Today we’re reviewing The Nook in Pinetop-Lakeside; it’s a roadside hotel off the 260 and the ultimate White Mountains hotel with kids.
The White Mountains (Show Low & Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona) are our favorite year round adventure destination; here’s more activity recommendations for exploring the area with kids.
The Nook has been on our radar for a while–known for their outstanding outdoor play area that provides more “living space” for hotel guests than just a studio room. We were eager to try it out during a recent fall weekend chasing changing colored leaves. (Our full guide to fall leaves in Pinetop here.)
Keep reading for our full review of our three day, two night stay at The Nook.
XO,
Amy
The Nook Pinetop-Lakeside Room Review
Each of the 12 rooms offers a different theme, from fishing to a wolf den to a bear themed “den.” They mostly sleep 2-4 people per room, some offer sleeper sofas for larger families.
We stayed in room 206 titled “Wanderlust Retreat” which was a king bed, kitchenette (with a full size fridge– a must for us), small sitting area and full bathroom.
The headboard was something special, it’s a lighted mountain headboard that thrilled my four-year-old. Other details included pillows that were a firepit and logs (great imaginative play) and cozy, on-theme bedding. My four-year-old was also welcomed with a kids activity book and crayons which was a nice touch.
The kitchenette offered the bare necessities to feed us for most meals on property; utensils, plates, bowls, etc., were all included. I packed ready to warm breakfasts, picnic lunches and my own crockpot for one of our dinners.
I’ve stayed in other properties with kitchenettes that have no working counter space; The Nook wasn’t that. It had ample work space to pack our picnic lunches, put the crockpot on to cook all day and prep quick breakfasts (egg bites, overnight oats, etc.)
The Nook Pinetop-Lakeside Amenities
The outdoor space is really what convinced us to book at The Nook. One of the biggest reasons we travel to the White Mountains is for the weather and seasons, and obviously, we love to adventure and be outside.
The site’s yard offers guests three charcoal grills, one propane grill (propane is provided), fire pits, and plenty of fresh mountain air.
Plus for kids: an entire mini golf course, ax throwing (safe version for kids), corn hole and s’mores kits included for every room (and a fire starter kit for parents).
I was impressed with the upkeep of all these amenities; all the pisces for each yard game was well maintained–no searching for half missing pieces.
We planned to spend one of our evenings on property to take full advantage of the front yard amenities, plus it was a good filler activity in the mornings before we took off for our daily outings.
Budget Hacks at The Nook Pinetop-Lakeside
Winter season starts in the White Mountains on November 1, meaning a lot of local businesses discount their pricing, including nightly room rates at The Nook. You’ll automatically see about $25 off the nightly rates now through the end of April when “summer season” pricing begins again.
To get an extra 15% off (layered on top of the winter discount), use code XOXOEVM for bookings of two nights or more.
The fine print:
15% off 2 night stays (minimum)
Discount on stays between: 11/04/24-01/04/25
Code is good through 12/15/24
Utilize the kitchenettes in each room to save money–the full size fridges and freezers make it easy to pack a few meals to save money while exploring the White Mountains. I packed a crockpot for one night (the kitchenette has utensils and bowls), and the other night we planned a grill night with the propane grills in the shared space.
Keep reading about the White Mountains with these posts:
Things To Do In Pinetop With Kids In The Summer
Fall break in Show Low, a family guide
Multi Family Cabin Rentals in the White Mountains
