Flagstaff may not be one of Arizona’s most famous destinations, but that doesn’t mean it’s not well worth a visit. In fact, if you’re looking for a city that’s surrounded by natural beauty, bursting with culture, and full of history, then Flagstaff is the place to be.
Flagstaff is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery you’ll ever see in every season. Of course, that means that there’s a huge variety of outdoor activities for you to indulge in. Add in the amazing food, the rich Native American culture, and the opportunity to gaze at the night sky without light pollution, and you have an almost perfect holiday destination.
This city doesn’t get a lot of attention in the travel world, so figuring out exactly where to stay in Flagstaff can be tricky.
To help you out, we’ve created this guide on the best places to stay in Flagstaff. We’ve included four awesome areas, to help you find the place that’s best for you.
- Where to Stay in Flagstaff
- Flagstaff Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Flagstaff
- Flagstaff’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Flagstaff.
- What To Pack For Flagstaff
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Flagstaff
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Flagstaff
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Where to Stay in Flagstaff
Need to make a quick decision about your Flagstaff accommodation? Here are our best picks.
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Grand Canyon 608 | Best Airbnb in Flagstaff
Situated in Flagstaff Townsite, this Airbnb provides a local feel. It’s perfect for up to four guests and has all the comforts of home. The Airbnb also boasts a private fenced yard where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing and hiking.
Downtown Modern Farmhouse | Best Luxury Airbnb in Flagstaff
This one-bedroom cottage sleeps up to four guests. It’s within walking distance of dozens of shops and restaurants as well as local parks and hiking trails. With a kitchen, laundry facilities, free parking, and a patio, this cottage has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay.
Courtyard Flagstaff | Best Hotel in Flagstaff
This hotel sits in University heights and i sclose to downtown. Rooms are modern and spacious, and come with a private balcony. There’s a heated pool and fitness center on-site, as well as a lobby lounge bar.
Don’t forget to check out VRBOs in Flagstaff, too!
Flagstaff Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Flagstaff
Downtown
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff for your first time, the Downtown area is the easy winner. This is where you’ll find the greatest density of hotels, shops, and restaurants, making for easy entertainment. This part of the city is also the most atmospheric.
University Heights
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff on a budget, then you need to get a little away from the main areas. Staying in University Heights will give you access to some great restaurants and attractions as well as lots of transport links into the center of the city.
Flagstaff Townsite
When you’re traveling with family, you want a more local area, with a relaxed vibe. However, you always want to be close to lots of attractions and things to keep every member of the family happy and occupied. That’s exactly what the Flagstaff Townsite area offers.
South Side
The neighborhood of South Side is a great place to start when you’re looking for Flagstaff accommodation options. It’s close to the Downtown area, with all its attractions, but it has a more relaxed and easy-going atmosphere, with great bars, restaurants, and breweries to explore.
Flagstaff is a surprising city. It got its start in the lumber industry, but when that started to falter, the city turned its attention to tourists. It’s really no wonder because this relatively small city has a lot to offer travelers!
Flagstaff’s Downtown has a bit of everything, from history to culture, great food, and bars. With so much on offer, it’s the best place to stay if you’re visiting Flagstaff for the first time.
University Heights is further from the city’s historic center and offers cheaper accommodation and dining because of the distance. You will need to have a car or rely on public transport more if you stay in this area, so make sure you factor that into your plans.
The city’s South Side is the best choice if you’re wondering where to stay in Flagstaff for nightlife. This is where you’ll find a good collection of pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as easy access to the nightlife in the historic center.
Then you have Flagstaff Townsite, a more local area that’s close to Downtown, but removed from it at the same time. Due to its local and quieter feel, it’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Flagstaff with kids.
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Flagstaff’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. We’ve included our top accommodation and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Downtown – Where to Stay in Flagstaff for your First Visit
COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – Wander through the historic streets and see what catches your eye.
BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – San Francisco Peaks for skiing and some amazing hikes like the Lava River Cave trail or the Humphreys Summit Trail.
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff for your first time, the Downtown area is the easy winner. This is where you’ll find the greatest density of hotels, shops, and restaurants, making for easy entertainment. This part of the city is also the most atmospheric. Flagstaff’s downtown is filled with historic buildings that date back to the early 1900s making even a trip to the local store a historic experience.
