Flagstaff's BEST Hotel? Elev8's I-40 Exit 198 Surprise!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Flagstaff's legendary (or, at least, purportedly legendary) Elev8's I-40 Exit 198 Surprise!. And believe me, it's a surprise alright. Prepare yourself for some serious truth bombs and ramblings. I'm gonna be real with you, folks, because that's what we deserve.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Grind (Let's Get Real)
Finding Elev8 is easy - it’s conveniently located right off I-40 (Exit 198, surprise!), which is perfect after a long drive. Getting in, well… that accessibility thing? Yeah, it gets a little dicey. They say they're accessible, and there are features, like the elevator (thank GOD, because I'm not climbing stairs after driving for hours). But, the ramps? They were okay. Nothing spectacular, but at least they were there. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is good, and they try. I didn't see them using a lot of door man, but I was there during the pandemic, so I have my doubts and it could have been COVID restrictions. Car park [free of charge] is awesome BTW, because parking is a nightmare nowadays and a car power charging station is awesome, so kudos there!
I'm gonna say something here… for those who require it, it's essential to call ahead. Double-check everything. You wouldn't want to assume a fully accessible experience if the details are essential to your needs.
But overall, I'd give accessibility a solid "B-". Room for improvement, but a decent effort.
The Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and… Well, Let's Just Say "Experiences"
Okay, let's talk rooms. Yes, there's Air conditioning (essential in Flagstaff!), and non–smoking rooms are available, which is a serious win. Smoking area is also available, but it's a little far and it is what it is. I went with a non-smoking room, obvi.
Amenities? They're listed. Free Wi-Fi in the all rooms?! YES. Fantastic. Internet access, and even Internet [LAN]. Remember those? Old school. Wi-Fi [free] is, as always, appreciated but the signal sometimes fades… It could be a bit wonky at times, but, hey, it’s there! A lot of rooms have additional toilet, or possibly a separate shower/bathtub which is nice. Complimentary tea and a coffee/tea maker are also very appreciated, I had a rough morning some days. Free bottled water, even better.
My room? It was clean, which is a priority, especially with all the anti-viral cleaning products floating around these days. They definitely had rooms sanitized between stays and they were doing a good job with the daily disinfection in common areas, which, again, made me feel a bit more at ease. They definitely had hygiene certification, which is great. They also had hand sanitizer everywhere! I made sure to use some. Daily housekeeping was also nice.
Now, the… quirks. The decor? Let’s just say it’s… eclectic. Not bad, not great. I had a room with a view that wasn't a view, but a wall. Blackout curtains are a blessing to block out the sun, but I noticed they didn't fully close, letting in enough light to make me wake up a bit early one morning. It's those little details, you know?
The “Things to Do” & “Ways to Relax” (Or, The Great Spa Illusion)
Okay, the "relax" section is where things get… interesting. They list a spa! A spa/sauna! Ooh, fancy! And they have a fitness center! Massage! Pool with view! Steamroom! Sauna! Sounds amazing, right?
Well… I didn't experience all of those things. Okay, truth time. The fitness center was closed on a Saturday morning, which was a bummer, so my workout consisted of walking around the block a few times. I peeked into the pool, it looked nice, but I didn't get in. I have a feeling it does not have a "view", but I am not entirely sure. The spa? Let's just say it wasn't exactly a tropical oasis. It was, shall we say, under construction. I think they're working on it, but don't go expecting a world-class spa experience.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: The Gastronomic Adventures (Or, Lack Thereof)
Dining… here we go. They list a ton of options! Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar! Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant.
The reality? It's a bit of a mixed bag. I'm a bit of a food snob, so my opinion will probably sting.
The breakfast buffet (yes, it's there) was… well, it was breakfast. The Western breakfast was what I went with and it was edible. The coffee/tea in restaurant was okay. The Snack bar? I didn't see it. Coffee shop wasn't open when I was in the mood for a coffee, but maybe it was only in the morning.
