We only planned to stay in Flagstaff to make it easier to catch our flight to Phoenix with a connection to LAX. Originally I had a reservation at the Hampton Inn outside of town. Then a colleague with a love of Flagstaff gave me some great travel advice.
1. Stay at Hotel Monte V
This hotel has seen a lot of famous guests and after parties. It is clean but worn. The art deco lobby and most of the rooms have not been remodeled since opening. Cool except for the swamp coolers in the window. Our room was an unusual layout: 2 rooms with a double bed each separated by a jack and jill bathroom. The rooms are named after famous guests who have stayed at the hotel over the years. Ours was named after a whiskey.
2. Enjoy the night life.
We strolled across Route 66 and then the railroad tracks to our restaurant, The Tinderbox Kitchen. We enjoyed a relaxing, delicious meal and then strolled around town stopping to listen to a rooftop band and enjoying the variety of people on the street.
3. Appreciate the unique architecture of downtown Flagstaff.
Flagstaff must have built its downtown during a timber or other resource boom. The architecture is remarkable cohesive and attractive. We loved being right near the famous Route 66.
We ate breakfast at the Grand Canyon Cafe the next morning. The food was not anything special, but the ambiance was fun. Like Flagstaff.
americanjulie.com 
fun memories you have brought me back to. Thanks !
I hope to make more someday!