High Country Motor Lodge Review: Is It Worth Staying Here?

I had the chance to stay at the High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff, Arizona for 2 nights after I finished my week-long Colorado River dory trip in August 2026. I was looking to relax a bit and experience Flagstaff before having to drive home to NorCal, and I’m so glad I stayed here to do it!

I’ll get into it a little more below, but I loved my time at the High Country Motor Lodge and felt it was the perfect way to unwind after camping in the Grand Canyon for a week.

The old-school vibe was charming, the Nordic Spa experience was revitalizing, the staff were very friendly, and I loved how welcoming the communal spaces were. 

If you’re road-tripping through Northern Arizona and want something more memorable than a chain hotel without paying resort prices, this is exactly the kind of place I’d choose. I personally can’t wait to come back and stay at the High Country Motor Lodge when I make it back to Flagstaff!

Disclosure: My stay at High Country Motor Lodge was complimentary for review, but I always share my honest thoughts (good and bad) so you know what to expect.

High Country Motor Lodge Quick Overview

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Is High Country Motor Lodge Worth It?

Yes, I definitely think H.C.M.L is worth it, and I’d love to come back and stay here again. The pool rooms especially were so nice, opening right up to the courtyard and pool area – literally 15 steps away, and such a short walk to the outdoor patio with firepits and the main lobby and lodge area.

I absolutely loved the retro but cozy vibes of the lodge. Definitely paying homage to the Route 66 traveler vibes, but in a more upscale, modern way. 

In general, I love seeing our old motor motels get re-vamped into chic lodging options for travelers like me: someone who is probably road tripping, doesn’t want an all-inclusive stay, but still wants amenities on-site and appreciates nice paint colors and updated furniture.

If the retro Route 66 feel and poolside rooms sound like your kind of stay, check your dates now.

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What’s the Layout of the Property?

H.C.M.L. is shaped like a “U”, with the main lobby and bar at the top of the “U”, and the rooms forming the “U” shape. It’s 2 stories like a classic motel with rooms on the floor and upper level. Parking spaces are along the outside of the rooms.

Rooms face the parking areas and the communal pool and courtyard area, and one side of the “U” is comprised of 3 standalone “Cosmic Cottages” that butt up against the courtyard grass and each have their own little outdoor seating area and firepit.

I stayed in a Pool Room on the ground floor, which was so nice to just walk out of my room and be at the pool!

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What Are the Rooms Like at High Country Motor Lodge?

There are a few room options: 1 King, 2 Queens, and a King Suite, plus Cosmic Cottages with 1 bed (queen or king), and accessible options.

I stayed in a double queen pool room and felt like I had tons of space. The door opens to a small seating area with a table and large windows. There was also a built-in coat rack next to the wall-mounted TV, a small, open closet area with a tiny safe, an open sink and counter area with a well-sized mini fridge, and a separate toilet and shower with its own door.

I appreciated the outlet on the side table between the two beds, and I liked that the open closet/hanging rack also had a bench for my bags.

The lighting in the rooms may be an annoyance to some: each light is controlled at the light itself by pulling the string or turning the knob except at the bathroom, and there were no overhead lights. I personally thought it was fun and lent to the moody, retro vibe.

The rooms were overall a little dark, but that’s pretty much the vibe of the entire lodge, but I did want to point it out in case darker rooms with less lighting is bothersome. The “closet” space is also pretty limited, and if you have more than 2 suitcases you might feel too cramped. 

I thought my bed was super comfortable, and I was happy that I didn’t hear my neighbors through the walls.

I’d personally choose a ground-floor Pool Room again. Being able to walk straight from my room into the courtyard was one of my favorite parts of the stay.

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High Country Motor Lodge Amenities

Nordic Spa Experience

I was given a complimentary appointment at the Nordic Spa, and I really enjoyed my experience there. These are private sauna huts next to the outdoor hot tub and pool and also feature an ice cold shower and outdoor seating area with a fire pit.

It had majorly hailed and rained (monsoon season!) in Flagstaff right before my appointment time, so I wasn’t able to fully enjoy the outdoor seating area, but that made my sauna time even more special, honestly.

The little hut has an entrance area where you can change into a robe and get a towel, and has a small cooler with water, electrolyte packets, and hand towels. From there, you walk into your own sauna, and wow this thing is hot – I loved it!

I especially loved that you could easily walk outside and jump into the deep, unheated pool, and then run back into the sauna to warm back up – or you could stand under the cold outdoor shower too.

It’s such a nice little experience and having your own private sauna area – to yourself or to share with your travel companions vs. it being communal with strangers. I would 100% book this again – especially if I was in Flagstaff in the winter!

The experience is not included in stays: it’s $50/session Monday-Thursday and $75/session Friday-Sunday as of 2026. Sessions are 50 minutes each.

If you’re coming to Flagstaff to actually unwind – not just sleep somewhere for the night – I’d build the Nordic Spa into your stay. I’d happily pay for another session.

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Pool & Hot Tub

The outdoor pool and hot tub are located right outside of the spa area and are open to all guests. You’ll use your key card to enter the gated area, and there are towels available outside. The gated area has many basic lounge chairs and a couple of cabana-style cushioned loungers.

The pool is not heated, which is great for Arizona summers. It might feel cold in the winter, but that’s what the hot tub is for!

I loved the in-pool lounge chairs in the super shallow area of the pool – it was actually my very first time using one! Great for getting warm in the sun and then getting right off and jumping into the deeper water.

