Wondering where to stay in Sedona? This guide walks you through the best areas and hotels in Sedona to make things super simple.
The vibrant town of Sedona sits amongst vast pine forests, red rock canyons and the Sonoran Desert. A popular spot for hiking enthusiasts, wellness gurus, tourists and staycationers – it’s safe to say that Sedona isn’t exactly off the beaten track.
It’s not hard to see the appeal. Home to those iconic red rocks and other natural landmarks, Sedona is a buzzy destination that’s well worth a visit.
That still leaves the question of practicalities. That’s where this guide comes in – I’m here to guide you through the best places to stay in Sedona, Arizona.
Best Places to Stay in Sedona: At a Glance
Best Places to Stay in Sedona – Top Picks | Hotel |
Best Overall Hotel in Sedona, AZ | L’Auberge De Sedona |
Best Budget-Friendly Hotel in Sedona | Matterhorn Inn |
Best Luxury Sedona Hotel | Adobe Grand Villas |
Best Sedona Hotel for Travellers without a Car | Sedona Uptown Suites |
Where to Stay in Sedona, Arizona
There are so many great areas to stay in and around this lovely town, from bubbly Uptown to picturesque Oak Creek. Without further ado, It’s time to dive into the best places to stay in Sedona.
Uptown Sedona: Where to Stay for First Timers
While Sedona is famous for its surrounding natural beauty, there is also much to do in the town. Think delicious culinary opportunities, hip and trendy shops and exciting nightlife.
If this is your vibe, then stay in Uptown Sedona. It’s central, so you’re not far from exploring Arizona’s natural wonders on a day trip from Sedona.
But you’re also close to Main Street, which has restaurants, bars and art galleries. See why Uptown is the best place to stay in Sedona? Thought so.
Uptown Highlights
Sedona Arts Center
Sedona Arts Center is one of the top spots in Sedona to see the talent of local artists. It’s home to a wide collection of paintings, sculptures, pottery, and photography. Additionally, it has workshops for ceramics, painting, and drawing every week.
Sedona Heritage Museum
Learn about the area’s history, historic buildings and what life looked like back in 1876 at Sedona Heritage Museum. Besides this, it also has exhibits on film-making in Sedona, pioneer families and Arizona’s first winery (cheers to that!).
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
If you fancy a deep dive into Sedona’s traditional culture, then you need to visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
It’s also the best place in Sedona for shopping, with all kinds of goodies – these include Navajo rugs, paintings, rare books, cookware and jewellery.
Suggested Hotels in Uptown Sedona
Matterhorn Inn
I stayed at the Matterhorn Inn on a previous trip to Sedona and really loved it. The hotel has been recently-renovated, so the spacious rooms have had a modern makeover.
Each of the rooms come with gorgeous views of the Red Rocks, which perfectly matches the hotel’s eco-friendly credentials. And, if that wasn’t enough, there’s free WiFi, a generous swimming pool and the hotel is dog-friendly.
L’Auberge De Sedona
The luxurious L’Auberge De Sedona is the ideal place to stay in Sedona for a tranquil escape, thanks to its leafy location and picturesque mountain views.
Right along from Oak Creek, this hotel boasts cosy lodges, a full spa and a swanky onsite restaurant and bar. What more could you ask for?
Sedona Uptown Suites
Sedona Uptown Suites has a convenient location in Sedona that means you’re close to Mexican restaurants, coffeehouses and a shopping mall. Besides this, it has comfortable beds, outdoor firepits and rooms with kitchenettes.
West Sedona: Where to Stay in Sedona On a Budget
While Uptown is the most popular place to stay in Sedona for many visitors, I’ll be honest and let you know that accommodation is more expensive there. So if you’re looking for a more affordable spot, I’d recommend staying in West Sedona.
It’s also centrally located in the area and close to landmarks such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge and Red Rock State Park. Besides this, West Sedona is the best place to stay in Sedona, AZ, if you’re looking for a more authentic and local feel.
