6 Best Hotels in Eastern Arizona, Arizona

This magnificent ranch has log cabins complete with porches, fireplaces, and full kitchens, and a slew of activities—fly-fishing, horseback riding, and tours of Little Bear archaeological site among them. Most sleep two to six, but the Butler House and the Beaver Lodge sleep eight. Most cabins include hot tubs or Jacuzzis, and all have high-definition TVs. In June you can even take part in the excavation on the ranch land. Nonguests are welcome to participate in activities, as well as visit the on-site Little House Museum.

Spacious rooms have wood accents and picture windows overlooking the pine-studded high country. Suites and some rooms include fireplaces, and use of an off-property gym is free for guests.

Stuffed high-country animals atop a mountain of boulders welcome you to Hon-Dah, operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe (the name means "Welcome to my home" in Apache). The main draw is the casino, with hundreds of slot machines, live poker and blackjack, and live entertainment on weekends. Large guest rooms all have coffeemakers and wet bars, and offer comfortable but not luxurious accommodations. A high-roofed atrium holds the pool and hot tub. The Indian Pine Restaurant serves three buffet meals daily, and a small gift shop sells local Apache crafts.

Homey decorating and large rooms help this independent, not-so-typical two-story motel stand out. Well-stocked rooms with microwaves and coffeemakers include four-poster beds.

Each of the 14 fully furnished cottages at this mountain retreat has its own covered porch and a grill, and inside, the fully electric kitchens have refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and adjacent dinette sets. Natural wood paneling, brick fireplaces, and wall-to-wall carpeting also make things homey. Master bedrooms have king-size beds, and the two-story chalets can accommodate up to 16 people.

Before booking, ask about minimum stay requirements.

This older motor lodge might have new ownership, but it's still decidedly, and charmingly, stuck in the past: what used to be a complete homage to the American Western is now home to a kitschy, quirky vibe throughout the motel-style rooms, which are being renovated one-by-one. Vinyl records adorn the walls of one room, while another has a vintage rotary phone. The John Wayne memorabilia is gone, replaced by stronger Wi-Fi and updated fixtures.