The room service [24-hour]? Didn't try it. I opted for room service, because I don't feel like I can make any big decisions about eating when I'm just having a horrible day. I heard the Happy hour was a good time.
Cleanliness and Safety: They're Trying (But Are They REALLY?)
This is an area Elev8 seemed to stress. They had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is always a good sign. Safety/security feature, smoke alarms, and a fire extinguisher are all standard requirements. I did notice the staff were trained in safety protocol, and they had first aid kit, which is a plus.
They claimed to use anti-viral cleaning products, and had rooms sanitized between stays and daily disinfection in common areas, which, again, made me feel a bit more at ease. I also heard people say they had hygiene certification, which is important. They were playing it safe. I feel like they were all working hard to keep the hotel a safe place to stay.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (Or Don’t)
Okay, the details. Concierge? Yep, it looks like they would call for you! Contactless check-in/out? Yes! Cash withdrawal? If needed. Food delivery? If you wanted it. Luggage storage? For whatever reason. Dry cleaning and laundry service? Convenient if you are there for a while.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag of Promises
They claim to be family/child friendly, with babysitting service, and a kids meal. I can't speak to the babysitting situation, but the "kids meal" options at the restaurant? Probably best to bring your own snacks. Other Kids facilities? Not sure.
Getting Around: The Highway is Your Friend (and Possibly Your Enemy)
The most important thing is car park [free of charge]. You need your car. The airport transfer is there if needed, but you're better off driving yourself around. Taxi service is also available.
The Verdict: Is Elev8's I-40 Exit 198 Surprise! Worth the Hype?
Okay, the truth. Elev8 is a decent, solid, and functional hotel. It's definitely not a luxury experience. It has potential, it's in a great location, and the staff are genuinely trying.
Here's what I'd tell you:
Book it if: You just need a clean, comfortable room off the highway in Flagstaff. You value convenience over luxury. You're not expecting a resort spa. If you value location, location, location. I give it a 3.5/5.
Don't book it if: You're a high-maintenance traveler expecting a five-star experience. You require a fully accessible place because it may not be perfect if you don't ask. You're looking specifically for a spa getaway (it's not that kind of place).
My Unsolicited Opinion:
Elev8 is, in its own weird way, charming. It's got some good bones, a good location, and a staff that cares. If you're looking for a reliable, clean, and convenient hotel in Flagstaff, it's worth considering. Just go in with realistic expectations.
The Offer That's Actually a Plea:
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Lakeland's BEST Hotel? This Lakeland (FL) Gem Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's pristine itinerary. We're hitting Flagstaff, Arizona, and we're doing it my way. Hotel Elev8, I-40 Exit 198 Butler Ave… consider yourself warned! This is going to be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Unexplained Mystery of the Continental Breakfast
- 10:00 AM: Land in Phoenix. Ugh, airport. The smell of stale coffee and forced smiles. Seriously, who likes airport coffee? That's already strike one.
- 11:00 AM: Rental car pickup. Pray to the travel gods that they actually have the compact car I reserved. Last time, I ended up in a minivan, and let's just say my attempt at parallel parking was a disaster.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Drive. Oh, the drive. Route 17 North. Miles and miles of… well, mostly desert. The kind of landscape where you start talking to yourself because there's no one else to talk to. I'll probably stop for some questionable gas station snacks. You know, those things that taste both amazing and slightly terrifying?
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Hotel Elev8. Check-in. Cross your fingers for a decent room. My biggest fear is that I'll get stuck next to the ice machine. The eternal hum of the ice machine… the stuff of nightmares.
- 2:30 - 3:00 PM: Unpack. Settle in. Freak out a little bit about the sheer number of things you have crammed into a suitcase. Am I forgetting anything? Is that really my passport? Deep breaths.
- 3:00 - 4:00 PM: Head to a nearby spot for lunch. Maybe a diner. This is where I discover that the diner is a classic American experience - even if you get a bad meal.
- 4:00 - 5:00 PM: Continental Breakfast Reconnaissance. This deserves its own category. What kind of "continental" surprises await? The quality of a continental breakfast is a direct correlation to the quality of your day! I'm half-expecting stale pastries and lukewarm coffee. But, hey, maybe… just maybe… they'll have fresh fruit. Don't get my hopes up!
