Little America Flagstaff: A Year in Review

As we reflect on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the unforgettable moments, meaningful partnerships, and incredible recognition that made this year truly special. From celebrating beloved traditions to welcoming guests from across the country, here are the highlights that defined our year at Little America Flagstaff.

In early March, The Best of the Southwest highlighted Little America Flagstaff in their article “5 Romantic Getaways in Arizona for the Perfect Valentine’s Day.” The feature celebrated our Valentine’s Day celebration on February 14th, when we transformed Silver Pine restaurant into the ultimate romantic experience. “Nestled among the towering Ponderosa Pines, Little America Flagstaff provides a cozy and intimate setting where couples can reconnect and create lasting memories,” the article noted. Our à la carte dinner menu was curated to delight the senses, with live jazz music by the Josh Moore Duo setting the mood with smooth, soulful tunes from 6 to 9 PM. This recognition affirmed what we’ve always known—that our 500 acres of ponderosa pine forest create the perfect backdrop for romance and special moments.

Local travel blogger Danielle Outdoors featured Little America Flagstaff in her May 20th article “Best Hotels in Flagstaff (From a Local’s Perspective!).” The authentic review praised our family-friendly approach and thoughtful touches: “They have multiple locations in different states, but are family-friendly. Why does this matter? It makes everything feel more cozy and thoughtful.” Danielle was particularly impressed by our 200 acres of forest, complete with walking trails, and by how immersed our pool is in the forest. But what really stood out? “PLUS OMG, their restaurant Silver Pine was to die for. Lots of house-made items!” she exclaimed. Getting recognition from a local perspective means the world to us, as we’ve always strived to be a beloved part of the Flagstaff community while welcoming visitors from around the world.

Every Saturday in June, we hosted refreshing outdoor yoga sessions on our East Lawn, overlooking our beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest. Classes were led by incredible instructors from the Northern Arizona Yoga Center, offering a peaceful and grounding experience in nature from 8:00 to 8:40 AM. For just $10, non-overnight guests could join our hotel guests for this rejuvenating morning practice, bringing their own water and yoga mat (though we offered a limited number on a first-come, first-served basis). Afterward, participants enjoyed a complimentary mimosa at Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar to complete their relaxing morning. This initiative perfectly embodied our belief that hospitality is in our nature, connecting guests with the stunning natural environment that makes Flagstaff so special.

When summer brought extraordinarily hot temperatures in July, we created a comprehensive guide to Northern Arizona’s best swimming holes, helping guests discover both well-known spots and hidden gems within driving distance of Little America. Our guide featured Slide Rock in Oak Creek Canyon (23 miles away), Grasshopper Point with its perfect jumping rocks (28 miles), the peaceful Wet Beaver Creek (48 miles), the stunning Fossil Creek waterfall (94 miles), West Clear Creek’s Bull Pen Swimming Hole (59 miles), and even the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon (90 miles). Of course, we also reminded guests about our own outdoor pool on the property, surrounded by 500 private acres of ponderosa pines with poolside dining available. This guide demonstrated our commitment to helping guests experience the full beauty of Northern Arizona, whether they want adventure or the convenience of staying close to their room.

In August, the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler featured Little America Flagstaff in their article “The Best Grand Canyon Hotels, Airbnbs, and Glampsites.” The publication noted that “Little America Hotel is held in high regard as the only AAA-approved Four-Diamond hotel in Flagstaff, an hour and 15 minutes from the South Rim by car.” The article praised our spacious, comfortable rooms, featuring goose-down bedding, rustic live-edge desks, and earth-toned sitting areas, all situated within 500 acres of a ponderosa pine forest. Technology enthusiasts were highlighted for enjoying our 55-inch LG flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet access. Being recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as a gateway to one of the world’s natural wonders reinforces our role as the perfect home base for Grand Canyon adventures.

In October, we published our comprehensive guide to fall in Flagstaff, helping guests experience autumn at its most magnificent. We detailed the best spots for chasing golden aspens during peak viewing in early October, including Lockett Meadow at the base of Humphreys Peak, the Aspen Nature Loop, Kachina Trail at Arizona Snowbowl, and the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride for bird’s-eye views. Our guide highlighted the season’s distinctive events, including the First Friday ArtWalk, Oktoberfest at Wheeler Park, the Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival, the Flagstaff Festival of Science, and Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona. We also covered Halloween experiences, including Freaky Foot Tours, Flagstaff Underground, the Weatherford Hotel Ghost Tour, the Downtown Trick-or-Treat Trail, and the Arboretum’s Pumpkin Walk. After days of autumn adventures, we reminded guests they could return to Little America Flagstaff—nestled within 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest—to warm up by the fireplace in our lobby and savor always-made-from-scratch meals.

In November, Business Insider featured Little America Flagstaff in their coverage of the North Pole Experience’s milestone achievement: “North Pole Experience Celebrates 750,000 Guests and 17 Years of Holiday Magic.” The article noted that “Passengers can experience the enchanted trolley powered by the Aurora Borealis, traveling through a themed portal with routes beginning and ending at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, recognized as the official gateway to the North Pole.” Now in its 17th year, the North Pole Experience (NPX) continues to enchant families from across the United States with its immersive journey into Santa’s 400-year-old Workshop. With more than 750,000 visitors and $240,000 in new upgrades this season, NPX stands as one of America’s definitive Christmas traditions. Recognized as one of Arizona’s Best Holiday Experiences for Children in seven of the last nine years, NPX has become a pilgrimage, with families flying in from across the country to step through the Magic Portal. We’re honored to serve as the starting point for this magical experience, fueling Flagstaff’s festive cheer throughout the holiday season.

As the holiday season approached, we created a comprehensive guide to help guests experience the magic of Christmas in Flagstaff. We highlighted our own special events, including Christmas Brunch (where classic holiday flavors meet mountain hospitality), Breakfast with Santa (where little ones share their Christmas wishes), and the North Pole Experience (transforming our property into a luminous holiday spectacle with millions of beautiful lights, running through January 2026). Beyond our doors, we guided guests to Flagstaff’s holiday treasures, including First Friday ArtWalk on December 5th, Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting on December 6th, the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Winter Market featuring 25 Indigenous artists, Howlidays at Heritage Square on December 7th, the Holiday Parade of Lights on December 13th, and Christmas Tours at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. “Whether you’re a local looking for festive dining options or a visitor discovering Flagstaff’s winter charm, Little America Flagstaff is your hub for holiday celebration,” we told guests, inviting them to make us part of their holiday story.

As we look back on 2025, we’re grateful for the opportunity to welcome guests to experience Flagstaff’s natural beauty and seasonal magic. From summer swimming holes to golden autumn aspens to holiday traditions that have welcomed 750,000 visitors, thank you for making Little America Flagstaff part of your story this year. Hospitality is in our nature, and we look forward to welcoming you in the year ahead.