Hotel at a Glance: Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott

From the doors of the Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott, one of its best assets is visible: the Arizona mountains rising in the distance. The hotel is less than a mile from the Prescott National Forest, which spans over 1.25 million acres of mountain tops, desert valleys, and peaceful lakes. If the great Arizona wilderness isn’t your scene, the hotel is less than a 10-minute drive from Prescott’s downtown, a former mining town which is still infused with Old West charm.

• The most important meal of the day: Breakfast is included for every guest.
• Get your marshmallows ready, and you can make s’mores at the outdoor fire pit.
• Escape from the Arizona heat with a dip in the outdoor pool.
• Visit a saloon on downtown Prescott’s Whiskey Row, which has been the best area to grab a cold drink in town since the cowboys first settled there.
• Explore Prescott’s Wild West past with a visit to the Phippen Museum, which displays artwork and artifacts from American Indians and other early settlers.
• Get in The Mix: Complimentary appetizers, beer, and wine are served in the lobby in the early evenings on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Prescott, Arizona: Historical Mountain Town Encircled by Wilderness

A mile up in the mountains of Arizona’s central highlands, Prescott maintains small-town charm with a Wild West touch. During the winter, the courthouse plaza is the epicenter of an impressive display of colored lights strung from downtown trees, helping the city earn its designation as “Arizona’s Christmas City.”

Across the street from the plaza you’ll find the saloons of Whiskey Row—a historical block of bars once frequented by notorious outlaws and cowboys. Push through the swinging doors of the Palace Restaurant & Saloon, and you can sidle up to a bar where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday were known to wet their whistles.

There’s a ton of outdoor activities here as well. Trek up the steep paved paths of iconic Thumb Butte and pause at the summit for panoramic views, or try your hand at rock climbing at the Granite Mountain Wilderness. About a 10-minute drive north of town, Watson Lake Park is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. Many families favor the park’s short hiking trails through rocky, high-desert landscapes.