Motels on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona

The flashing neon lights signaling a "motor hotel" were a welcome relief to the automobile traveler driving along Route 66 in its heyday in the 1950s. While some towns and motels along the famous route are frequented only by the whistling wind, the Arizona city of Williams thrives and many of its original motels sport modern amenities to welcome today's traveler.

In the Forest

• Built in the 1940s, Canyon Motel and RV park tucks into the tall ponderosa pines at the east end of town. Constructed from flagstone rock, three motel rooms are grouped together in each free-standing cottage. The fully modernized rooms have one king or one double bed as well as a pullout sofa. Railroad enthusiasts can enjoy a night in an authentic train car or caboose that sleeps up to six people. The facility has a campsite as well as an indoor pool, horseshoe pit, laundry and playground.

On the Western Edge

• Built in 1950 but fully restored in 2011, the Highlander Motel still sports its original neon sign. The motel's 11 rooms brim with Southwestern flair and have two double beds or one queen bed. Each room comes with a refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker for enjoying an in-room snack. Kick back and relax in your room with cable TV and Wi-Fi or walk to restaurants and shops in the city's historic downtown just outside your door.
• Bring the Whole Family

• Route 66 Inn lies just two blocks from the Amtrak shuttle station in town, making it a convenient place to hang your hat when riding the rails across the country. The hotel has rooms ranging from one to four beds to suit your party's size. Each room has in its own unique style that retains the flavor of yesteryear with old-fashioned furniture and appointments. The motel has a memorabilia shop dedicated to all things Route 66 where you can pick up souvenirs. If you want to visit the Grand Canyon while you're in the area, the Grand Canyon Railway is just across the street from the motel.

In the Lap of Luxury

• If you suffer from allergies, you can breathe easy at the Lodge on Route 66. All rooms are non-smoking and pets are not allowed in the rooms. Relax on a pillow-top mattress in a fully modernized room that features solid wood furniture, Turkish travertine countertops, hardwood flooring and upscale decorator touches. For a special night, enjoy a suite with fireplace, stainless steel kitchen appliances, double-head walk-in showers and whirlpool tub. The motel lies less than a mile east of the Grand Canyon Railway depot.