Hristina Lozanovska 
You are about to arrive at one of the most interesting destinations in the USA. Sedona will surprise you not only with its red rock formations, scenic canyons, and national parks but also with a great selection of restaurants, local breweries and glamorous resorts.
I bet you’re already planning where to stay in Sedona, so let me make things easier for you!
I thoroughly compared different Sedona areas and picked the 4 best ones that are the most tourists-friendly.
In short, Uptown Sedona is the best area to stay, especially if this is your first visit. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end hotels and restaurants to hiking trails and outdoor fun!
You should read this article because you’ll find top-notch Sedona hotels, which I personally handpicked after a lot of research and ordered by price. That way, you can easily pick and book in just a couple of minutes!
If you are in a hurry
These are the best places to stay in Uptown Sedona:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Uptown Sedona – where to stay in Sedona for the first time
- 2. West Sedona – best place to stay in Sedona for couples
- 3. Village of Oak Creek – where to stay in Sedona for families
- 4. Cottonwood – best part of Sedona to stay in on a budget
- 5. Oak Creek Canyon – where to stay in Sedona for hiking
- Amazing apartments in Sedona
- BONUS 1: Hidden gems to stay in Sedona with a view
- BONUS 2: The best pet-friendly hotels to stay in Sedona
- FAQs about where to stay in Sedona
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map of Sedona, displaying the 5 areas I’ll be talking about in this post:
- Uptown Sedona : for first-timers
- West Sedona: for couples
- VILLAGE OF Oak Creek: for families
- COTTONWOOD : on a budget
- OAK CREEK CANYON : for hiking
1. Uptown Sedona – where to stay in Sedona for the first time
Uptown Sedona is the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find amazing local restaurants, shops, lively nightlife, cultural attractions, and easy access to impressive hiking trails and outdoor activities.
The town of Sedona was named after Sedona Schnebly, the wife of T.C. Schnebly, the first person to establish a post office in the Oak Creek community.
Start your day on Sedona Main Street and check out the lovely shops and cafés. Hike up the mountains to see the jaw-dropping Chapel of the Holy Cross, but if you don’t feel like hiking, your best bet is to book one of the amazing Sedona tours and be guided through the main highlights of the area.
If you’re into hiking, I recommend the Brins Mesa Trailhead (see trail map). This route is very close to Sedona, so it makes for an excellent hike, but keep in mind that it’s quite challenging. And if you’re in the mood for adventure but don’t feel like hiking, you can rent a Jeep and explore the area.
In case the second option sounds appealing, there are Jeep tours that start from Sedona (I recommend this one to Red Rock West) – so book your spot and be guided through the beauty of the Sedona region.
Are you already hungry? Uptown Sedona has amazing grill restaurants, wine bars, and international restaurants ready to welcome you! I’d recommend Hideaway House, a fantastic Italian restaurant boasting a view of the Red Rock Mountains.
Before talking about the best hotels in this area, I wanted to point out that the state’s capital warrants a visit, so it would be a good idea to check out the best places to stay in Phoenix.
This boutique hotel offers an on-site bar, a luxurious spa, an outdoor pool, a great breakfast, and a free shuttle service around Uptown Sedona. I love that each of the rooms has a private patio overlooking the mountains and a fireplace. You can have a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant or cozy up and order room service.
Other accommodation options in Uptown Sedona
The guest rooms at the inn have private patios, and each boasts a mountain view, and there’s also free Wi-Fi
The property has a seasonal outdoor pool, a lovely garden with a chess set, and an on-site fitness center
A 1-bedroom suite with a private entrance, an enclosed backyard, and an outdoor fireplace
Things to do in Uptown Sedona
- Visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
- Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail (see trail map)
- Pay a visit to the Sedona Heritage Museum
- Explore the Munds Wagon hiking trail (see trail map)
- Book a tour of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
2. West Sedona – best place to stay in Sedona for couples
West Sedona is 3 miles (5 km) away from Uptown Sedona and the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. It’s the perfect place for going on long walks, admiring scenic views, and sharing a meal with your significant other in one of the quaint restaurants and bistros.
If you’re staying here, make sure you visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, stop by the Buddha statues, snap photos, meditate, or just walk around and enjoy the serenity of the park. For a taste of adventure, take one of the many hiking trails nearby and soak in the beauty of Red Rock Country.
If you’re looking for romantic spots in West Sedona, you’ll be happy to learn about the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, a scenic spot where you can enjoy the views of Sedona and the red sandstone hills. I recommend going up to the lookout at sunset – it’s super romantic!West Sedona is the perfect spot for a couples’ retreat, but it’s also family-friendly, and there are quite a few Sedona family resorts you’ll enjoy if you’re traveling with kids.