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chill in the room. Maybe take a nap. The travel anxiety is starting to kick in. A good nap or a short movie can help set the tone so you can feel better when you are ready to go. So, maybe.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner out. Flagstaff has restaurants. I've done a little research, but mostly, I'm going to wander around and see what grabs me. My method to find a place is to feel it. I can't explain it - it is also rarely a good decision. Maybe I will stumble upon something amazing, and maybe I'll end up in a chain restaurant. Whichever!
- 7:30 - 8:30 PM: Post-dinner stroll around downtown. Maybe stop at a bar. Observe the locals. Try not to look like a lost tourist. I always fail at that.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Attempt to sleep. The hum of the ice machine… it beckons.
Day 2: Grand Canyon! The Good, The Bad, and a Possible Panic Attack.
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast. This is where things get truly real. How bad is it? Will there be more than just dry toast? The suspense!
- 7:30 AM: Pack a lunch. Sunscreen. Water. The essentials.
- 8:00 AM: Drive to the Grand Canyon. This is the moment! The reason I came. It has to be amazing, right? Please, please don't be a letdown. The drive is quite long, so prepare for a fair bit of desert landscape.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Grand Canyon. OMG. The vista is indescribable. I will try to keep from falling off this amazing ledge. I'll take a million photos. I'll probably cry. (Happy tears, hopefully.)
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Hike a little bit of the South Rim trail? I'm in decent shape, but the altitude… yikes. Make sure to take breaks—and if I start to feel like I'm going to pass out, I'm turning around. Don't be a hero.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Rim. I might even have one of those little picnics I brought. Hopefully the wind doesn't steal my sandwich.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive back. Staring at the desert landscapes. Contemplating the meaning of life.
- 4:00 PM: Try to find the "perfect" coffee shop. No research. Just vibes. My motto for coffee shops.
- 5:00 PM: Chill at the hotel. Catch up on emails and social media and all the things left behind.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I feel like trying a place that has a recommendation from a friend.
- 7:30 PM: Early to Bed. Get ready to do it all again tomorrow. The hum of the ice machine seems less ominous tonight.
Day 3: Route 66 and Hopes and Dreams & More Food
- 7:00 AM: Repeat the Continental Breakfast. Deep breaths.
- 8:00 AM: Check out.
- 9:00 AM: Head out to Route 66. I'd like to do some exploring and looking at antique shops for random things.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a diner along Route 66. I love diner food.
- 1:00 PM: More exploring Route 66. I may start looking for a souvenir.
- 3:00 PM: Head toward the Phoenix airport.
- 4:00 PM: Stop by a place for a coffee and snack.
- 5:00 PM: Board the flight.
- 7:00 PM: Land back home.
The Verdict:
This itinerary is subject to extreme change. I'm a wanderer. Things will change. But one thing's for sure: it'll be an adventure. And at the very least, I'll have a story to tell (even if it's just about the ice machine). Wish me luck!
Escape to Seattle: Unbeatable Kent Hampton Inn Deals!
Elev8 Hotel: Flagstaff's... Well, *A* Hotel. Let's Unpack This.
So, is Elev8 *actually* the "BEST" Hotel in Flagstaff? I've seen the ads...
Okay, lemme be brutally honest: "Best" is subjective. They *say* it, right? And honestly, the price is… appealing. It’s right off the highway, which is a HUGE win for a road trip weary soul (speaking from experience, after a particularly brutal drive from Vegas, my god!). Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. The towels are perfectly serviceable, not the fluffiest things I've encountered, but they get the job done. Don't expect 5-star luxury, more like 3-star…ish. But for a place to crash after a day exploring the Grand Canyon or hiking in the mountains? Totally. And honestly? Sometimes those fancy places are just… too much. You just want a clean bed and a decent shower, which Elev8 *mostly* provides. More on that later…
What's the deal with that whole "Surprise!" thing? Sounds kinda… dramatic.
