6 Best Hotels in Jerome, AZ for an Authentic Wild West Stay

The best hotels in Jerome pay homage to the mining town’s “wicked” past and artistically rejuvenated present.

In February 1903, a New York City newspaper published a profile of a small but notorious copper mining camp in Arizona that had, in recent years, dethroned towns like Bodie, Deadwood, Tombstone, and Abilene as the “worst” town in the West.

“Nowadays there is no dispute,” reported The Sun, “in the Southwest at least, that this copper camp of Jerome, is the wickedest town in America.”

Jerome was, at this time, a swift-growing mining camp built into the side of Cleopatra Hill in Yavapai County, some 100 miles north of Phoenix and 50 miles southwest of Flagstaff. Prospectors back in 1876 had staked claims in the area, and those were later bought out by larger outfits intent on reaching the Black Hills’ metal ores: copper, lead, silver, zinc, and even gold.

For decades, Jerome was a thriving mining camp. At its peak in the 1920s, more than 15,000 people called the steep hillside community home, and the town’s mines would produce more than 30 million tons of copper and other metal ores over seven decades.

By 1953, the mines had played out, and the population of Jerome dwindled to less than one hundred souls at its lowest point. The community became a skeletal, crumbling ghost town, but within a few years, the Verde Valley Art Association came to fruition—and took its place as the town’s next cultural steward. 

Today, Jerome’s artsy reinvention lives on: walk through the winding streets of the former mining camp and you’ll hear sparkling wind chimes, catch unique hand-painted murals, and feel the bass of live music that floats past throwback buildings appearing to defy the laws of gravity.

In this mix of historic preservation and artistic reinterpretation, visitors to Jerome can enjoy lodging that feels both timeless and modern: a paradox that captures the eclectic beauty of what was once “without any doubt the largest copper mines in the world, as well as the best paying,” reported the Arizona Weekly Journal-Miner in 1896.

Here’s a rundown of the best hotels in Jerome for an authentic Old West experience.

How we chose the best Jerome hotels

Each hotel in this article was handpicked by our editorial team based on historical significance and character, Western charm, and overall guest experience. We focused on properties with authentic ties to Jerome’s mining history, and included a range of price points and styles based on first-hand research and insights from our own experiences.

Connor Hotel

Best for: classic Wild West experience

Connor Hotel was originally built in 1898 by hotelier David Connor. A town-wide fire destroyed his first building—and much of Jerome—but in August 1899, Connor rebuilt his enterprise and successfully ran the hotel until it closed in 1931.

When Connor’s hotel first opened, guests could choose from 20 rooms upstairs and book a one-night stay for $1. When the hotel reopened in the 1960s and ’70s—after Jerome transitioned into its campy, artistic era—it was a “low budget flophouse” known for its partying ways. The hotel closed in the 1980s due to safety concerns, but it has since reopened with modern amenities and well-preserved elements from the past.

Each of the hotel’s 12 rooms tells a unique story through exposed brick, original wallpaper, vintage tin ceiling tiles, oak antiques, and various-sized windows. Guests can select rooms with views of downtown Jerome or the sprawling Verde Valley to the east. The first four rooms are directly above the hotel’s bar, Spirit Room—perfect for those looking for late nights out, but best avoided for those seeking quiet (see Room 12 instead). 

Most Connor Hotel reviews are stellar: guests love the historic charm and atmosphere, as well as comfortable beds and friendly staff. The hotel’s minimal complaints stem from noisy rooms above the bar and the sometimes finicky parking situation.

Good to know: there’s no dedicated hotel parking—connect with the hotel beforehand to get tips on the best street parking.

Address: 160 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Phone: (928) 634-5006
Price range: $$

Book here

The Clinkscale

Best for: upscale stays

Building on the success of The Tavern Hotel in nearby Cottonwood, Michelle and Eric Jurisin restored The Clinkscale in 2020 to offer Jerome guests a blend of historic tribute and modern amenities. Each of the six rooms at the building—originally built in 1899—retain a certain amount of traditional Old West charm, but each are upgraded with subway-tiled bathrooms and beautifully restored floors and fixtures. 

Downstairs, The Clinkscale Bar + Grill offers award-winning American cuisine that was voted one of the best places to eat in the Southwest by Yelp (2003). For the most upgraded stay, book the luxurious Penthouse Suite that sits above the Haunted Hamburger, but beware: there are no refunds if you encounter paranormal activity. 

If your travel standards are high, you’ll dig The Clinkscale’s modern approach to Wild West lodging. Everything here—from the food to the service to the rooms—is decidedly modern, and would be just as wildly popular or well-received in downtown Phoenix or Tucson. Still, the spirit of the west runs through the hotel’s veins in every detail.

Good to know: each of the hotel’s six rooms incorporate different themes, from mining history to “spooks, ghosts, and goblins.” Check out their site for detailed room overviews.

Address: 309 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Phone: (928) 634-5006
Price range: $$

Book here

Jerome Grand Hotel

Best for: ghost-hunting

When United Verde Hospital opened in January 1927, it became Jerome’s fourth hospital. The first three had been doomed, over the years, by underground cave-ins and fault lines typical of the Black Hills. The hospital catered to injured and sick miners—and the town’s dwindling population—until 1935, when the Phelps Dodge Corp. purchased it as the company’s official hospital. 

Phelps ran the hospital until 1950, and for decades it sat in near ruin, like much of Jerome. Caretakers kept the five-story building in decent shape until 1994, when Larry Altherr purchased the structure with plans to turn it into a hotel. Altherr set to work renovating what is now Jerome Grand Hotel, which has been called the most haunted structure in Arizona, according to Haunted Jerome authors Patricia Jacobson and Midge Steuber.

