Experience Classic Route 66 Vibes and Modern Amenities at The Trailborn in Williams, Arizona

Route 66 has long been a route taken by road trippers and adventurers from all walks of life. It once served as the main route between Chicago, IL, and Santa Monica, CA, but once the highway system was implemented, it became nearly obsolete.

Eventually, businesses along the road closed, and some towns were nearly abandoned. However, Williams, the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," remains a popular town to visit due to its attractions and proximity to one of the most popular natural wonders in the country.

Welcome to Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams

I always enjoy visiting Williams, so when I was invited to stay at Trailborn Grand Canyon, I had to say yes. Located on Route 66, this reimagined, redesigned hotel offers modern amenities while maintaining some of that nostalgic charm that can only be found on the Mother Road.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the creator of this content was invited to this location by M18 Public Relations, and some expenses were covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.

The History Behind Trailborn Grand Canyon

The Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams is a new concept for the space it occupies. During the heyday of Route 66 travel, the original hotel was the Thunderbird Inn. It first opened in 1957 and had 56 rooms for weary travelers, a pool, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a cocktail lounge. Eventually, it expanded to add more buildings with 96 rooms.

In the 1970s, it became a Ramada Inn, then Mountain Side Inn and Conference Center, and, more recently, a Red Roof Inn Plus. However, the site's latest iteration is the Trailborn Grand Canyon, a complete reviving and reimagining of the 96-room hotel property. With its modern Western theme that considers the surrounding area, it still has that nostalgic Route 66 feel I love.

The Amenities at Trailborn Grand Canyon

The Trailborn has several amenities I was not expecting for a Route 66 hotel in Williams, Arizona. For starters, a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub are one area with lounge chairs. Beyond that is a large concrete fireplace with seating for those who want to hang out at night and roast s'mores.

The Classic (But Chic) Style of the Trailborn

In the lobby area is another fireplace, a seating area, and a market selling various items from hats and water bottles to popcorn and s'mores kits. Just off the lobby is Miss Kitty's, a destination steakhouse restaurant with an upscale yet Western vibe and a menu of elevated cuisine and cocktails.

Then, there's Camp Hall, which serves as a guest hangout and event space. Here, you can order drinks and food from a limited menu, and depending on when you visit, there may be live music, bingo, kids' activities, or square dancing. If you feel like exploring the town of Williams by bike, there's a fleet of cruisers free for guests to use—just ask the front desk. And if that wasn't enough, there are games like bocce ball and cornhole to enjoy!

The Rooms at Trailborn Grand Canyon

Trailborn Grand Canyon has a couple different room types, including the Canyon King with a comfy king-szied bed for two and the Canyon Queen with two queen-sized beds, perfect for four guests. Each room has a 55-inch TV, climate control, a Bluetooth audio speaker, a mini fridge, WiFi, high-end toiletries, Trailborn-branded coolers, and blackout shades. The decor is inspired by the West, Route 66, and the Grand Canyon, and I found the art quite lovely to look at. While the hotel is modern, it also has a nostalgic vibe.

My partner, who joined me on this trip, and I felt that our Canyon King room was comfortable, the bathroom roomy, and the amenities wonderful. We also loved the location right on Route 66 and walking distance to the best of the town of Williams.

On-Site Dining at Miss Kitty's and Camp Hall

I love that Trailborn Grand Canyon has two on-site dining options. We were given a reservation for Miss Kitty's during our stay. However, due to some construction going on in the restaurant, our reservation was moved to Camp Hall where we were able to order off the Miss Kitty's menu.

Camp Hall is a very large, open space with plenty of tables and high-top seating, games, and a bar area where you can order drinks. Because we were dining off the Miss Kitty's menu, we had a full-service experience, able to order our drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert from our table.

The Drinks at Miss Kitty’s Are Superb

The first drink I ordered was a Blood Orange Margarita made with tequila, triplesec, lime and blood orange, with tajin on the rim. Not only was the color of this drink beautiful but it tasted incredible. My boyfriend ordered an All American Old Fashioned and enjoyed it as well. We sipped our cocktails as we waited for our order of salsa and chips.

The Atmosphere is Nearly Too Good to Leave

When our salsa and chips appetizer arrived, we were impressed with the presentation. Set on a bed of greens were a bowl of tri-colored tortilla chips, watermelon radish, and bowls of pico de Gallo, tomatillo, and pineapple serrano salsa. If this was an appetizer, we couldn't wait for our dinner!

And The Dining at Miss Kitty's is Top Notch, Too

I ordered the Campfire Style Pan Fried Chicken with sides of braised collardsand poblanogoat cheese mashed potatoes for my main cours. The chicken, smothered in gravy, just fell off the bone, and every bite was better than the last. My boyfriend was as in love with the Double Cut Pork Chop he ordered as I was with the chicken. Served with spicy apple salsa and a pomme puree, it was a rather hearty meal.

While we were stuffed at this point, we couldn't pass up a slice of Green Chile Apple Pie for dessert. Honestly, it was such an intriguing explosion of flavors between the apple and green chile I almost ordered another slice.

While we would have loved to dine inside Miss Kitty's, we were happy that we were at least able to order off its menu and enjoy many of its delectable offerings in the more casual Camp Hall. Perhaps next time we visit Williams, we will stop by for a drink and a bite to eat at Miss Kitty's.

Things to Do in Williams, Arizona

With Route 66 cutting through town, you'll find plenty of tourist shops, diners, and a few attractions like Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum. This small museum has one room with Route 66 and gas station memorabilia, which carries into the second room with its gift shop selling Mother Road merchandise. The museum is free to visit and fun to take photos of. Next door to the Trailborn Grand Canyon is the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park with an alpine slide and mountain tubing. A block off Route 66 is where you'll find the Grand Canyon Railway. If time allows, take a scenic train day trip to and from the Grand Canyon—I did this with my kids and it was quite an adventure!

This byway, also known as the "Mother Road," was the epitome of the American road trip culture for many years. Today, it provides nostalgia for simpler times when roadside diners, attractions, and small towns played a huge role in getting to our destination. As a town closest to the Grand Canyon, Williams thrives with tourists, and staying at a hotel like Trailborn Grand Canyon with its Route 66 vibes and modern amenities will only enhance your experience here.

Feeling inspired to have your own Route 66 experience? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.