Downtown also offers lots of tours to other parts of the city and to the best natural attractions. This includes lots of tour operators offering trips to visit the Grand Canyon!
Great Flagstaff Location | Best Airbnb in Downtown
Suitable for two guests, this beautifully decorated apartment is one of the most budget-friendly Flagstaff accommodation options. It has everything you need, from free parking to a fully equipped kitchen and linens. You’ll also get to enjoy specially commissioned wall art and a patio where you can take in the Downtown atmosphere.
Downtown Modern Farmhouse | Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown
This stunning Flagstaff Airbnb is within walking distance of shops and restaurants as well as local parks and hiking trails. With a kitchen, laundry facilities, free parking, and a patio, this cottage has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay.
Residence Inn by Marriott | Best Hotel in Downtown
Located in the best neighborhood to stay in Flagstaff for all kinds of travelers, this comfortable hotel has a hot tub, indoor pool, and guest rooms that have seating areas and full kitchens. It’s just a short distance from attractions like the North Pole Experience, and there’s a shopping center within walking distance in case you need some essentials during your trip.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Flagstaff:
- Check out Wheeler Park for events, festivals, and picnics.
- Learn about the history of the area at the Museum of Northern Arizona or the Pioneer Museum.
- Excite your creative soul at the Coconino Center for the Arts.
- Relax with a drink at the Uptown Pubhouse or the Sportsman Bar & Grill.
- Try some local dishes at The Oakmont or Satchmo’s.
- See what’s on at the Orpheum Theater.
- Rent an Alpine Pedaler to explore the city.
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View on Osprey2. University Heights – Where to Stay in Flagstaff on a Budget
COOLEST Thing to Do in University Heights – Test your nerves at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.
BEST Place to Visit in University Heights – The Arboretum at Flagstaff for amazing views and plant life.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff on a budget, then you’ll need to move away from the main areas. Staying in University Heights will give you access to some great restaurants and attractions as well as lots of transport links into the center of the city. Of course, the accommodation and food in this part of the city tend to be tailored for students, so you’ll save a bit of cash during your stay!
Flagstaff isn’t a large city, so you’re not staying miles away from all the action when you’re in University Heights. It’s also close to the Northern Arizona University, a public research university that is on the cutting edge of new developments and a hub for the state’s free thinkers.
Cozy Suite in the Mountains | Best Airbnb in University Heights
This apartment sleeps two guests and is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural landscapes you’ll ever see. It offers complete privacy and keypad check-in as well as hiking and biking trails close by. It’s located close to the university and to the Downtown area and provides a kitchen, laundry facilities, and parking.
Parker House in the Pines | Best Luxury Airbnb in University Heights
With three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, this house is a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff with kids. It’s only a few minutes from the university and from the Downtown area and offers comfort and privacy for your stay in the city. It also has its own backyard, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Courtyard Flagstaff | Best Hotel in University Heights
This hotel is across the road from the university and minutes from the Downtown area. It has big rooms with fridges and private balconies as well as a heated swimming pool and fitness center on-site. When you stay in this hotel you can relax in the lobby lounge bar and have a cocktail by the fireplace after a long day of exploring. Plus, there’s a free shuttle service to the airport when you’re ready to head home.
Things to See and Do in University Heights:
- Play a round of golf at Pine Canyon or the Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club.
- Fill your stomach at the Delhi Palace or Flag Tag AZ.
- Head out to try the trails or explore the cliff dwellings at the Walnut Canyon National Monument.
- Head out to see the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, created some 50,000 years ago.
- Play some games at the Geekery.
3. Flagstaff Townsite – Best Neighborhood in Flagstaff for Families
COOLEST Thing to Do in Flagstaff Townsite – Head up to Buffalo Park for hiking, wildlife, and mountain views.
BEST Place to Visit in Flagstaff Townsite – Lowell Observatory to see the astounding beauty of the night sky as it’s meant to be.
When you’re traveling with family, you usually want a more local area with a relaxed vibe. However, it’s also ideal to be close to lots of attractions and activities to keep every member of the family happy and occupied. That’s exactly what the Flagstaff Townsite area offers. Located within walking distance of the Downtown area, this part of the city is more local but still offers a huge variety of things to do.
