Planning your Route 66 Centennial road trip in 2026? Choosing where to stay for the Route 66 Centennial event along the historic Mother Road is one of the most important parts of building your itinerary. With communities across Arizona preparing for 100 years of Route 66, lodging in popular towns is expected to fill quickly. Whether you prefer historic hotels, mountain retreats, or RV parks under the desert sky, Northern Arizona offers a range of accommodations that place you close to Centennial events and iconic attractions.
Arizona’s preserved stretch of Historic Route 66 runs through some of the most scenic and character-rich towns along the highway. Staying in the right location allows you to experience classic Route 66 nostalgia while remaining within easy reach of natural landmarks such as Meteor Crater Natural Landmark.
Staying in Flagstaff During the Centennial
Flagstaff is one of the most vibrant stops along Route 66 in Arizona. With its cool mountain climate, historic downtown district, and lively food scene, it makes an excellent home base for Centennial travelers. Many hotels in Flagstaff sit near preserved Route 66 signage and historic corridors, allowing visitors to explore on foot.
Historic properties such as the Weatherford Hotel offer charm and proximity to downtown attractions, while larger hotels like Little America provide modern comfort and spacious grounds. During the Centennial year, Flagstaff is expected to host special events and community programming tied to Route 66 celebrations, making it a strategic and convenient place to stay.
Because Flagstaff sits at higher elevation, it also provides a welcome temperature break during peak summer travel season. Travelers planning late spring or early summer Centennial trips may find this especially appealing.
Where to Stay in Winslow
Winslow remains one of the most recognizable towns on Route 66, made famous by the lyric “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Staying overnight in Winslow allows visitors to experience the town’s historic charm after daytime crowds have thinned.
La Posada Hotel is one of the most iconic lodging options in the area. This beautifully restored historic hotel reflects the golden age of rail and highway travel. For those seeking a more casual stay, the Roadrunner Motel offers a classic Route 66-era atmosphere.
Winslow’s location makes it especially convenient for visitors planning to explore nearby attractions. Just minutes from town lies one of Arizona’s most dramatic landmarks, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark.
RV Parks and Campgrounds
For travelers exploring Route 66 by RV or camper, Meteor Crater offers a unique place to stay in Arizona and memorable option. Located just off Interstate 40 and minutes from Historic Route 66, Meteor Crater RV Park provides full hookup sites in a quiet desert setting. Guests enjoy convenient access to the crater, expansive open skies, and proximity to Winslow and other Route 66 towns.
Camping here allows you to pair a historic highway experience with one of the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact sites. Waking up near the crater adds a layer of adventure and natural wonder to your Centennial road trip.
Another strong option in the region is Sunset Crater KOA near Flagstaff. This campground offers RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins, along with amenities suited for families and long-distance travelers. Its location makes it easy to attend Centennial programming in Flagstaff while still enjoying outdoor recreation and scenic surroundings.
Choosing an RV park near Meteor Crater or Flagstaff gives travelers flexibility, affordability, and a deeper connection to the landscapes that define Northern Arizona.
Purchase your Meteor Crater Tickets
Buy in advance, tickets never expire!
Staying in Williams, the Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Williams proudly embraces its Route 66 heritage and remains one of the most charming stops along the highway. Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams offers lodging that reflects both its railroad history and Route 66 nostalgia.
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel provides a themed and immersive experience tied to the region’s rail history. The Red Garter Inn offers a boutique stay within a preserved historic building. For travelers combining RV travel with traditional lodging, Canyon Motel and RV Park provides both motel rooms and RV spaces in a convenient location.
Staying in Williams allows visitors to experience Centennial celebrations while also planning excursions to Grand Canyon National Park. Its central location makes it ideal for multi-day Route 66 itineraries.
Book Early for 2026
Because the Route 66 Centennial marks a once-in-a-generation milestone, demand for lodging is expected to increase throughout 2026. Peak travel windows, particularly late spring through early summer and around November 11, may book quickly.
Reserving hotels, campgrounds, and RV sites several months in advance is recommended. Travelers planning to attend specific Centennial events should secure accommodations as soon as dates are confirmed.
Planning Your Route 66 Centennial Stay
Whether you choose a historic hotel in Winslow, a mountain retreat in Flagstaff, a retro inn in Williams, or an RV park near Meteor Crater, your lodging choice shapes your Centennial experience. Northern Arizona offers a combination of preserved Route 66 charm, scenic landscapes, and unique attractions that make it one of the most compelling stretches of the Mother Road.
As Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, where you stay becomes part of the story. Choose a location that allows you to explore the highway’s history while also experiencing the natural beauty that surrounds it.
