Hotels, Inns and Bed & Breakfast Places in Jerome (AZ)
Spending the Night in Jerome By Roger Naylor If you consider Jerome picturesque during the day, you need to catch the old dame at twilight. The azure of afternoon sky deepens and darkens, shadows stretch across the valley floor and the whole town glimmers under shy stars and soft streetlamps. It’s the most delicious dusk in Arizona. To truly appreciate Jerome, you need to see it in darkness. After all, a ghost town isn’t so ghostly at noon. The wonder and mystery of Jerome comes to life at night. Fortunately, the town is loaded with historic hotels and charming B&Bs where you can spend many memorable nights. Here are a few. Surgeon’s House Bed & Breakfast – Owner Andrea Prince has carved a lush, Zen-like sanctuary out of the hillside. Three rooms are available in an airy and colorful home, cocooned by gardens so lush and joyous you expect to see hobbits skipping stones across the koi pond. A fourth room, the Chauffer’s Quarters, is a separate little enclave affording a bit of extra privacy. The landscape textures and sultry eruption of blossoms provide a framework for panoramic views. Breakfasts, like everything else about this enchanted spot, are artistic, eclectic and unforgettable. 100 Hill St., (800) 639-1452, surgeonshouse.com. Connor Hotel - For those who want to stay in the vibrant heart of town, the Connor Hotel has a dozen beautifully restored rooms with plenty of history and even a few ghosts moaning about. The décor combines comfortable Victorian with modern amenities and artistic flourishes. A few rooms are above the bar, perfect for the rockers but if you want to savor the luxurious beds and high thread count sheets without distractions, let the staff steer you towards the quieter rooms. 164 Main St., (800) 523-3554, connorhotel.com. Jerome Grand Hotel – There are views and then there are the impossible, unending views from the Jerome Grand. Try to snag a Balcony Room so you can you can soak in the vistas from this magical mile-high perch. The Spanish Mission style building started out in 1927 as the United Verde Hospital. Today it’s the only full-service hotel in Jerome, an imposing building that also houses Jerome’s preeminent fine dining establishment, the Asylum Restaurant. 200 Hill St., (888) 817-6788, jeromegrandhotel.net.
Ghost City Inn – If you’re hoping for a brush with the supernatural, it only makes sense to stay at a place called Ghost City Inn. This former boarding house offers six comfortable themed rooms with private outdoor spaces. Breakfasts are hearty affairs which usually include quiches and soufflés whipped up by owner Jackie Muma. Her green chile soufflé is a favorite. You might also manage to coax some very tasty, although spine-tingling, ghost stories out of her. 541 Main St., (888) 634-4678, ghostcityinn.com. Heavenly View Bed & Breakfast – This aptly named elegant Victorian was built in 1995. Away from the “bustle” of downtown, the gracious inn is operated by George and Joleen Davis. Heavenly could also apply to the plate-draping Southern-style breakfasts. With only two units available, you’ll be able to relax and unwind. Birders may never want to leave the terraced garden where the flash of feathers and the call of birdsong are constant. 778 East Ave., (928) 634-8578, heavenlyviewbandb.com. Cottage Inn – Staying in this charm-laden inn is as comforting as a trip to Grandma’s house. Better, actually, because Grandma probably never offered to whip up a yummy batch of Scotch eggs. This English pub treat consists of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and bread crumbs, seasoned and baked. Of course, more traditional breakfasts are also available. Both the Garden and Patio Suite are refreshingly old-fashioned and offer private porches to enjoy sprawling mountainside views. 747 East Ave., (928) 634-0701, cottageinnjerome.com. Hillside House Bed and Breakfast – Hopeless romantics will feel right at home in this lovely place. In fact, this house exists because of the life-altering power of love. A Jerome saloonkeeper was smitten by a Salvation Army captain. Since she would have nothing to do with a dispenser of liquor, he sold his business and purchased a soft drink bottling company. They were then married and in 1904 built Hillside House. Today, the proprietors Mike and Nancy welcome guests to a private apartment in the lower level. Hillside House is cradled by a swath of secluded tree-dense property. Perfect—as you might imagine—for a romantic getaway. 687 Main St., (928) 821-2412, hillsidehousejeromeaz.com.
