6 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Prescott is a historic mining town in central Arizona, located about 100 miles north of Phoenix and 95 miles south of Flagstaff. Prescott was a gold and silver mining town in the late 1860s and became a quintessential Wild West town throughout the Gold Rush and well into the 19th century.

Today, travelers from all over the world seek history, peace and quiet, along with a dose of Southwest culture in one of Arizona’s most charming towns. With beautiful lakes, hiking trails, stunning forests, and a historic downtown scene, Prescott is a fantastic place to vacation with the family or enjoy a romantic getaway.

The hotels in Prescott offer guests a comfortable stay with modern amenities, affordable pricing, and cozy rooms. Keep reading to discover the best areas to stay in Prescott and our top recommendations for the best Prescott hotels.

TL;DR

Areas to choose within Prescott

• Best area for first-timers/tourists – Prescott’s Historic District
• Best area for budget travelers – Prescott Area Campgrounds
• Best areas for families – Prescott Valley & Ponderosa Park
• Best area for luxury travelers – Downtown Prescott
• Best area for safety – Yavapai Hills

Where to Stay in Prescott, Arizona

1. Downtown Prescott

Downtown Prescott is home to many delightful museums, live music venues, open green spaces, restaurants, shops, and some fascinating things to see. The city was founded in 1864, and visitors can still see and enjoy some remnants of its Wild West roots along with some more modern attractions.

The downtown area of Prescott is also known for its great restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for an awesome breakfast spot, stop by The Local, located just across the street from beautiful Prescott College. The cafe offers local favorites, including the chorizo hash, breakfast pot pie, and biscuits and green chile sausage gravy.

For lunch and dinner, FARM Provisions offers innovative takes on classic American fare and a dog-friendly patio area. Stop by Triple Creek Kitchen and Spirits located in the Hilton Garden Inn for happy hour, which is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Here are some of the top attractions and things to see in and around downtown Prescott:

• Sharlot Hall Museum is a cultural center and heritage site that houses artifacts from Prescott in the early 1900s. Explore historic buildings, gardens, and many interesting exhibits.
• Take the kids to Heritage Park Zoo and spend the day seeing bears, mountain lions, reptiles, and many other animals up close.
• The Museum of Indigenous People is the only museum in the Prescott area that showcases the culture and art of Native people.
• Cool off at Watson Lake, just ten minutes away from downtown Prescott.
• Hike the Centennial Trail to get to the historical landmark of Petroglyph Point.
• Visit Prescott Frontier Days, the world’s oldest rodeo.
• Feeling lucky? You’ll find Bucky’s & Yavapai casinos, where you can try your luck at the slots and various table games.

With its combination of historically significant attractions, museums, and top-notch accommodations, downtown Prescott is the best place to stay in Prescott for luxury travelers. It offers all the amenities you could desire, is centrally located to all of Prescott’s top attractions, and offers Prescott hotels for any budget and style. Here are some of the best hotels in the downtown area of Prescott:

• Best Budget Hotel in Downtown Prescott: Springhill Suites Prescott – This hotel offers an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and a coffee bar in the lobby. It’s one of the nicer pet-friendly hotels in Prescott and also has spacious rooms with a functional desk and an ergonomic chair.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Downtown Prescott: Best Western Prescottonian – Located not far from Yavapai College and ten minutes away from the Antelope Hills Golf Course, this hotel features free Wi-Fi, family rooms, and is pet-friendly. Each guest can enjoy the hotel’s complimentary breakfast.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown Prescott: Prescott Resort & Conference Center – This hotel features a full-service health club, salon, salt-water swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and spa. Guests can enjoy the on-site casino, Bucky’s Casino, with 300 slots and poker games, relaxing guest rooms with luxurious linens, flatscreen TVs, and helpful staff.

See Related: Best Day Trips from Phoenix, Arizona

2. Prescott’s Historic District

Prescott’s historic district is located on the eastern end of downtown Prescott. It’s bordered by Mt. Vernon Street and Gurley Street and includes the fun and exciting Whiskey Row, which is located on Montezuma Street.

Visitors can enjoy historic buildings, beautiful homes, and some of the best hotels in Prescott when visiting the historic district. The homes range in style from majestic Victorians to quaint and charming cottages and craftsman bungalows. The area is actually known statewide as being one of the best places to visit for Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating.

One of our favorite hotels, Hassayampa Inn, is located near many exciting attractions and hot spots. It is just down the road from Prescott Western Heritage Center on Montezuma Street. This cultural center is right on Whiskey Row and features exciting history lessons of the Southwest and Arizona specifically.

Here are some of the best things to see and do around Prescott’s historic district:

• Saloon hop down iconic Whiskey Row on Montezuma Street, filled with Prescott’s oldest and best saloons.
• Enjoy the beautiful statues and history in Courthouse Square.
• Experience Prescott’s visual arts scene during Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk, held on the fourth Friday of each month.
• Browse art at Arts Prescott Gallery, featuring exclusive handmade art from local artists in various media formats.
• Visit the Prescott Western Heritage Center, where you can learn about the Old Western lifestyle through art, music, events, and performances.
• Catch a show at the historic Prescott Elks Theatre, which has been beautifully restored and maintained.