Adobe Grand Villas is one of the best luxury resorts in West Sedona. Guests can use the seasonal swimming pool and the couple’s spa facility and enjoy a 3-course breakfast. You will love the authentic hotel rooms that have private balconies/patios with amazing views. There’s also a gourmet restaurant where you can arrange a private dinner.
Other accommodation options in West Sedona
The Lantern Light Inn is an adults-only hotel with comfortable rooms and an outdoor seating area with patio furniture
The Lodge offers rooms with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a complimentary breakfast
This Airbnb has a swimming pool overlooking the mountains, an outdoor deck with sun loungers, barbecue facilities, and free Wi-Fi
There’s one more luxury accommodation option I want to recommend because it has many great reviews – the Sedona Pines Resort. Located 30 minutes from Cathedral Rock, this resort has outdoor heated pools, i.e., a swimming pool and a hot tub. The rooms have a patio with pool views, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV.
Things to do in West Sedona
- Venture out to explore the Red Rock State Park
- Go up to the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout (map) to watch the sunset
- Embark on a guided ATV tour of Western Sedona
- Explore the Boynton Canyon Trail (see trail map)
3. Village of Oak Creek – where to stay in Sedona for families
The Village of Oak Creek is located 7 miles (10 km) south of Uptown Sedona, along the Red Rock Scenic Byway. As you drive to the village, you’ll see some of the most amazing views of Red Rock Country. Plus, the village is a great place to enjoy nature with your family.
There are many nice parks where you can have a family picnic, great local restaurants, and shopping malls. Also, the famous Oak Creek Canyon will be in your neighborhood, so why not have an outdoor family adventure? If you’re into outdoor adventure, the Slim Shady Trail (see trail map) is another great choice – it’s moderately challenging, so the kids can come along!
On the north side of the Village of Oak Creek, you’ll come across the Bell Rock scenic area. This is a great spot for whole-day explorations, but if you’re on a family vacation, it’s also a good idea to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon and witness the stunning views firsthand. However, keep in mind that the Grand Canyon is a 2.5-hour drive away!
Contrary to downtown Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek offers hotels with more space and outdoor facilities – great for families with kids! For example, the Sedona Golf Resort is an amazing choice if you want to squeeze a round of golf and have a family dinner afterward.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, which makes the Village of Oak Creek the perfect choice for an active vacation. And if you’re on an adults-only trip, you have to go wine tasting! The Decanter Tasting Room is an amazing wine bar where you can try a variety of wines from different regions around the world!
Canyon Villa has spacious, family-friendly rooms with a private balcony overlooking the red rocks and a large swimming pool surrounded by a lovely terrace – it’s a great choice if you’re traveling with older kids (aged 10 and above). There is also free Wi-Fi and parking, and the hotel provides easy access to hiking trails.
Other accommodation options in the Village of Oak Creek
A 3-star hotel offering free bikes, private parking, shared lounge, snack bar, and spacious family rooms
The lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and provides free toiletries
This Airbnb has a private hot tub, a saltwater lounging pool, a garden, 1 queen bed and 1 sofa bed
Things to do in the Village of Oak Creek
- Spend the day at The Collective Sedona shopping mall
- Take the kids out for a barbecue at COLT Grill BBQ and Spirits
- Embark on a day trip to Coconino National Forest
- Sign the whole family up for a Sedona stargazing tour
4. Cottonwood – best part of Sedona to stay in on a budget
Cottonwood is a bit further away from Sedona, specifically, a 30-minute drive away. However, this is a great choice if you’re traveling on a budget, seeing as accommodation prices are lower compared to those in Sedona.
There are plenty of other activities you can do on a budget in and around Cottonwood. You can start by exploring the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Choose a hiking trail and enjoy the surrounding nature.
You may be interested to know that Cottonwood is situated along the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which encompasses 19 different winners. At the very heart of Cottonwood, you’ll find Pillsbury Wine Company Tasting Room and the Burning Tree Cellars, but there are quite a few other wineries in Cottonwood if you want to taste even more wine!
If you’ve had your dose of nature for the day, you can explore the Cottonwood urban area. As you walk along North Main Street, you’ll stumble onto many restaurants, wine bars, and art galleries. While you walk along this street, you’ll come across Old Town Cottonwood, a shopping district where you’ll find quaint, old-fashioned shops and cafes.
If you have the time, stop by the Clemenceau Heritage Museum and get a glimpse into local history! Plus, there’s a gift shop at the museum – an excellent opportunity to get some souvenirs!
