Trailborn Grand Canyon, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

The beds were a bit too soft for us, and the train noise seemed to go on all night. Still, we were pleasantly surprised after feeling a little unsure from the online photos. The mid-century and Western touches carry through the rooms, lamps, restaurant, and gathering room. We chose this place for our Chicago to LA Route 66 road trip because it cost fewer Marriott points than staying in Flagstaff. It isn’t a Marriott property, though it has a long-term partnership with Trailborn. The hotel used to be the Thunderbird and later a Red Roof Inn. It’s the first hotel as you enter Williams, a cute Route 66 town about an hour from the Grand Canyon’s south entrance, right beside Canyon Adventure Park and its alpine coasters and other activities. There’s a pool and spa, outdoor games, bike rentals, and Camp Hall, with shuffleboard and board games. Weekend activities there include dancing and bingo, but we were visiting Monday night. Outside, there’s seating around a fire pit, and s’mores kits are available to buy. Parking is motel style, right by your room, and there are four Tesla charging stations. We didn’t eat in the restaurant, but took hush puppies and chile apple pie to go. Both were delicious.

Miss Kitty’s Steak House was a real treat. I had two wonderful meals there, with fantastic food and steaks sourced from a local cattle ranch. Stop in for a cocktail and a chat with Sue the bartender, who’s been at Miss Kitty’s for over 30 years. At the hotel, Tracy at the front desk always greeted me cheerfully, and I had some great conversations with her. The staff are friendly and know Williams and the Grand Canyon well. Rooms are comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully designed, and the pool and hot tub were especially nice after a long day. There are free bike rentals, outdoor games, and board games in the indoor Camp Hall. The lobby sells snacks, drinks, and merchandise. Bonvoy members get $10 a day to spend on those or at Miss Kitty’s. This is a renovated 1950s motel with a distinctive Route 66 feel, part of Marriott’s Outdoor Collection. I felt welcome, and they recognized my Bonvoy status at check-in. Think of it as a boutique motel and you’ll have a good time. Some people expect a four or five star Marriott and end up disappointed.

The staff were A+, so kind and thoughtful. We stopped here on our birthday trip on the way to the Grand Canyon, and they treated us so well. The hotel in Williams is beautiful and modern, with bikes, games, a fireplace, and a pool. Miss Kitty is wonderful too, and there are several other restaurants around. It’s a perfect place to stay before or after visiting the Great Canyon. I’ll recommend it to everyone I know.

We used the camper package, and our son loved having a mini tent to sleep in, plus hot chocolate and a cute stuffed animal. The kids had a great time, and the whole stay was a 10/10 for us. The room was clean, the beds were comfy, and the showers were nice. Breakfast was great too. We stayed over New Year’s. Canyon coaster is next door, Bearizona is less than a five-minute drive away, and pretty much everything else is within walking distance. We’d definitely come back.