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Jerome clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill like it forgot gravity was a rule. Halfway up that tilted old mining town sits a redbrick building that has watched more than a century of Arizona history pass its front door.
The floors creak, the brick shows, and the room keys are real metal keys. People do not just stay here once and move on.
They come back, sometimes every month, sometimes with their dog, and sometimes hoping a friendly spirit says hello. Arizona has plenty of shiny resorts, but this place proves that a little age can be the biggest draw of all.
Keep reading to find out which rooms locals request by number, why parking takes a bit of strategy, and how one front desk host became part of the experience.
A Redbrick Landmark on Main Street
Some Arizona addresses are easy to forget. The Connor Hotel, at 160 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331, is not one of them.
The hotel sits in a restored building dating to around 1898, right in the heart of downtown Jerome in Arizona’s Verde Valley. It stands across the street from the Mine Museum and about 0.8 miles from Jerome State Historic Park.
That puts guests in the middle of everything that makes this hillside town famous. Shops, galleries, and eateries line the blocks on either side.
The property is officially a hotel, but it feels closer to a living chapter of Jerome’s past. Rooms are filled with antiques and period details, while the modern comforts have been quietly tucked in.
Rates start around $145 a night, which many longtime guests call a welcome surprise compared with other lodging options in town. The hotel holds a 4.8-star standing from more than 300 guests, a remarkable number for a building old enough to remember horse traffic.
So what keeps people climbing those stairs again and again? The answer starts with the town itself.
Built When Copper Ruled the Hill
Jerome was once a booming copper camp, and its buildings still carry that frontier confidence. The Connor Hotel’s circa-1898 structure belongs to that era, when the town was busy, crowded, and growing fast.
Today, the building has been carefully restored. The redbrick walls remain, and original brick and doors still show up inside many of the rooms.
That balance is what longtime fans appreciate most. The hotel added the upgrades guests expect without erasing the history that gives it character.
Exposed brick walls appear in many quarters, and period details are scattered throughout. It is the kind of place where the past is not hung on a plaque but built right into the walls.
For Arizonans, there is something satisfying about a hotel this old still doing its original job in its original town. Plenty of historic buildings across the state became museums or sat empty.
This one kept the lights on and the doors open. That staying power sets the stage for the hotel’s most talked-about quirk, which happens to be right under your feet.
The Famous Creaky Stairs
Nobody sneaks into The Connor Hotel quietly, and that is part of the fun. The creaky stairs and squeaky floors are practically a signature feature.
Guests mention the stairs often, and almost always with affection. The noise is a reminder that this building has been holding up travelers since the late 1800s.
There is a practical side, too. Rooms are reached by stairs, so bags need to be carried up by hand.
Seasoned guests suggest packing a smaller overnight bag instead of hauling the whole suitcase. It makes the climb easier and saves a trip back to the car.
One couple even noticed an air pocket under the carpet in their room that kept catching their feet. They shrugged it off, since the room was clean and the internet was fast.
That shrug sums up the attitude here. Small imperfections come with the territory, and most guests see them as charm rather than trouble.
Once you reach the top, the rooms themselves take over the storytelling.
Rooms That Each Tell Their Own Story
Forget cookie-cutter hotel rooms. Every space at The Connor is individually decorated, so no two stays feel quite the same.
Antiques and vintage decor fill the quarters. Many rooms feature exposed brick and period touches that match the building’s age.
Some rooms come with red rock views, whirlpool tubs, gas stoves, or sitting areas. Others are smaller and described as quaint, which fits the old-time setting nicely.
Here is a sampling of what guests have found in specific rooms:
Room 4 overlooks the street, with a pretty view and an old-time vibe. Room 6 has enough space for four adults, making it a favorite for family trips.
Room 8 is spacious and quiet, and Room 9 has a skylight that lets in morning light. Room 7 has earned praise as simply beautiful.
Regulars often request rooms by number once they find a favorite. That alone says a lot about how personal these spaces feel.