NOTE: since Cottonwood is a budget destination, there aren’t any 4-star and 5-star hotels. That’s not to say there aren’t amazing lodging options, but my first recommendation is less upscale than what I usually recommend.
If you have your mind set on a luxury hotel, then I suggest you stay in L’Auberge De Sedona in Uptown Sedona!
This 3-star hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and a terrace with an outdoor fireplace. There’s also an outdoor pool surrounded by a sun terrace, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free parking. Each of the rooms is air-conditioned, has a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries, and is equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, and a coffee machine.
Other accommodation options in Cottonwood
The hotel has an on-site snack bar, business center, and outdoor pool and offers 3 breakfast options
In a central location, this motel has air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the property
A 2-bedroom guesthouse with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and a private garden pation
Things to do in Cottonwood
- Attend the dinner show at Blazin’ M Ranch
- Taste delicious wines at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria
- Book an adventure tour for the Verde Canyon Railroad
- Hike up to the Tuzigoot National Monument
- Sign up for a wine kayak tour on the Verde River
5. Oak Creek Canyon – where to stay in Sedona for hiking
The Oak Creek Canyon spans over a large area – 12 miles (20 km) to be exact. The Canyon goes along Oak Creek, which flows year-round and is surrounded by beautiful nature with plenty of hiking opportunities.
One of the most popular hiking destinations is the Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook (map), a hilltop vista from where you can admire marvelous views of the red rocks. Moving along the Canyon, there are plenty of other routes; if you’re in the mood for something a bit more challenging, I suggest the Sterling Pass Trail (map), which is quite popular among hikers.
If you continue following the Canyon, you’ll get to Slide Rock State Park (map); here, you can go down to the water and relax along the creek, but you need to be careful – the hike down is steep! Better yet, you can also go for a swim in the creek and sunbathe on the rocks.
When you don’t feel like hiking, you can have a laid-back picnic – the Bootlegger Picnic Area is a great place to do it! There’s a dedicated picnic area where you can spend the whole day, but you can also go down to the river and try your hand at fishing!
There’s plenty more to see and do around the Canyon, and I’m sure you’ll have fun exploring the vast landscape. But now it’s time to get to the accommodation – I have to tell you that you won’t find any upscale hotels along the Canyon, but there are plenty of rustic cabins, some of which offer luxury amenities.
The cabins at this 4-star resort are rustic yet elegant, and each of them has a full kitchen and a living room with a fireplace. All cabins are surrounded by a wrap-around terrace, from where you can enjoy river or mountain views. The on-site restaurant is open seasonally, but you can consult the helpful staff for anything else you need.
Other accommodation options in Oak Creek Canyon
This cozy log cabin has a bedroom/living area with a queen bed, a loveseat, and an electric fireplace
All rooms at the resort have a wood-burning fireplace, and some even have a hot tub
A cabin with a king-sized bed, indoor bathroom, a mini fridge, and access to communal spaces
Things to do in Oak Creek Canyon
- Take the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail (see trail map)
- Go up to the Oak Creek Vista to admire the views
- Venture out to Munds Park
- Have a respite at Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
Amazing apartments in Sedona
Hotels are great for vacationing, but some travelers prefer to have all the comforts of a home when traveling, so they seek out entire apartments. If you count yourself as one such traveler, this section is for you!
Check out my top apartment picks in Sedona, and start planning your adventure in the Red Rock Mountains.
- Serene 2 bd – a lovely home in West Sedona, with 2 bedrooms, each with a queen-size bed, and 2 separate bathrooms. There’s also a full kitchen and a spacious living area.
- Peaceful Modern Oasis – remodeled private home with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom in central Sedona that allows you to walk to many nearby restaurants and hiking trails.
- Sedona Green Garden Gem – 1-bedroom studio with a private entrance and a lush green garden offering much-needed respite from the desert heat.
- Modern Apartment – this comfortable Airbnb has a private balcony and modern amenities such as a coffee machine, smart TV, and keyless code access.
- The Three Keys duplex – a private property with parking, air conditioning, a balcony, and a dedicated picnic area, as well as an indoor play area.
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$300 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$150 |
| 📍 Best area: | Uptown Sedona |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | L’Auberge De Sedona |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Matterhorn Inn |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Cedars Resort |
BONUS 1: Hidden gems to stay in Sedona with a view
The nature in Sedona and the surrounding areas is truly breathtaking. Now, imagine sitting on your private patio while watching the sunset enveloping the epic rocks. If that sounds tempting, don’t skip over my top 4 hotel picks with stunning views of Sedona. They are in descending price order, so you can pick the one that fits your budget.