It’s experienced a revival recently due to young people opening new bars and art galleries – you should still expect plenty of New Age businesses, such as crystal shops and psychics.
West Sedona Highlights
Sedona Artist Market
The Sedona Artist Market is the top spot in Sedona to find Arizonan art and crafts from over 150 artists. With over 8000 square feet to explore, you’ll surely find something you love.
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax in Sedona, visit the tranquil Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
It’s a Buddhist monument at the base of Thunder Mountain, filled with Stupas and a sacred relic of Buddha. It’s ideal for meditating, and you’re allowed in for free, regardless of your faith.
Red Rock State Park
The incredible Red Rock State Park is just seven miles out of West Sedona. It’s full of trails for hiking, horse riding, and biking, so you will surely find something fun to do. It also has guided hikes to learn about birds, geology and archaeology.
Suggested Hotels in West Sedona
Adobe Grand Villas
Adobe Grand Villas is the ideal spot for a cosy stay in West Sedona. Rooms are uniquely-decorated with Old Wild West touches and plenty of funky natural wood shapes, while the spa, beautiful gardens and private patios make for a serene stay.
Lantern Light Inn
Planning a romantic trip to Sedona? Stay at Lantern Light Inn. It’s got a lush garden, well-equipped rooms and the comfiest bedding. The staff are super friendly and offer great dining recommendations.
Casa Sedona Inn
Casa Sedona Inn has all the amenities you could need, from a hot tub to an EV charging station. Before you think that’s it, visit the onsite restaurant that serves delicious Mexican and Southwestern cuisine for breakfast and lunch.
Oak Creek: Where to Stay in Sedona for Hiking
By now, it should be clear that natural beauty surrounds Sedona. And the best way to experience this is by staying in the village of Oak Creek, just seven miles from Sedona.
You’ll have easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives and stargazing opportunities galore here. Besides this, Oak Creek doesn’t have as much to offer as central Sedona, but it does have a calmer atmosphere and a few lovely restaurants for intimate evenings.
If this piques your interest, I’d recommend staying here for a chilled-out time in nature.
Oak Creek Highlights
The Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is only five miles from Oak Creek, and boy, is it breathtaking. As one of Arizona’s Seven Man-made Wonders, it’s a popular tourist attraction.
It does get busy, but don’t let that put you off – its modern architecture is striking amongst its red-rock surroundings.
Hiking
Sedona is one of the best spots for hiking in Arizona, surrounded by abstract rock formations, deep canyons, and vortexes. Oak Creek is near popular trails like Courthouse Butte Loop, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock Climb.
Stargazing
Aside from hikes, Oak Creek is one of Arizona’s top places for stargazing. That is because it’s a certified International Dark Sky Place and has little light pollution. For a truly incredible experience, take this UFO and stargazing tour.
Suggested Hotels in Oak Creek
Las Posadas of Sedona
Las Posadas of Sedona is a grand spot for relaxation with spacious suites, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. It also has comfy white linen bedding, flat-screen TVs and delicious fresh breakfast options.
Element Sedona
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly spot near Sedona, I recommend staying at Element Sedona. This modern hotel boasts a complimentary breakfast, a gym and a heated swimming pool. Lastly, its rooms are very spacious at an affordable rate.
The Penrose Bed & Breakfast
The Penrose Bed & Breakfast offers a homely and comforting experience near Sedona. The attention to detail is phenomenal, from the 24/7 complimentary snack bar to the thoughtfully-designed rooms.
Even better, all rooms have incredible views of the sweeping red rocks.
Cottonwood: Where to Stay in Sedona for Wine Lovers
Wine lover? You’ve come to the right place. Another one of the best places to stay near Sedona is the vino-centric Cottonwood.
It’s roughly 20 miles from Sedona, so it’s not in town. However, what makes up for the small distance is affordability and less crowded hotels. It’s also closer to Phoenix if you plan on exploring the city.
Cottonwood also has beautiful Native American architecture and small wineries close to various national monuments. So this makes it a brilliant place to explore nature and – perhaps more importantly – sip some stellar wine.