And the comforts inside those rooms might be the biggest surprise of all.
Beds Worth Bragging About
Comfortable beds get mentioned more than anything else at The Connor Hotel, which is saying something for a building this historic.
Guests repeatedly call their bed one of the most comfortable they have ever slept in. Some describe their stay as the best night of sleep they can remember.
High-thread-count sheets and good pillows play a big role. After a long day of climbing Jerome’s steep streets, that matters.
Rooms also include space heaters for chilly nights. One guest worried a bedside heater would keep them awake and found it did not bother them at all.
Quiet rooms come up often, too. Many guests describe their stay as peaceful, especially in rooms away from the bar.
It is a neat trick. The hallways creak and the building wears its age proudly, but the sleeping part feels thoroughly modern.
Next up are the small extras that turn a good room into one guests rave about.
Popcorn, Flowers, and Real Metal Keys
The little things are where The Connor Hotel really shows off. Guests love discovering the thoughtful touches tucked around their rooms.
Microwave popcorn is a guest favorite, and it shows up in plenty of happy stories. One grandmother and granddaughter popped a bag for a late-night snack while waiting for a ghostly visit.
Rooms include a microwave, coffeemaker, mini fridge, and flat-screen TV. Coffee, tea, water, and sometimes chocolates are provided as well.
Fresh flowers appear in common areas and sometimes in the rooms themselves. Bookcases and reading nooks add a homey feel.
Guests get real keys rather than plastic cards, which fits the old-fashioned mood perfectly. Fresh coffee creamer and even makeup remover pads in the bathroom round things out.
Some guests were pleasantly surprised to find cable TV, too. It is a reminder that history and convenience can share the same address.
Of course, many guests come for something besides the snacks. They come for the stories.
Ghost Stories, Optional
Jerome has a reputation as one of Arizona’s spookiest towns, and The Connor Hotel gets its share of whispers.
Some guests describe a slightly spooky vibe. One group met someone who insisted Room 10 is haunted.
A family on a girls weekend in Room 6 shared a curious moment. One of them woke to something whispering a single word in her ear.
Most guests, however, report nothing unusual at all. Many joke that they slept soundly without a single spectral interruption.
Others appreciate that the hotel does not lean too hard into the haunted angle. The history is real enough on its own.
For anyone curious, a ghost tour runs across the street. Guests who took it recommend it highly.
So whether you are hoping for a visit or would rather sleep undisturbed, the choice seems to be yours. Either way, the rooms stay clean and comfy.
The real spirit of the place, though, might be standing at the front desk.
The Welcome That Starts at the Front Desk
Ask returning guests what they remember first, and a name keeps coming up. John, who works the front desk, has become something of a local legend.
Guests describe him as warm, informative, thoughtful, and genuinely helpful. He often shares recommendations on the best spots to explore in Jerome.
One pair of sisters said he walked outside to greet them before they even reached the door. That kind of welcome sticks with people.
Staff in general earn high marks for being kind and accommodating. Housekeeping has been called impeccable, with staff happy to share local tips.
Even when things go sideways, the team responds well. During a busy race weekend, one booking fell through, and the manager arranged another place to stay nearby.
The guest who experienced that mix-up still said they would book again. That is a strong sign of how the staff handles people.
And while you are chatting at the desk, you might notice it doubles as something else entirely.
A Lobby Full of Souvenirs
Check-in comes with a bonus browsing session. The lobby at The Connor Hotel serves as the front desk and a gift shop at the same time.
Guests describe the shop as loaded with great gift options to take home. It is a handy stop for anyone who forgot to grab something for friends back in Phoenix or Tucson.
Having the shop right in the lobby adds to the fun, relaxed mood. It feels more like walking into a small-town store than a formal hotel reception.
That fits Jerome perfectly. The whole town is known for quirky shops and artsy finds, and the lobby gives guests a head start.
