Flagstaff's BEST Downtown Hotel? Rodeway Inn Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Rodeway Inn in Downtown Flagstaff. Is it the BEST? That's a loaded question, especially in a town with such character. But let's be real, it's a Rodeway Inn, not the Ritz. BUT! Stay with me. This ain't gonna be your typical slick, PR-approved review. This is the REAL deal, the messy, honest, and sometimes surprisingly delightful truth.
First Impressions (and the Parking Situation)
Okay, so accessibility is KEY. Flagstaff is a mountain town, and navigating can be a pain, especially if you've got mobility issues. Does the Rodeway Inn make it easy? Well, let's just say the elevator's there, and that's a HUGE win right off the bat. Plus, they've got designated parking, which is essential because downtown Flagstaff parking sucks. I'm talking circles, swearing, and the slow realization that you’re gonna have to hoof it… but at this place, it seems to be manageable. That elevator situation means I'm giving them an A on accessibility.
Entering the Hotel (and That Classic Smell)
The lobby… well, it exists. It's not exactly a design masterpiece, but it's clean enough and the front desk is staffed 24/7. Important! I did notice a distinct Rodeway Inn aroma, a sort of mix of cleaning products and… well, let's just say "hotel." You know the one. It takes you back, immediately.
The Room: No Palazzo Versace, But Comfortable Enough
Alright, the room. I'm not going to lie, I've stayed in worse. MUCH worse. It was clean-ish (more on that later). The bed was… fine. Not the cloud-like experience of a five-star, but I slept. And that, my friends, is the ultimate goal.
- Things I Liked: Free Wi-Fi! Thank GOD. Actually, it says "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and it worked, which is rarer than you'd think. Also, there's a mini-fridge. Crucial for keeping your beers cold after a hike. There's also a coffee maker too. The room did have an Air conditioning and a Heating.
- Things That Could Be Better: The décor is from… well, let's just say the "early aughts." The bathroom… functional, bordering on dated. The Hair dryer was also in the room.
Cleaning and Safety: The COVID-19 Era Scrutiny
Okay, let's be realistic. We're all hyper-aware of cleanliness these days, right? The Rodeway Inn says they're doing all the right things. They’ve got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw some Hand sanitizer dispensers. The Staff trained in safety protocol. Honestly, I didn't see anyone wiping down every single surface in my room with a hazmat suit. BUT! I did see that the room was clean, if not sparkling. They’ve also got some Individually-wrapped food options for breakfast, which is thoughtful, and they offer Room sanitization opt-out available.
The Food Scene (or Lack Thereof… Kinda)
Here's where things get… interesting. The Rodeway Inn has a free breakfast. Asian breakfast is listed but I didn't see it. The breakfast? Basic. Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service exist. Think continental, with pre-packaged pastries, questionable coffee, and the standard buffet-style fare. It’s not a culinary experience, but it’ll fill a hole.
For the real food, you’re downtown! Which is AMAZING. You're in Flagstaff! The world of culinary delights await!
Amenities: A Mixed Bag
- The Pool: They have an Outdoor swimming pool! In Flagstaff! It’s not the Four Seasons, but hey, a pool is a pool. Good for a cool down.
- Fitness Center: I glanced at a Fitness center and it was pretty sad. Skip.
- Internet: They have Free Wi-Fi - It worked. That's all I ask.
- Services and Conveniences: Daily housekeeping is, well… daily. You can get laundry service done. They offer Cash withdrawal too.
Things to Do (Downtown Flagstaff is Your Playground!)
This is where the Rodeway Inn really shines. You're DOWNTOWN!
- Walking Distance: Flagstaff’s heart is literally at your doorstep. The downtown is so close that you can just step outside and explore.*
- Restaurants, Bars, Shopping Everything is close. The Concierge is there to help you to find a place to go.
The Staff: Friendly… Mostly
The front desk staff were generally friendly and helpful. They seemed to be used to the fast pace of the town and dealing with all sorts of people.
The Verdict: It’s Not Perfect, But…
Look, the Rodeway Inn isn't the place you choose for a romantic getaway or a luxurious spa weekend. But it’s a solid choice.
Why you should book here!
- Location, Location, Location: Seriously, you're in the heart of Flagstaff.
- Price: It's usually budget-friendly, and in Flagstaff, saving money is always a win.
SEO-Friendly Summary (and a Compelling Offer, Because You Know They Dig That)
Alright, here's the SEO-optimized, super-persuasive pitch:
Flagstaff's Best VALUE Downtown Hotel? Maybe! Rodeway Inn Review: Honest, Real, and Right in the Heart of It All!
Looking for a clean, convenient, and affordable hotel in the middle of all the action? Tired of paying resort prices for a simple place to crash? Then look no further than the Rodeway Inn in downtown Flagstaff!
We assessed:
- Accessibility: The elevator and accessible parking make a REAL difference for wheelchair users.
- Cleanliness and safety: They're taking hygiene seriously with anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization opt-out, and staff trained in safety protocol.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Free breakfast gets you started, but the REAL food is outside.
- Services and conveniences: FREE Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping.
