Jerome is an old mining town in Arizona with a population of about 500 people. The town’s location at the top of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley means that you’ll enjoy some pleasant climate and great views. There are only a handful of hotels in Jerome, Arizona with the Conner Hotel being one of the most popular.
While nearby Sedona, is quite overrun with tourists, Jerome is a great alternative for someone looking for an offbeat destination. It’s not riddled with big attractions, but there are some ‘spooky’ locations worth exploring here. It’s no wonder then that the town features on our list of top 25 things to do in Arizona.
Where to Stay in Jerome, Arizona
If you have a fascination with the supernatural, you can choose to stay at one of the ‘haunted hotels’ in Jerome, Arizona. Although you may experience some paranormal activity here, they’re probably not as spooky as the most haunted places in the world!
Like we mentioned earlier, you won’t find too many hotels in town, but you’ll find some great options in Cottonwood which is a 15-minute drive from here. You could also stay at Sedona which is about 27 miles from here. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Phoenix, a day trip to Jerome would be a good idea. It’s about a two-hour drive from the city. Once back from your visit to Jerome, you could unwind in one of the best hotel pools in Phoenix.
Iron Horse Inn
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Cottonwood is a great base for exploring Jerome as it’s just a little over a 15-minute drive away. There are quite a few attractions worth exploring in the town too, so if you plan to stop here, you’ll get the best of both worlds. The historic Iron Horse Inn is a good place to stay with its bright exteriors and welcoming interiors. It also puts you close to local attractions.
The motel traces its roots to the 1930s when it was built by the owners of the lumber company located behind the motel. A lot has changed since its beginning, with more rooms being added over the years. You’ll find elegantly decorated guest rooms at the motel with a good range of in-room amenities. Complimentary fruit and packaged water, plus standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators are what you can look forward to at the inn.
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Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
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Located in the heart of Verde Valley, the Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge is another good alternative to hotels in Jerome, Arizona. It’s within easy driving distance from Sedona and has scenic hiking opportunities. Jerome is also a short drive away.
The secluded resort has large open vistas to look out on. It’s also surrounded by a lush golf course. You can choose from studios and one and two-bedroom suites that come with full kitchens, jacuzzi tub, and air conditioning. There’s also a spa and a few pools to cool off when you’re done with exploring the area.
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The Tavern Hotel
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The Euro Style Tavern Hotel is another great hotel to stay at in Old Cottonwood. While it’s a short drive from here to Jerome, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Cottonwood too. Take a stroll along Main Street to discover more about the town or go for an early morning walk along the Verde River. If you have any cravings, you’ll find quite a few good restaurants in the vicinity too.
Originally built in 1925 as a grocery store, the transformation of the space took place in 2011. The result – an elegant hotel that exudes charm and luxury. The guest rooms here are beautiful with hardwood floors and tasteful décor. Stone tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers and high-end fixtures. You’ll find plenty of other amenities in the rooms for your comfort. Besides the 41 regular rooms, the hotel also features two penthouses and cozy cottages.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at Crema Craft Kitchen across Main Street. For other dining options, you can head to the sister property Tavern Grille or any of the restaurants in the area.
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The Million Dollar View
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Since there aren’t too many hotels in Jerome, Arizona a good idea would be to stay at an apartment such as The Million Dollar View Vacation Rentals. The property is located on Main Street which puts you in proximity to everything in Jerome. Attractions and restaurants are an easy walk from here.
The two apartments are located on the second and third floors and can be booked together or separately. Each 550 sq. ft. apartment comes with a King size bed, Queen Size Sofa Sleeper, and other modern amenities, including a kitchenette. There’s also a private balcony that offers unobstructed views of the Red Rocks of Sedona.
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Connor Hotel
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The Connor Hotel in Jerome, Arizona comes with a colorful past. From being hailed as an icon of luxury when it opened in 1898, to falling into squalor and being burnt to the ground within a few months of its opening, the hotel has seen its fair share of ups and downs. When it reopened in 1899 it was one of the best in town and also one of the earliest buildings in Jerome to have electricity. However, after a seesaw of openings and closings, the hotel has finally found its feet again.
The rooms here are quite spacious and comfortable. Some rooms retain the original wallpaper and brickwork while others are a bit more modern. Almost all bathrooms feature a tub/shower combo but Room 7 has an oversized whirlpool tub. The hotel has gained a reputation for being one of the haunted hotels in Jerome, Arizona. With its long, chequered past it’s not too difficult to believe, though no guests have had any paranormal encounters yet! One advantage of staying at this hotel is the great location and the thoughtful extras in the rooms.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Jerome, Arizona:
- Haunted Hamburger – With its reputation for being the site of quite a few ‘indescribable experiences,’ the restaurant pulls in quite a crowd. However, you probably won’t encounter any ghosts here but you will enjoy the view and a delicious burger.
- The English Kitchen – This restaurant holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in Northern Arizona. It opened in 1899 as a place where chop suey and noodles were served but no English fare. Today you can enjoy excellent barbeque choices here in its new avatar as Bobby D’s BBQ.
- Grapes Restaurant and Bar – From its origins as a Pony Express Station that dates back to the 1900s, this quaint restaurant has come a long way. You can choose from an amazing array of appealing dishes that not only catch the eye but satiate the cravings too. Enjoy a glass of wine or a local beer while you dig in.
Recommended Activities In Jerome Arizona:
- Gold King Mine and Ghost Town – This interesting spot just above Jerome was a thriving place in its heyday when instead of copper, gold was discovered. This resulted in the creation of the small boomtown of Hayes. However, Hayes soon lost its importance when the gold ran out and became a ghost town. The current owner, Don Robertson purchased the abandoned town and turned it into a gearhead paradise.
- Jerome State Historic Park – The Douglas Mansion is the main attraction at this park. It houses a museum that traces the town’s journey from a mining site to a funky tourist town.
- Sliding Jail – With Jerome’s past reputation of being ‘the wickedest town in America,’ a jail was a natural part of its landscape. However, an explosion from one of the mines caused the jail to begin a slow descent down the town’s steep hill. There’s not much left of the jail, but it’s an interesting sight nonetheless.