Prescott’s historic district is the best area to stay in Prescott for first-time visitors. It’s pretty much in the center of all the action and is also home to some pretty rad and historically-significant hotels. Here are some of our favorites:

• Best Budget Hotel in the Historic District: Hotel St. Michael – The Hotel St. Michael is centrally-located and one of the most historic hotels in Prescott. The vintage-style indoor shop area within Hotel St. Michael includes a hairdresser, a bookstore, and a souvenir shop. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and family rooms are available.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in the Historic District: Hassayampa Inn – Prescott’s oldest hotel, the Hassayampa Inn, is a memorable way to experience Prescott. Guests will enjoy swanky rooms, antique furnishings, and the building’s Spanish colonial revival architecture. Courthouse Square is within walking distance of Hassayampa Inn, along with live music venues, saloons, and other hot spots on Whiskey Row.
• Best Luxury Hotel in the Historic District: Hotel Vendome – Located within walking distance from Whiskey Row and the Courthouse Plaza, Hotel Vendome treats its guests right with an on-site bar, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee and tea. The property is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

3. Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley is about eight miles east of Prescott, making it an accessible destination to rest your head without missing out on all the fun attractions in Prescott proper. There are quite a few fun attractions in Prescott Valley for families.

While Prescott Valley is close in proximity to all the fun and action in downtown Prescott, it’s also near some of the most amazing nature trails and other outdoor recreational activities. I recommend renting a car if staying in Prescott Valley, as you’ll want to be spending most of your days out exploring the surrounding areas.

Does Prescott Valley sound like the place for you? If you need more convincing, here are some of the best things to do in and around Prescott Valley:

• Fain Park is a 100-acre park and lake where visitors can fish, have a picnic lunch, and explore hiking trails. It’s also home to an annual Christmas parade.
• Glassford Summit Trail is a 4.6-mile hiking trail in Prescott Valley that will take around 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll encounter a few caves and stunning views of the valley and mountains.
• Iron King Trail is also located in Prescott Valley; at 14 miles out and back, it is more rigorous than Glassford Summit but just as fun!
• Enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event at Findlay Toyota Center, home to the Arizona Sundogs ice hockey team.
• Stop at Peddler’s Pass Flea Market each weekend and get your shop on with local vendors and small businesses.
• Stone Ridge Golf Course is one of Prescott’s best places to hit the links.

Hungry in Prescott Valley? You’ve got great options. For a dive-bar atmosphere with delicious food, try Lonesome Valley Brewing Co., or grab a classic breakfast at BackBurner Family Restaurant.

While staying in Prescott, many families find that Prescott Valley offers better accommodations away from the city center, allowing them to spread out, cook meals, utilize laundry facilities, and have a more comfortable stay. We’ve included the best hotels in Prescott Valley and a family vacation rental home, depending on your family’s needs when you travel.

• Best Budget Hotel in Prescott Valley: GreenTree Inn Prescott Valley – This Prescott hotel is one of the more popular hotels in Prescott Valley and offers guests free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a business center, and an extended continental breakfast. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool and its convenient location close to the Prescott Valley entertainment district.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Prescott Valley: Hampton Inn & Suites Prescott Valley – In Prescott Valley, Hampton Inn & Suites features a seasonal outdoor pool for guests, free Wi-Fi, and free shuttle services to the Prescott Regional Airport. Guests will also enjoy a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and free parking at the Hampton Inn Prescott.
• Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Prescott Valley: Spacious Home with Deck Views – If you’re planning a big family getaway with extended family, check out this luxury vacation rental in Prescott valley. This vacation rental can accommodate up to ten guests and features stunning mountain views, a large deck, and lots of indoor and outdoor seating areas.

See Related: Most Beautiful Valleys in the US

4. Yavapai Hills

Located between downtown Prescott and Prescott Valley, Yavapai Hills is a neighborhood known for beautiful homes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It also includes a few hotels that are quite affordable and in a central location close to the Prescott Gateway Mall.

Since this is primarily a residential area, I highly recommend renting a car if you intend to stay in Yavapai Hills while visiting Prescott. It’s an awesome central location that’ll have you between the fun and excitement of downtown Prescott, the historic district’s Whiskey Row, and the beautiful natural wonder of the Prescott National Forest area.

