Best Sedona Hotels

If you think of a B&B as someplace quaint, bristling with knick-knacks and doilies, the Briar Patch Inn will obliterate that perception. Nineteen cabins are spread across nine acres fronting a lush stream deep in Oak Creek Canyon. Cabins vary in size, but each brims with rustic charm and a celebration of Southwestern style. Most have fireplaces and all have private patios. A sense of tranquility pervades this shady oasis. A healthful breakfast is included and, during summer, is served on a creekside terrace as a classical duet performs. Massage services are available in cabins or in an open-air gazebo near the splashing water. While the cabins are beautifully decorated, keep in mind they are cabins. Most don’t have televisions, bathrooms tend to be smallish and Wi-Fi is available only in the office.

This resplendent 12-room hacienda was built with extraordinary attention to detail using rough-hewn river rock, reclaimed wood and one-of-a-kind period furnishings from the turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts movement. Each luxury suite includes such features such as adobe corner fireplaces, stained glass ceiling tiles, arched windows and hand-painted accents. No two are alike. Bathrooms may provoke a spiritual awakening, with walk-in tiled showers tucked in alcoves and Japanese soaking tubs. Gourmet breakfasts are served in the dining room or in your suite, since you won’t want to leave. They also offer great last-minute and off-season specials on their website.

Prepare for relentless pampering at Enchantment, nestled in its own private canyon, swaddled by dramatic sun-painted cliffs. The pueblo-style architecture blends beautifully with the setting. Individual casitas can be booked as single rooms or multi-bedroom suites. Enchantment guests have access to world-class destination spa Mii Amo, or can book a total immersion stay at the spa itself. While Enchantment has everything needed for an ultra-romantic getaway, here’s a secret: it’s also a great place for kids and, best of all, children under 12 stay free. There’s Nintendo in every room, several swimming pools, croquet court, tennis courts and a daily slate of children’s activities led by trained counselors. The only catch is that Enchantment is located about a 20-minute drive from town, and, consequently, is designed as an all-inclusive property. If you have a bustling agenda of Sedona activities, this might not be the ideal base camp.     

This boutique hotel affords guests a surprisingly private getaway in a convenient urban location. Rooms are decorated in a Mediterranean style with bold, rich colors and plush fabrics, and some nice details, like rain showers and gourmet coffee service. Some rooms have excellent views of the red rock formations and there’s an observation deck along with a small heated pool. Third-floor rooms have vaulted ceilings. The onsite spa offers massages, stone therapy and a special couple’s treatment. While the design of the 77-room hotel provides maximum privacy, Sedona Rouge is in the middle of West Sedona, with plenty of stuff nearby.     

If you ever took a family road trip in a station wagon, you probably stayed at a place just like the Sedona Motel. It’s an older property, but has been meticulously maintained with clean, bigger than average (for a motel) rooms. Internet access can be spotty, but is also available in the office if you're having trouble logging on from your room. It sits just below the “Y”, in a sweet location, right between Tlaquepaque and the Shops at Hyatt Piñon Pointe. Sip a glass of wine from the covered patio in the evening and watch the last rays of sun bathe Snoopy rock in a creamy, dreamy light.    

The old Realtors’ credo, “location, location, location,” leads many to the Kings Ransom. Guests can walk out their door and onto beautiful Marg’s Draw Trail crossing the Munds Mountain Wilderness. Or they can walk to the galleries at neighboring Hillside Sedona. Or stroll to one of the best restaurants in town, Elote Café, which sits on the property. They can even stay put and relax by the pool, surrounded by a lovely one-acre courtyard garden. They also engage in eco-friendly practices. The best views are from Courtyard and second-floor Trail Head rooms.