- Enchantment Resort – a luxury resort offering unparalleled views of the Boynton Canyon, perfect for watching both the sunrise and the sunset. You can choose among suites, guestrooms, and private villas, each with a private balcony to admire the views.
- A Sunset Chateau – located in West Sedona, this upscale B&B boasts impressive views from its garden area and the outdoor pool. I love the beautifully decorated rooms featuring a fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the Red Rocks Mountains.
- Hyatt Vacation Club – the Hyatt Vacation Club, formerly the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, offers unobscured views of the Red Rock Mountains and provides access to four outdoor heated pools, 2 spa tubs, a tennis court, and more.
- Sky Ranch Lodge – the Sky Ranch Lodge has an incredible terrace overlooking the Bell Rock, a seasonal swimming pool, a garden, and an on-site bar. You can easily access hiking trails from Sky Ranch Lodge, and Uptown Sedona is just 3 miles (5 km) away.
BONUS 2: The best pet-friendly hotels to stay in Sedona
For those who want to travel with their furry friends, I didn’t forget you! It’s always fun to do outdoor activities with your pet, and I know that sometimes it can be challenging to find a hotel if you’re traveling with a dog – so I found the best pet-friendly hotels!
- Amara Resort & Spa – welcomes dogs for an additional fee. Guests can enjoy the on-site spa and the infinity pool and dine at the on-site restaurant. If you stay at Amara Resort, you’ll be within walking distance of the main Sedona attractions.
- El Portal Sedona Hotel – this pet-friendly boutique hotel lets you bring your pet – free of charge! Besides that, the hotel has a lovely garden and provides guests access to a fitness center and 2 outdoor swimming pools at the Los Abrigados Resort. Uptown Sedona is easily accessible on foot, and many hiking trails are a short drive away.
- Orchards Inn – centrally located in Uptown Sedona, this hotel has spacious rooms with amazing views of the Red Rocks Mountains. Bringing a pet incurs an extra charge, and you should book a suite, as animals aren’t allowed in standard rooms.
- Sedona Real Inn & Suites – this pet-friendly hotel offers a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a sun terrace overlooking the Red Rock Mountains. It also has a central location in West Sedona and is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.
FAQs about where to stay in Sedona
🗺️ Where is the best area to stay in Sedona?
If you are visiting Sedona for the first time the best Sedona area is Uptown Sedona thanks to its closeness to the main attractions and restaurants. Some of the best places to stay here are L’Auberge De Sedona and Best Western Plus.
🤔 Is it better to stay in Sedona vs Oak Creek?
If you want a larger selection of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, Sedona is the superior choice. However, if you want a quieter stay in a family-friendly area with quick access to attractions like Bell Rock, the Village of Oak Creek is the better option.
❓ Is it better to stay in West Sedona vs Uptown Sedona?
I recommend Uptown Sedona for the full experience – restaurants, bars, hiking trails, and day trips to the Grand Canyon. However, West Sedona is a good choice if you’re planning a couples’ getaway and want to relax in the serene, romantic atmosphere.
🚶♂️ Is Sedona a walkable town?
Yes, Sedona is known for its pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, with numerous sidewalks, trails, and scenic paths.
⚠️ How safe is Sedona at night?
Sedona is a popular tourist spot with a low crime rate, and it’s safe to walk at night, even if you’re alone.
⌛ How many days is enough for Sedona?
If you want to explore the town of Sedona, one night should be enough to see the sights. However, if you also want to visit Red Rock State Park and the Grand Canyon, I recommend staying in Sedona for at least 3 days.
📅 What is the best month to visit Sedona?
The best time to visit Sedona is between March and May when the weather is warm but not as hot as it gets in the summer.
🤩 What is the prettiest spot in Sedona?
Cathedral Rock is generally considered one of the most beautiful spots in Sedona. Still, plenty of other unique spots are worth your attention, such as the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout.
👍 Can I get around Sedona without a car?
Yes, you can easily explore the town of Sedona on foot. Even if you want to visit some of the natural landmarks, there are plenty of hiking trails to get you there – you just need to be in good shape!
Conclusion
Sadly, our Sedona adventure ends here. I hope this post helped you figure out where to stay in Sedona by discussing the top areas and best hotels.
Are you still undecided? Here are my 2 absolute favorite hotels in Sedona:
- L’Auberge De Sedona – the hotel has an amazing spa and offers a free shuttle service to Uptown Sedona.
- Matterhorn Inn – offering breathtaking mountain views, the hotel also has a swimming pool and private parking.
Once you pick your favorite hotel, do not forget to book it in advance and grab those deals!
If you have any other suggestions or questions about places to stay in Sedona, please do not hesitate to leave a comment.
Have a great holiday,
Hristina
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
