Hotels near Hon-dah Resort Casino – Pinetop, Arizona. The hotels below are listed in order of their distance from Hon-dah Resort Casino. Use this simple form to find hotels, motels, and other lodging near the Hon-dah Resort Casino in Pinetop.
Thousands of people pack Times Square each New Year’s Eve to celebrate the changing of a calendar. But take away the crowds, the concerts and the famous celebs, and all you have is a slowly dropping ball.
Show Low, however, has a large illuminated playing card. And a crane. And confetti.
Nestled in the White Mountains, Show Low may well have a white New Year’s Day, if you’re into snow. Skiers and snowboarders, we’re looking at you.
Eat
If you’re craving simple food done well, try The House, an on-the-small-side eatery that gets everything right. With food delivered in to-go boxes, even when you’re eating there, you know right away there are no lofty four-diamond goals here. It’s a neighborhood joint in a small town, hooking regulars with exceptional burgers and sandwiches. If the kids are antsy, send them to play in the yard out back. They might be able to build a snowman or two if winter cooperates.
Details: 1191 E. Hall St. 928-537-927, www.thehouseshowlow.com.
Hon Dah Casino New Years Eve
If you’re planning an active day, be sure to start it at Sweethearts Café, where you can fill up on a very tasty breakfast. The cozy café offers dishes the usual early morning fare, but each dish is done very well. Be sure to order toast as a delivery device for the homemade jam. (Jars are for sale.)
Details: 1201 E. Deuce of Clubs. 928-537-0300.
Stay
Show Low has plenty of reasonably priced chain motels, including Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn. If you’re looking for something quaint, casual and locally run, try the Kiva Motel. It’s definitely old school, and it’s easy to imagine it was plucked from Route 66 in the 1950s. Online reviewers praise the hotel for its amenities, friendly service and clean rooms.
Details: 261 E. Deuce of Clubs. 928-537-4542, www.kivamotelshowlow.com.
Play
Usher in 2016 by watching the drop of the giant illuminated deuce of clubs, representing a vital part of Show Low’s history. (The town was “won” in a poker game when one of a ranch’s two owners turned over the deuce of clubs, thus showing low and earning victory.)
For many years, residents have gathered before midnight to see a crane operator drop the giant card, even if the timing is imperfect. Fireworks follow.
Details: 11 p.m. Dec. 31. Festival Marketplace, 1031 E. Deuce of Clubs. 928-532-4141.
Enjoy the first long weekend of 2016 on the slopes. Sunrise Ski Park is just an hour away and if the weather continues to cooperate, odds are good for fresh powder. All of Sunrise Peak was open by mid-December, boding well for a positive ski season. If you prefer to glide in the dark, Sunrise offers night skiing Dec. 31 and Jan. 2.
Hon Dah Casino Hotel
Details: On State Route 273 on the Fort Apache Reservation east of Hon-Dah. 928-735-7669, sunriseskiparkaz.com.