Cottonwood Highlights
Montezuma Castle National Monument
One of the best things to do in Sedona is explore Montezuma Castle National Monument. It’s a fascinating way to learn about Native American culture through this cliffside monument.
Verde Valley Wine Trail
You can find some of Arizona’s best wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, so I highly recommend visiting it if that’s your drink of choice. A brilliant way to do this is on this jeep tour which explores the Alcantara winery.
The Blazin’ M Ranch
Lastly, if you’re looking for the ultimate Wild West experience, visiting the Blazin’ M Ranch is terrific. Here you can get an authentic BBQ dinner and a stage show on a brilliant night out.
Suggested Hotels in Cottonwood
The Tavern Hotel
The Tavern Hotel offers grand rooms with en-suite bathrooms, cosy beds, and flat-screen TVs. Besides this, it also has a heated outdoor pool, free WiFi and parking, and a fitness centre.
Lux Verde Hotel
If you want great value for money, look no further than the Lux Verde Hotel. It’s got a lovely pool and hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and spacious air-conditioned rooms. It’s also pet-friendly and close to some brilliant local restaurants.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cottonwood
Tired after a day of exploring? You can rest easy at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cottonwood.
It offers all the amenities you expect from a Marriott chain, such as a gym, snack bar, business centre, and outdoor pool. However, it’s also a classy place with expansive rooms at a reasonable rate.
Flagstaff: Where to Stay Near Sedona for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Now, technically, Flagstaff isn’t in Sedona. However, I’ve added it to this Sedona places to stay list as it’s got more affordable options than Uptown and Oak Creek. It’s also just a short drive into Sedona (around 30 miles).
It’s close to famous Arizona landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. This is another reason why picking Flagstaff as a resting point is a no-brainer.
Lastly, there are also several natural landmarks along the way to Sedona from Flagstaff, like Coconino National Forest and Slide Rock State Park. These are all the perfect pitstop on an epic Arizona road trip.
Flagstaff Highlights
Lowell Observatory
One of the best things to do in Flagstaff is explore the glorious Lowell Observatory. You can stargaze through a telescope, learn more about the Milky Way galaxy, and attend laser light shows.
Museum of Northern Arizona
At the Museum of Northern Arizona, you’ll get to experience the intricacies of Native American culture. Admire wall tapestries and even exhibits of local Native artists showing off their love of Star Wars.
Coconino National Forest
The Coconino National Forest is a 1.8 million-acre park full of ponderosa pines, red rocks, and things to do. You can explore the area by biking, hiking on one of its many trails, and visiting the Palatki Heritage Site.
Even better, visit the Lava River Cave for one of the most unique things to do in Arizona.
Suggested Hotels in Flagstaff
Drury Inn & Suites
Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff has everything from an outdoor swimming pool to rooms with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and large beds. Besides this, they also offer hot breakfasts and complimentary evening snacks and beverages.
Lastly, to seal the deal, it’s just a five-minute drive from Lowell Observatory and is right in Downtown Flagstaff.
Little America Hotel Flagstaff
The Ultra-classy Little America Hotel Flagstaff is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore Coconino. That is because it’s only 22 miles from the forest, so getting there won’t take long.
But it’s also great in its own right, as it has an onsite restaurant, a stylish design and affordable room rates.
High Country Motor Lodge
High Country Motor Lodge offers a truly memorable stay. It’s got all you need, from pristine rooms, a sauna, a plunge pool and The General Store, its onsite restaurant.
Here you can get a hearty breakfast before heading into nature or grabbing one of their pizzas and enjoying it by a fire pit to settle down.
Where to Stay in Sedona, AZ: Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your Sedona Accommodation
- When choosing where to stay in Sedona, AZ, consider whether you’re super bothered about booking a hotel with picturesque views. Sure, it’s a bonus, but Sedona is full of natural beauty (and you won’t be spending that much time there anyway).
- If you want to eat at one of Sedona’s brilliant restaurants, make a reservation in advance. Some spots even have a three-week waiting list.
Where to Stay in Sedona: Read Next
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