High Country Motor Lodge: Retro Soul, Mountain Spirit

There’s something about Flagstaff that already feels like stepping into another world. The air is crisper. The stars shine brighter. The pines seem to stretch endlessly toward the sky. And tucked just off historic Route 66, you’ll find a place that captures that same spirit—while mixing in a playful dose of retro charm.

Welcome to High Country Motor Lodge, where modern comfort meets mid-century cool.

A Motel Reimagined

Forget everything you think you know about roadside motels. High Country isn’t a place you just stop for the night—it’s a place you stay for the experience. Designed to nod to the golden age of road trips, its vintage bones have been lovingly reimagined with sleek Scandinavian touches, Pendleton blankets draped across every bed, and record players waiting to spin a little nostalgia into your evening.

The aesthetic is deliberate and deliciously Instagram-worthy: wood tones, rich textiles, and just enough quirk to make you smile. It’s both cozy and elevated—like a Wes Anderson film set crossed with a mountain lodge.

Rooms That Hug You Back

Each guest room is thoughtfully layered, making you feel less like a passerby and more like you’ve been invited into a friend’s mountain cabin. Think: plaid throws, leather accents, a curated vinyl collection, and views that remind you why Northern Arizona is such a treasure.

There’s also a sense of intimacy that larger resorts can’t replicate. Curl up with a book, sip your coffee while watching the sunrise peek through the ponderosas, or let the cassette player set the soundtrack for your evening in.

Gather, Play, Stay Awhile

High Country Motor Lodge doesn’t just want you to stay—it wants you to linger.

Outside, fire pits invite you to sink into an Adirondack chair and share a glass of wine as the night air cools. The outdoor pool, heated year-round, is lined with cabanas that feel more Palm Springs than pine forest—proving that you really can have it all at 7,000 feet.

Inside, the Lodge is a hub for connection. The lobby bar slings craft cocktails with a wink and a nod to the retro setting. Local brews are always on tap, and the menu leans into playful classics with elevated twists. Think comfort food meets mountain chic.

The Nordic Spa Experience

If you need another reason to stay, the Nordic Spa seals the deal. High Country has created an experience that feels both grounding and indulgent: rotating between hot tubs, cold plunges, and sauna sessions. The ritual leaves you refreshed in the way only mountain air and mindful relaxation can.

It’s Flagstaff’s best-kept wellness secret, blending centuries-old traditions with a very modern setting.

Location, Location, Exploration

Of course, part of the beauty of High Country is its access to all that Northern Arizona offers. You’re minutes from the heart of downtown Flagstaff with its breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and historic charm. In just under an hour, you could be standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, hiking in Sedona’s red rocks, or skiing at Arizona Snowbowl.

But honestly? You might not want to leave.

Why It Belongs on Your Travel List

High Country Motor Lodge isn’t just a stay—it’s a state of mind. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t always have to mean far-flung escapes. Sometimes the best adventures are just a few hours away, waiting with a Pendleton blanket, a crackling fire, and a starlit sky.

For couples craving a cozy weekend, families looking to mix retro fun with mountain air, or solo travelers chasing quiet inspiration, High Country is a place that truly embraces the soul of the Southwest.

So pack your overnight bag, cue up your favorite vinyl, and take that turn off Route 66. High Country Motor Lodge will be waiting to welcome you—with a cocktail, a cabin-cool room, and maybe even a new playlist to take home.

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Nearby Eats: Where to Savor Flagstaff

A trip to Flagstaff isn’t complete without exploring its vibrant food scene. Just minutes from High Country Motor Lodge, you’ll find everything from mountain-town comfort food to refined chef-driven plates:

☕ Forêt Flg - Start your morning here. Their hearty breakfasts and perfectly flaky pastries (the croissants sell out fast!) set the tone for a Flagstaff adventure.

🍴 Shift Kitchen & Bar – An intimate, modern eatery known for small plates, thoughtful flavor combinations, and a menu that changes with the seasons. A must for lunch or dinner if you love playful, chef-driven food.

🍔 JoeJoeBobs– A Flagstaff institution serving up killer sandwiched. Quirky, casual, and delicious every time.

🍕 Pizzicletta – Cozy and unforgettable, this tiny spot serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas kissed by a wood-fired oven, plus house-made gelato worth saving room for.

🍻 Dark Sky Brewing Co. – Rotating small-batch brews paired with creative bites. It’s as much a community hub as it is a brewery.

🍷 Atria – orthern Arizona’s ingredients get their spotlight—elegant, intimate, and quietly spectacular.

🍦 Meats and Treats: Proper Meats + Provisions – Part butcher shop, part deli, part local foodie haven. Or swing by Sweet Shoppe Candy Store downtown if you’re craving nostalgic treats like caramel apples and hand-pulled taffy.