Outdoor Patio & Lawn

The outdoor patio was one of my favorite spots and perfect for lounging. I hung out by the fire pit with my latte from the General Store while it was still cooler in the morning, and you can eat and drink outside as well. This was a super popular spot for many guests!

The large grass area is nice for families with kids to play on, and there is sometimes a corn hole game set up outside. Friday nights are also outdoor movie nights as long as the weather holds up!

Game Room

I didn’t make it to Wednesday game night during my stay, but I popped into the room and liked that it felt more like a casual lodge hangout than an arcade shoved into a hotel. The retro vibe was maintained perfectly!

Event Calendar & Concerts

There wasn’t a concert during my two-night stay, so I can’t review that experience firsthand, but I’d definitely check the calendar before booking because the lodge is exactly the kind of space I’d want to hear live music in, and it would be soo fun to watch a movie outside in the courtyard!

The pool, fire pits, game room, and communal spaces are what make this feel less like a basic roadside motel and more like somewhere I’d actually want to spend part of my trip.

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Food & Dining at High Country Motor Lodge

H.C.M.L. features a full bar and a General Store. The General Store looks like it’s just grab-and-go drinks, snacks, and coffee, but there’s actually a full breakfast and lunch/dinner menu as well. 

The meals were tasty: I had the Chopped Piadina which was a chop salad on top of a warm bread: almost like a pizza crust and a pita bread had a baby! It was very large and very filling – I was not expecting it to be so much food.

I will say I do think the food is a little overpriced – I paid $10 for my large latte and I’ve never even spent more than $7.50 on one in the SF Bay Area where I live – which is notorious for expensive food.

But, the food was pretty good, and it’s nice to eat next to the firepits outside.

Where Is the High Country Motor Lodge Located?

High Country Motor Lodge is located on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona.

I initially wondered whether I’d regret not staying directly downtown, where there are lots of shops and restaurants, but I didn’t. The historic area was close enough that I could drive there in about five minutes (it was 1 mile away), while the motel-style parking made coming and going much easier.

It’s about 30 minutes away from the Arizona Snowbowl and Humphrey’s Peak, Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, and only a 20 min drive to Walnut Canyon National Monument.

It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from H.C.M.L to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon as well, making it a great place to stay for exploring the National Park and the surrounding area of Northern Arizona.

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What I Liked About H.C.M.L.

I enjoyed basically everything about my stay at the High Country Motor Lodge. My favorite parts were the outdoor fire pits on the deck, the Nordic Spa experience, the Colorado River artwork in the common spaces, and the entire upscale retro vibe of the lodge. 

I also loved the well-sized mini fridge in the room, the MALIN+GOETZ shower products, and the feeling of calm in the room space. 

And I didn’t take advantage of this, but the in-room instant coffee set-up with Vietnamese coffee and Thai tea was a nice touch that I probably should have made when I woke up at 3:00 am to catch sunrise in the Grand Canyon.

What You Should Know Before Booking

None of these would stop me from staying again, but there are a few things I’d want to know before booking: the rooms are intentionally dark and moody, storage is limited if you’re traveling with several large bags, the Nordic Spa costs extra, and food at the lodge is noticeably more expensive than I’d expect – even compared with home in the Bay Area.

As someone who is child-free, I can’t confidently say whether High Country Motor Lodge is a great choice for families because I don’t really know what parents prioritize in a hotel. I can tell you that my room didn’t have a bathtub, which may be worth considering if you’re traveling with little ones. That said, they might get a kick out of the vintage cassette player!

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Who Should Stay at High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff?

If you’re looking for the ease of a roadside motel but hate the thought of checking into a grungy Motel 6, the High Country Motor Lodge is for you. 

I always say I’m a girl who loves camping and backpacking and saving money by being outside – BUT I grew up as a resort girl and really love an elevated lodging experience that pays attention to the small details and treats guests like they’re truly guests. 

The High Country Motor Lodge is exactly that. Easy to park, comfortable rooms, and a pool you actually want to spend time next to, but it feels chic and elevated – and it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

I also stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Flagstaff the night before my river trip. It was perfectly fine – exactly what you’d expect from a mid-tier chain hotel: clean, comfortable, but nothing memorable.

If you’re looking for something more cozy, elevated, and truly unique – where you feel like you’re actually escaping the everyday – High Country Motor Lodge is the clear choice.

If you just want a standard, predictable hotel experience, a chain like DoubleTree will do the job. But for a memorable Flagstaff stay, I’d book High Country Motor Lodge.

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High Country Motor Lodge Prices & Rates

Room rates vary throughout the year and day of the week, but in general, rooms start at around $120/night, with the more expensive suites and cottages beginning at ~$350/night.

Because my stay was hosted, I can’t tell you whether I personally felt the sting of the nightly rate. But based on the room, pool and communal spaces, I’d be very happy booking it toward the lower end of that range. Once rates get closer to $300+, I’d compare it more carefully against other Flagstaff options.

Since rates vary so much by date and room type, I’d check your exact dates before deciding whether it makes sense for your trip.

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Final Verdict: Would I Stay at High Country Motor Lodge Again?

I would definitely stay at the High Country Motor Lodge again, and will be recommending it to my friends and family if they’re planning a trip to or through the Flagstaff area.

I have to say, I did not do everything I wanted in Flagstaff: I could have easily stayed in this town for a week exploring everything there is to offer here.

I know I’ll be back, and High Country Motor Lodge will be the first place I check to stay. If you’re planning your own Flagstaff trip and the retro rooms, pool, fire pits, and Nordic Spa are what you’re looking for, check rates for your dates!

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