With convenient access to restaurants, shops, and transport options, this is a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff for families. The area also offers a good collection of local accommodation options too, so you can have your choice.
Grand Canyon 608 | Best Airbnb in Flagstaff Townsite
Located in one of Flagstaff’s best neighborhoods for a local feel, this apartment is within walking distance of the Downtown area and has two bedrooms and one bathroom, perfect for up to four guests. It has a private fenced yard where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing and hiking.
Beautiful Aspen Getaway | Best Luxury Airbnb in Flagstaff Townsite
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo has a sleeper sofa, so it can sleep up to four guests. It’s within walking distance of the city’s downtown area, so is close to everything. The neighborhood is quiet and local, and the apartment boasts new fixtures, comfortable furnishings, and a patio so you can enjoy the outdoors.
Super 8 by Wyndham | Best Hotel in Flagstaff Townsite
If you want to be close to everything while staying within your budget, then this hotel is one of the best places to stay in Flagstaff. It has free parking and a swimming pool as well as comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. There are also several restaurants nearby, so you won’t go hungry during your stay.
Things to See and Do in Flagstaff Townsite:
- Take the kids for a picnic, to enjoy the playground, or to play some sports at Thorpe Park.
- Have a meal at Mama Burger or Josephine’s Modern American Bistro.
- Teach the kids how to fish in Frances Short Pond.
- Try a few local concoctions at the Mother Road Brewing Company.
- Play golf, tennis, or enjoy the pool at the Continental Golf Club.
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Grab an eSIM!4. South Side – Best Area in Flagstaff for Nightlife
COOLEST Thing to Do in South Side – See a show at the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival.
BEST Place to Visit in South Side – The North Pole Experience to see Santa’s Workshop.
The neighborhood of South Side is a great place to start when you’re looking for Flagstaff accommodation options. It’s close to the Downtown area with all its attractions, but it has a more relaxed and easy-going atmosphere. With great bars, restaurants, and breweries, this is the best area in Flagstaff to stay in for nightlife.
If you want to head out of the city and see the Grand Canyon, then you’ll find everything you need in South Side. Here you’ll find the Flagstaff Visitor Center, where you can book a canyon tour.
Walk Downtown – Cozy House | Best Airbnb in South Side
This house will add a homey feel to your Flagstaff explorations. Located close to Downtown, it’s a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Flagstaff for nightlife and yet has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Two guests can stay in this house, which has a fully stocked kitchen, a garden, and comfortable furnishings.
Craft Beer Getaway | Best Luxury Airbnb in South Side
If you like beer, then you’ll love this apartment located close to Flagstaff’s Downtown area. It sits right above the Historic Brewing Company’s, so you’ll have over 20 craft beers on tap whenever you feel like throwing one back. The two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to six guests and is within walking distance of lots of the city’s trendiest shops and restaurants.
Highland Country Inn | Best Hotel in South Side
When you’re deciding where to stay in Flagstaff for one night or for a longer visit, this budget-friendly hotel is a good choice. It’s close to the center of South Side and all its attractions, and offers on-site parking, laundry facilities, and family rooms to suit all group sizes.
Things to See and Do in South Side:
- Have a drink at local places like the Annex Lounge or the Flagstaff Brewing Company.
- Take a guided tour through the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.
- Relax with a meal at SoSoBa or the Tinderbox Kitchen.
- Check out the Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park.
- Book a tour to the Grand Canyon at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Flagstaff.
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Flagstaff and where to stay.
What To Pack For Flagstaff
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Flagstaff
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Flagstaff
There are plenty of hotels and hostels in Flagstaff to suit every budget and travel type. This is part of what makes this city such a tempting holiday destination. The other part is, of course, the stunning natural scenery, so make sure you get out there and enjoy it!
Flagstaff is one of the best places to stay near the Grand Canyon, especially for budget travelers. Downtown really is an ideal destination thanks to everything. onoffer there, so is a great area to pick if you’re still unsure.
To recap, our favorite Airbnb in Flagstaff is Grand Canyon 608 thanks to its cozy furnishings and local environment.
If you’d prefer the conveniences of a hotel, then Courtyard Flagstaff is the way to go. It’s got comfortable rooms and loads of great amenities to help you have an unforgettable time.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Flagstaff.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Flagstaff instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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