It also means there is always something to look at while waiting for your room. Families and groups seem to especially enjoy it.
Shopping is only one part of the downtown appeal, though. The bigger advantage is how little driving guests need to do once they arrive.
Everything Within a Short Stroll
Park once and forget the car. That is the most common advice from guests at The Connor Hotel.
The hotel sits right in the middle of downtown Jerome. Many shops are less than a minute away on foot.
Restaurants, galleries, and attractions are all within walking distance. The Mine Museum is just across the street.
Guests mention a barbecue spot down the road and plenty of other places to eat nearby. A dog park close by is a plus for those traveling with pets.
Jerome’s streets are steep, so expect a workout. One guest called the hotel’s big bathtub a perfect reward after a day of walking up and down the hills.
For Arizona locals planning a quick weekend escape, this convenience is a big selling point. You can spend the entire stay exploring without ever turning a key in the ignition.
Speaking of cars, getting yours settled takes a little planning.
The Parking Puzzle
Here is the one honest challenge of staying in a tiny hillside town. Parking can be tricky.
Spaces near the hotel are limited, as they are throughout Jerome. Some guests have had to park quite a distance away at first.
The good news is that spots often open up later in the day. Once day-trippers head home, guests frequently move their cars right in front of the hotel.
The hotel also offers overflow parking, which regulars find helpful. Arriving a bit later in the afternoon may improve your odds.
This is another reason guests suggest packing light. A smaller bag is easier to carry from a farther spot and up those famous stairs.
Some rooms also have a private guest entrance. Guests found that convenient for coming and going without passing through the busier parts of the building.
Once you are parked and settled, there is one more feature worth knowing about downstairs.
Live Music Downstairs
Evenings at The Connor Hotel can come with a soundtrack. The building has a lively bar downstairs that hosts regular live music.
Many guests enjoy having entertainment so close. One couple in Room 4 loved opening their window to catch the music drifting along the street.
That same couple was warned they might notice noise from the bar. When bedtime came, they found the room quiet.
Still, a few guests describe some noise as noticeable but not overwhelming. It depends on the room and the night.
Regulars have a smart workaround. One frequent guest who travels with her dog books Rooms 5 through 12, which are not above the bar.
That small tip can make a big difference for light sleepers or anyone with a pet. It is the kind of insider knowledge that comes from repeat visits.
And repeat visits are exactly what this hotel seems built for, especially for certain kinds of travelers.
Who Feels Right at Home Here
Romantics, pet owners, and history buffs all seem to find their happy place at The Connor Hotel.
Couples often choose it for special occasions. One pair celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary here, and others call it a super romantic getaway.
Gas stoves designed to look like wood fires add to the cozy mood in some rooms. Whirlpool tubs in certain quarters help, too.
The hotel is pet-friendly, which makes it a favorite for dog owners. One guest returns almost monthly, except in winter, mostly because her dog is welcome.
It is also kid-friendly and works well for family groups. Grandparents with grandkids and moms with grown daughters have both enjoyed their stays.
Other listed amenities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a pool, a fitness center, and an airport shuttle. The property is smoke-free.
Anyone who wants polished, modern minimalism may prefer somewhere else. Everyone else should feel right at home.
Why the Stairs Keep Calling Guests Back
Plenty of hotels promise comfort. Far fewer manage to make guests feel like they are part of a story.
The Connor Hotel does both. It offers soft beds, clean rooms, and thoughtful extras inside a building that has stood on Main Street since around 1898.
Rates around $145 a night make it an approachable getaway for Arizonans. Many guests say it compares favorably with other places to stay in Jerome.
A few practical notes help the visit go smoothly. Pack light, arrive ready to hunt for parking, and request a room away from the bar if quiet matters most.
Bookings and details are available through the hotel’s website. Asking about specific rooms can pay off, since each one has its own personality.
The creaks stay, and the welcome stays warm. For a slice of Arizona history with a comfy bed attached, those old stairs are well worth the climb.