So whether you’re looking to relax and decompress in nature or enjoy indoor leisure activities like shopping, Yavapai Hills has something for everyone. Lynx Lake is just to the south of Yavapai Hills and is surrounded by wonderful hiking trails. Here are just a few of the best things to do in and around Yavapai Hills:

• Enjoy some shopping at the Prescott Gateway Mall.
• Hike the scenic Ranch Trail #62, which boasts stunning panoramic views of Lynx Lake, Prescott Valley, and the San Francisco Peaks.
• The Highlands Center for Natural History is a nature center where you can learn all about the various ecosystems found in the Prescott National Forest area.
• The Lynx Creek Ruin Trail is a short 1.5-mile loop that goes to an observation deck where you can see prehistoric ruins.
• The Salida Gulch Trail follows Lynx Creek and is a scenic four-mile hike through ponderosa pine, willow trees, and pine trees. Hikers, horseback riders, and cyclists are all welcome on this trail.
• Enjoy the fine dining atmosphere and breathtaking views at The FINN restaurant.

Due to its quiet and upscale location, Yavapai Hills is the best place to stay in Prescott for safety. Here are our favorite Prescott hotels in the area:

• Best Budget Hotel in Yavapai Hills: Holiday Inn Express Prescott, an IHG Hotel – The hotel features an awesome indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a fitness center, business center, and laundry facilities. I love staying at a Holiday Inn Express because they provide great, free breakfast.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Yavapai Hills: La Quinta Inn & Suites Wyndham Conference Center Prescott – The La Quinta Inn is located right around the residential area of Yavapai Hills and has everything you need to be comfortable during your vacation. The hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Yavapai Hills: Residence Inn Prescott – The Residence Inn is an awesome hotel pick and one of the best places to stay in Prescott. This Prescott resort features a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and a beautiful outdoor terrace with a fireplace and fire pits.

5. Ponderosa Park

Ponderosa Park is located just south of downtown Prescott along Highway 89. While you won’t find any hotels or resorts nearby, this neighborhood is filled with beautiful cabins to rent, ranging from quaint to luxurious.

This lovely neighborhood is just a 10-minute drive to Whiskey Row, so you’re still not too far from the fun of the historic district of Prescott or downtown. Of course, you’re also surrounded by a variety of nature trails and stunning vistas. Here are just a few of the best things to do while staying in Ponderosa Park:

• In the mood for a scenic road trip? Head off the main drag and go south on Highway 89 for quite the scenic car ride; you’ll explore the Prescott National Forest, Peeples Valley, and Congress Valley, two historic areas in Yavapai County, and then make your way into Wickenburg.
• Constellation Trail is also off Highway 89, where visitors can see beautiful rock formations, oak passageways, and moderately-challenging walking trails.
• Drive north to Upper Goldwater Lake, a 15-acre fishing lake with docks, canoeing, kayaking, a playground, picnic areas, and more.
• Quartz Mountain Trail is a beautiful hike that can be enjoyed year-round and offers stunning views in all directions.

Ponderosa Park is a great area if you’re looking for where to stay in Prescott with kids or extended family. Choosing to rent a cabin allows you to pick an accommodation that offers the perfect amount of space for you and your family. Here are some of our favorite Ponderosa Park vacation rentals:

• Best Budget Vacation Rental in Ponderosa Park: Little Red Cabin – This quaint, little cabin is a tranquil escape in the woods. It can accommodate four guests and features a cozy fireplace, a back deck with a grill, and a fenced-in backyard (pets allowed!).
• Best Mid-Range Vacation Rental in Ponderosa Park: Prescott Cabin – This gorgeous A-frame cabin features two bedrooms and a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows to really take in the views. Enjoy the chilly evenings on the back deck with a warm drink and the cozy atmosphere.
• Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Ponderosa Park: Mountain Retreat in the Ponderosa Pines – If you’re traveling with a large party, this vacation rental is perfect for you. It has four bedrooms that can accommodate up to 11 guests. The spacious getaway is also just a 15-minute drive to iconic Whiskey Row.

See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November

6. Prescott Area Campgrounds

A few campgrounds in the Prescott area offer affordable camping for budget travelers or those who want to sleep under the stars. The most popular campgrounds in Prescott include Watson Lake, Lynx Campground, and White Spar Campground.

Watson Lake is just four miles from downtown Prescott and offers fantastic fishing, camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, and more fun for visitors. Watson Lake campgrounds are only available during the summer months, from late April until the first week of October. You can contact the City of Prescott to reserve a camping site.

Lynx Campground is located on Lynx Lake and is a few minutes from Prescott, yet it feels like you are completely isolated from civilization. It’s located in the Prescott National Forest and is a beautiful place to camp.

The grounds have 35 spots with a fire ring, picnic table, and room for two tents. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, seeing interesting wildlife, boat rides, mountain biking, running, and fishing. Furry friends are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.

White Spar Campground is located in Prescott National Forest off Highway 89. While camping under the stars, you’ll enjoy mild weather and breathtaking views of the ponderosa pines. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and birdwatching at White Spar.

You’ll enjoy much more spacious spots than other campsites in Prescott, allowing for more privacy. It’s also located less than three miles away from downtown Prescott, so you can still enjoy all the fun of the city center.

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