Like many frontier towns in the late 19th century, Flagstaff faced frequent fires that ravaged its buildings. After a particularly devastating series of blazes in 1897, the city passed an ordinance requiring new buildings in the business district to be constructed from fire-resistant materials like brick, stone, or iron. In response, Texan John W. Weatherford built one of the first such structures, which became a general store and the family’s living space.
In 1899, Weatherford saw the potential of tourism to fuel Flagstaff’s growth. He expanded the building, adding a three-story addition to accommodate visitors. By the turn of the century, the Weatherford Hotel was born, officially opening on New Year’s Day, 1900. The Weatherford became Flagstaff’s premier lodging destination for the next three decades, attracting notable guests, including artist Thomas Moran, publisher William Randolph Hearst, and famous western author Zane Grey.
By the late 1920s, the Weatherford began to show signs of age. Newer, modern hotels like the Monte Vista Hotel started to attract more attention. A fire in 1929 caused the balcony removal, and in 1933, the Weatherford family lost ownership of the hotel. Its namesake passed away the following year in Phoenix.
Weatherford’s fate took another turn in 1975 when Henry Taylor, along with his brother Lloyd, purchased the hotel to preserve the historic structure and prevent it from being demolished. Over the years, Henry and his wife embarked on a decades-long restoration project to return the hotel to its original grandeur.
The renovations began in 1980 when Charly’s Restaurant and Pub opened on the first floor, occupying the site of the original lobby. The upper floors were converted into a youth hostel. In the mid-1990s, the Taylors began renovating the telephone exchange building into The Exchange Pub in 1995.
By 2016, the hotel’s structural restoration was completed, including reinforced floors and the addition of 17 hotel rooms, many of which retain vintage fixtures such as claw-foot tubs. Today, the Weatherford Hotel remains a vital part of Flagstaff’s history and cultural fabric, with its vibrant dining and entertainment options adding to its legacy.
Charly’s Pub & Grill on the first floor stands out as a favorite dining spot for locals and visitors. Known for its Southwestern-inspired menu, Charly’s offers Navajo tacos, hearty Irish coffees, and a variety of cocktails and draft beers. Charly’s also hosts live music and events.
Originally a speakeasy, the Gopher Hole Pub now hosts live music and is available for private events, serving as a regional entertainment venue for up to 200 guests. With bands worldwide performing regularly, it’s a vibrant spot to enjoy a night out in Flagstaff. The Zane Grey Bar offers a unique experience with views of downtown Flagstaff and an impressive selection of cocktails. The bar’s wrap-around balcony provides a picturesque spot to enjoy drinks while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. Inside, the hotel’s antique bar (from Tombstone!) adds a touch of Old West charm.
With 17 rooms, the Weatherford Hotel offers an intimate and historic experience in the heart of Flagstaff. From the restored European-style rooms to the elegant king and queen suites, each retains the charm of its early 20th-century origins while providing modern amenities like air conditioning and TVs.
Whether you choose a quiet retreat or a lively experience with the hotel’s entertainment options, the Weatherford Hotel promises a stay that blends history, comfort, and fun. For more, visit weatherfordhotel.com.