- Things to Do: Literally, step outside and you're in the heart of Flagstaff's shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions.
Our Unfiltered Recommendation (Get Ready to Book!)
The Rodeway Inn is a no-frills hotel, but the LOCATION is unbeatable. If you're looking for:
- A budget friendly option to enjoy Flagstaff's attractions
- An accessible option.
- A hotel in the heart of it all.
Consider the Rodeway Inn. It's not fancy. But it's honest, convenient, and puts you right where you want to be.
Ready to book? Don't wait! Book Rodeway Inn and get a 10% discount when you mention this review and a free upgrade (based on availability).
Final Word: Don't expect the moon, but expect a decent stay, a great location, and a no-nonsense experience. Book it, explore Flagstaff, and make your own memories!
Turkey's Palm Club: Paradise Found? (Your Dream Vacation Awaits!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously organized travel itinerary. This is a survival guide… for a few days in Flagstaff, starting at the esteemed (ahem) Rodeway Inn Downtown. Prepare for the glorious chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Flagstaff Disappointment (and maybe a burger that redeems everything)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Flagstaff Airport (FCA). Okay, first impression: tiny. Like, "could-fit-in-your-living-room" tiny. Finding the rental car? Easier than I expected. Score! (Momentary surge of optimism. Don't get used to it.) Drive to the Rodeway Inn.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in at the Rodeway Inn. Interior? Let's just say… vintage. Like, "vintage 1970s motel room with a questionable floral bedspread" vintage. The air conditioning groaned like a dying dinosaur. My first thought? "Did I accidentally book a time machine?" Sigh. But hey, it's a bed, and it's (hopefully) clean. (Fingers crossed.)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpack… or rather, survey the damage in the room. The carpet looks like it’s seen things. Bad things. Very, very bad things. Trying not to touch anything… or, just being a little bit dramatic.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Flagstaff downtown exploration – first impressions: a bit sleepy. Honestly, I walked around for like 3 minutes and had so much hope. The shops are cute… but I didn't find the "vibe" I was hoping for.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Flagstaff disappointment, finally, takes a hard turn. I'm starving. I mean, hangry. Where to eat? I wandered aimlessly, feeling the existential dread of "Where do hungry people go?" Finally, I stumble upon a diner called Galaxy Diner. Okay, the name is slightly cliché. Whatever! I order a burger… and oh. My. God. It's the best burger I've had in years. Juicy, perfectly cooked, messy, and utterly delicious. This burger, people, saved the day. The burger redeemed Flagstaff. I think I'm in love. (With a burger.)
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Stroll around. I walk around.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back to the Rodeway, because I'm beat. I binge-watch something on my phone, and contemplate the meaning of life, the universe, and whether I should risk the ice machine. (Spoiler: I didn't. Too risky.)
Day 2: Grand Canyon or Bust (and hopefully a few more redeeming qualities of Flagstaff)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Assess bodily status. My back, however, feels as though it's been sleeping on a bed of rocks. Quick shower (dodging the lukewarm water).
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The Rodeway Inn's continental breakfast isn't going to win any awards, but it's free, and I'm starving. Dry cereal? Check. Questionable-looking pastries? Double-check. Coffee that tastes vaguely of burnt rubber? Triple-check. Fuel acquired!
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Drive to the Grand Canyon (about a 1.5-2 hour drive). The scenery along the way? Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. The scale of it… the vastness… I was silent. Wow.
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Grand Canyon. Okay, let's be real. The Grand Canyon is everything. Seriously, the sheer size of it… the colors… it's overwhelming in the most spectacular way possible. I walked along the South Rim trail, took a million pictures, and just stood there, speechless, for a good hour. It's truly one of those places that makes you feel incredibly insignificant, and yet… connected. (Okay, I'm getting sentimental. Shut up, canyon.)
- 5:00 PM - 7 PM: Drive back to the Rodeway Inn, tired, sunburnt, and thoroughly captivated. Dinner at a hole in the wall BBQ place in Flagstaff. It was good, I think, but the Grand Canyon is still dominating my brain.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Plop back into the room.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: I am already starting to feel the aches and pains of the day. The walls seem even thinner tonight.
Day 3: A Little Bit of Everything (and a final goodbye to the Rodeway Inn)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Wake up. I'm starting to get a little sentimental, ready to leave the Rodeway Inn and the Flagstaff area.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Visit Lowel Observatory. As a space-loving person, I felt so much joy for this place, but I was also a little bit sad to leave. I would have loved to have seen more time.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check out of the Rodeway Inn. Goodbye, Rodeway You were… an experience. (I'm trying to be polite here.)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Final drive through Flagstaff. My feelings about Flagstaff? It’s a quirky town. It's grown on me… even if it feels ever so slightly sleepy.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the burger place!
Overall Emotional Review:
Flagstaff: A solid B+. Grand Canyon: A+. Rodeway Inn: A generous C-. The burger: A++.
This wasn't the most luxurious trip, but it was real. It had its ups and downs. The Rodeway Inn? Memorable. The Grand Canyon? Unforgettable. The burger? Legendary. And isn't that what travel is all about? Finding the messy, the unexpected, and the utterly human moments among the scenery.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll need a nap. And maybe another burger… just to cement the memory, you know?