As the story goes, about 9,000 people died at the hospital in its 24-year run, and some of those souls supposedly stuck around. Some of the more common sightings include the “head nurse,” who oversaw the hospital for years, and spirits of miners who have been clearly injured (or worse). 

Numerous suicides occurred in the hospital, and in 1935, a maintenance man named Claude Harvey was found dead under the elevator. Some believe he was murdered, while others, including Altherr, think he died of a heart attack. Altherr isn’t “into hauntings nor ghost stories,” as the hotel notes, but welcomes those who want to find out for themselves. 

Good to know: if you’re looking to encounter spirits, Room 32 is considered the most haunted of Jerome Grand Hotel’s offerings.

Address: 200 Hill St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Phone: (928) 634-5006
Price range: $$-$$$

Book here

Ghost City Inn

Best for: romantic retreats

When Richard Faye and Ingrid Sarris took over the Ghost City Inn in 2016, they promised the former owners—who renovated the building three times in 20 years—that they’d make minimal changes to the elevated house on Main Street. They’ve upheld that vow, and today, Ghost City Inn is one of the more intimate historic hotels in Jerome. 

The original building was used as a boarding house for mining managers around 1890, and over the years, it served various purposes in town, including being an ashram and restaurant. Six rooms cultivate a cozy atmosphere that feels more romantic than some of the larger hotels in Jerome, and panoramic views from the front porch are hard to beat.

Positive guest reviews highlight the hotel’s charm and quaint aesthetic—and the homemade muffins and breakfast snacks. Critical reviews, which are sparse, mention the rooms’ small size and the uphill walking you may need to do to get around town. 

Good to know: five of the six Ghost City Inn rooms only sleep two people (the Miner’s Suite sleeps 3).

Address: 541 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Phone: (928) 634-4678
Price range: $

Book here

The Surgeon’s House

Best for: traditional bed and breakfast stay

Since 1992, The Surgeon House’s innkeeper, Andrea Prince—whose personal mantra is “leading by serving”—has made it her mission to provide guests with exceptional stays in Jerome. This home, originally built as the town’s head surgeon’s residence in 1917, and on the National Historic Registry since 1966, has been well-preserved in the decades since.

Today, guests can stay in one of four suites, each with private bathrooms, balconies, and patios. A breakfast buffet and 24/7 homemade snacks make this an excellent option for guests who don’t want to go far for what Andrea calls “good eats.” 

Good to know: the peaceful atmosphere is geared toward adults (children are welcome if guests want to reserve all four suites).

Address: 100 Hill St #998, Jerome, AZ 86331
Phone: (928) 639-1452
Price range: $$$

Book here

The Little Daisy

Best for: weddings and events

Before it was The Little Daisy, this historic building was a bustling miner’s hotel constructed in 1918. Today’s iteration—named after one of Jerome’s most productive mines from 1912 to 1938—offers an unforgettable backdrop to weddings and private events in Jerome. 

When the town’s mining operations ceased in the 1950s, the roof of this miner’s hotel was removed, giving it the unique silhouette it has today, where guests can enjoy a grassy rooftop terrace and stunning views.

The Little Daisy’s 25,000-square-foot space includes nine bedrooms and seven baths, and accommodates up to 33 overnight guests, or 60 to 100 event guests. The grounds here are immaculate, and the interiors of the mansion maintain their historic foundations with modern, upscale touches. 

Good to know: The Little Daisy caters to larger groups, but they also host smaller groups at The Geologist’s House (eight guests) and Villa Contenta (six guests) nearby.

Address: 300 Upper Bell Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331
Phone: (928) 228-5724
Price range: $$$$

Book here

Map of Historic Jerome Hotels

FAQs

Which is the oldest hotel in Jerome?

Connor Hotel dates back to 1898, making it the oldest hotel in Jerome still in operation. The Clinkscale’s building was constructed around 1899, and Ghost City Inn’s structure was built around 1890.

Surgeon’s House dates back to 1917, and construction on the building that is now The Little Daisy started in 1916, then opened two years later. The “youngest” of Jerome’s hotels is Jerome Grand Hotel, constructed in 1926.

What’s considered the most haunted hotel in Jerome?

Though it’s not the oldest lodging in town, the Jerome Grand Hotel is considered the most haunted. For an in-depth breakdown of the hotel’s many supernatural encounters, check out Haunted Jerome.

Guests in Ghost City Inn’s Verde View Room and Cleopatra Room have reported ghost activity, as well as those staying in Rooms 1, 2, and 4 at the Connor Hotel.

Which Jerome hotel has the best Old West atmosphere?

Each of the above hotels has a distinct Western aesthetic, but if you’re looking for the most authentic Wild West experience, Connor Hotel’s your best bet. It’s retained much of its rugged, frontier patina and feels like what a hotel in the West looked like at the turn of the 19th century.

The Clinkscale also offers an impressive Western vibe, but with its renovated interiors and upscale ambiance, this hotel feels more modern (and comfortable).

Is it better to stay in Jerome or nearby towns like Cottonwood, Clarkdale, or Sedona?

If you’re looking for the most authentic Wild West experience, staying in Jerome is the way to go. Cottonwood, just east of Jerome, has more hotel options—think Hampton Inn, Best Western—but Jerome has more historic hotels with true mining camp vibes.

Clarkdale is well worth visiting, especially if you’re hopping aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, but it’s more of a low-key retirement area and won’t have the same artistic, dining, or shopping options as Jerome. In our opinion, Jerome makes an excellent base to visit Cottonwood and Clarkdale if you have time.