once you decide where to stay, hurry up and make the reservations. The best Flagstaff hotels sell out quickly, and you don’t want to risk missing out. 

If you have any other questions about Flagstaff or where to stay, drop them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible! 

Have an unforgettable trip, 

Hristina

---