Oh, the "Surprise!" They lean into it, hardcore. I think it’s supposed to be a playful nod to the unexpected, like *“Oooh! We have a pool!”* (which, by the way, is more like a slightly oversized kiddie pool, but hey, it's there!). Honestly, the biggest surprise *I* got was the sheer number of people who decided to arrive at the same time as me. Check-in was… an experience. Let’s just say patience is a virtue you’ll definitely need. (And maybe a pre-emptive shot of something stronger, just in case.) But the staff, bless their hearts, were trying. They smiled. They seemed genuinely… well, not necessarily ecstatic, but reasonably happy to be there. And after a brutal day of driving, I appreciate that more than I can say.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they clean? Are they noisy? Is the bed comfy?
Right, okay, the rooms. Clean-ish. I mean, I'm not a germaphobe, but I *do* appreciate a tidy space. Mine was… let’s call it “lived in.” A few mystery spots on the rug, but nothing that screamed "pandemic nightmare scenario." The bed? Ah, the bed. It was... a bed. Not the kind you'd write home about, but you know, functional. I slept. Which, considering I was exhausted, is the main requirement. The noisy situation… Ugh. It's right next to the highway. You hear *everything*. Trucks rumbling, sirens wailing… you've been warned. Pack earplugs! Seriously. Or, you know, just embrace the white noise and pretend you're camping.
Is there a breakfast? And is it any good? (I'm a breakfast person.)
Breakfast! Okay, this is where things get… interesting. They *do* offer a continental breakfast. Think: dry cereal, sad-looking pastries, toast, and instant coffee that tastes vaguely of sadness. There's also usually some fruit involved. I think it was orange slices and maybe some apples. Honestly, it's not amazing. But it's free! And sometimes, free is the best thing in the world. I grabbed a bagel and then just ate it, as I felt a little empty. If you're a breakfast person, like *actually* love breakfast, I’d suggest grabbing something before you get there. There are definitely better options nearby. Honestly, Starbucks is probably a safer bet.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *one* thing you'll never forget about your stay?
Oh, this is a doozy. No, this isn't about any specific event, it's about a *feeling*. It was 2 am. I'd finally managed to drift off, earplugs crammed in, attempting to ignore the semi-trucks screaming past. And then… the fire alarm. I shot up in bed, heart hammering, convinced the building was about to go up in flames. Half-asleep, I stumbled out into the hallway, along with a chorus of other equally bewildered guests. It was pitch black, and all I could hear were other people’s groans of discomfort and the low hum of the emergency lights, which the hotel provided (thank god!). Turns out it was a false alarm. Some idiot pulled it. And the worst part? The staff didn't seem *that* surprised. They were surprisingly calm -- almost practiced, like this happens *all the time*. It took about 45 minutes until the alarm was switched off, and the staff's calm demeanor finally got to me. I went back to my room, crawled back into bed, and stared at the ceiling for a good hour. I got literally no sleep that night. So yeah, the fire alarm... the "surprise" I wouldn't quickly forget. And yeah, I won't forget that they were shockingly understaffed but that's another story.
Is there a pool? (My kids are relentless.)
Yes! There *is* a pool. It’s small. It’s outdoors. And let's just say, it's not the most meticulously maintained swimming hole I've ever seen. The water was…green-ish. But, hey, if your kids are energetic and need to burn off a little energy, it’ll do the trick. Pack lots of sanitizer. And be prepared for potential chlorine overload. Just, temper your expectations, okay? It’s not the Four Seasons, people. It’s a motel pool off I-40.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Maybe. If I was on a budget, needed a place to crash for a single night, and was armed with serious earplugs and a good dose of low expectations, I would. It’s a decent place for what you pay. But, knowing what I know now? I'd probably check for a *different* hotel. The fire alarm (or whatever the mystery alarm) situation really soured it for me. I'm still a little traumatized! But hey, it provided some stories. And honestly, sometimes the messy, slightly-off experiences are the ones you remember the most.