Escape to Luxury: Revel Hotel Des Moines' Unforgettable Getaway
Rodeway Inn Downtown Flagstaff: The Honest Truth (and My Sanity)
Is the Rodeway Inn really the "best" downtown hotel in Flagstaff? (Spoiler: Prepare for Opinions!)
Okay, "best" is a strong word, isn't it? Look, there's a huge sign right there, so maybe the city's trying to lure you in, or maybe it's just the cheapest. Let's be real--luxury it ain't. But BEST? Honestly, and I'm gonna be brutally honest here, it depends. You’re in *downtown* Flagstaff. You want proximity to the bars and the pizza and the glorious, crisp mountain air? Yes, location-wise, it's a contender. Do you want a pillow that hasn't seen better days and a shower that might (or might not) have water pressure? Well, keep reading, my friend… keep reading.
What's the location *really* like? Is it as good as they say? (The Bar Crawl Dilemma)
The location… *sigh*. Okay, picture this: you step out the door, and BAM! You're practically stumbling distance from a half-dozen bars. Like, I'm not kidding, the *Whiskey Row* is basically a stone's throw. One time, I did a "pub crawl of epic proportions" (read: I drank too much), and I *managed* to get back to my room without face-planting. That, my friends, is a win. But be warned, all that convenience comes with a price. Expect noise. Expect late-night revelry. Expect… well, let’s just say I heard some interesting conversations echoing in the hallway at 3 am that were *definitely* not about astrophysics. It's downtown. Embrace the chaos, or bring earplugs and a healthy dose of denial.
Okay, but the rooms? Honestly, what are they *actually* like? (The Mattress Massacre)
Alright, here's where things can get a little...variable. Let's address the elephant in the room, or, more accurately, the mattress under the sheets. The mattresses: I's had experiences ranging from "slightly lumpy but survivable" to "I swear, it felt like sleeping on a pile of bricks." One time, I had a room where the springs were singing a mournful song all night. Another time, I swear, the headboard was about to detach itself from the wall by the morning. Let's just say, if you have back problems, bring your own memory foam topper. Seriously. And the decor? Well, let's call it "rustic." Or maybe "vintage." Or okay, fine: it was a bit dated. But hey, at least it was clean-ish. And the air conditioning? Pray to the AC gods it works. Some of these rooms might run hotter than the Arizona sun -- which, considering you're in Arizona, is saying something.
Is the breakfast any good? (The Continental Conundrum)
The breakfast... *deep breath*. Okay, picture your standard Continental breakfast. Think: sugary cereal, stale pastries, maybe some instant oatmeal. At the Rodeway Inn, it’s *that*, plus the occasional questionable sausage patty. Listen, you're not exactly expecting Michelin-star quality from a "free breakfast," are you? The coffee can often be indistinguishable from dishwater. My advice? Lower your expectations, grab a granola bar, and go for the *free* sugar for your coffee, and consider yourself lucky you can fuel up before the day. Or, just find a decent diner downtown and treat yourself. It's Flagstaff after all!
What about the staff? Are they friendly? (The Human Element)
Ah, the staff. This is where things get interesting. Sometimes, they're the friendly, helpful folks you hope for. They'll point you in the direction of the best hiking trails, offer a smile, and make you feel like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem. Other times...well, let's just say the night shift might seem a bit tired from the day. But honestly, in my experience, they're generally trying their best. Flagstaff is a town full of friendly people. Be nice, treat them with respect, and you'll likely get the same in return. I had a really nice front desk guy once who patiently dealt with my many questions, so that's worth something, right?
Is there anything *actually good* about the Rodeway Inn? (The Silver Linings Playbook)
Absolutely! Despite my gripes (and trust me, I've had a few), the Rodeway Inn has its moments. The location, as I've said, is gold. You can walk to a ton of great restaurants. You can walk downtown for everything. The price is usually right, especially compared to the fancier hotels. If you are *literally* just looking for a place to crash after a long day of hiking or exploring the Grand Canyon (and a few beers), it does the trick. It's a no-frills, get-the-job-done kind of place. My favorite part? Seeing the vast, unadulterated stars when I stepped outside at night. It really makes everything worthwhile. Besides, isn't the imperfections what make a place memorable?
So, should I stay at the Rodeway Inn Downtown? (The Final Verdict)
Okay, so the big question. My recommendation: **It depends on your priorities.** If you're expecting luxury, skip it. If a perfect night's sleep is paramount, maybe look elsewhere. If you are okay with a slightly rough around the edges stay, or you are a very seasoned traveler who doesn't want to take a huge loss with a hotel budget, then yeah, stay. If you're budget-conscious, prioritizing location, and don't mind a bit of "character," then the Rodeway Inn might be perfect. It’s not glamorous, it's not perfect, but it's Flagstaff. Embrace its funky charm, keep your expectations moderate, and you might actually enjoy it. Just don't blame me if you wake up with a crick in your neck. And remember, you're in Flagstaff. Enjoy the adventure, and grab me a beer at the bar!
