Surrounded by deep canyons, rusty red-rock buttes, and dense pine forests, the desert town of Sedona in Arizona is a mecca for artists, New Age gurus, and outdoor lovers alike. With spectacular natural landscapes in every direction and a vibrant arts community, it’s easy to see why the town is such a popular travel destination. This, however, makes deciding where to stay in Sedona a little tricky!
Located in the heart of Northern Arizona, Sedona has a handful of distinct areas & neighborhoods boasting unique characteristics. Hotels are spread throughout the desert town, from the lively downtown area of Uptown and the resort-heavy West Sedona to the tranquility of the Village of Oak Creek.
Ready to start looking for the ideal accommodations? Find the perfect lodgings for your Red Rock Country adventure with this complete guide to the coolest places to stay in Sedona, Arizona!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Arizona Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Recommended places to stay in Sedona, AZ
Laid-back and diverse, Sedona offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer the bustling vibe of Uptown or the quiet serenity of the Village of Oak Creek, you’ve got plenty of choices for where to base yourself on your Sedona trip.
For history, culture, and shopping, find a spot in Uptown, Sedona’s lively downtown area. Also known as the Main Street District, Uptown is home to plenty of restaurants, saloons, and bars, as well as great shops. It’s pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around, and there are some top-notch hotels in the center of all the action.
Looking for the best shopping in Sedona? Head to the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. You’ll find everything from bronze sculptures to Native American jewelry in a beautiful, shady setting. If you prefer less action and more relaxation, then the peaceful residential neighborhood of the Village of Oak Creek is the place to be.
West Sedona is a lovely, down-to-earth neighborhood that has budget-friendly hotels if you want value for money. It’s peaceful and quiet and a good base for hiking to spots like Boynton Canyon, Lover’s Knoll, and Thunder Mountain.
The Chapel Area is home to the magnificent Chapel of the Holy Cross, as well as several other religious sites. It’s also the jumping-off point for hiking to the famous Cathedral Rock, one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona.
The best areas to stay in Sedona, AZ, are:
Uptown Sedona
✓ Best area to stay in Sedona for first-time visitors and arts & culture lovers
History comes alive in bustling Uptown, where landmark buildings rub shoulders with high-end boutiques and historic plaques that offer glimpses into Sedona’s past. Once home to apple orchards and cowboy ranches, the fledgling village flourished after Hollywood came calling in the 1920s.
Artists and new-agers seeking spiritual enlightenment in the ethereal landscapes of Red Rock Country floated into town a few decades later to merge with the rugged cowboy culture. Today, this paradoxical coexistence still exists and gives Sedona a wonderfully unique character.
Vibrant and lively, Uptown is the beating heart of Sedona. Colorful art galleries, eclectic shops, and casual restaurants line the streets, which can get crowded in the high season. Festivals take over Main Street during the summer, and pubs and saloons vibrate with live music, DJs, and karaoke.
Uptown is the most convenient place to stay in town—especially if you’ve only got 24 hours in Sedona—but expect your pocket to feel the pinch! During the high season, deluxe hotels and sprawling resorts with spas and swimming pools are sanctuaries unto themselves.
Star Motel
Casual and comfortable, the Star Motel is a family-run motel situated just off Highway 89A. You’ll find basic rooms with en suite bathrooms, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Microwaves and minifridges are ideal for self-catering. A short walk will get you to the Sedona Heritage Museum.
La Petite Sedona
La Petite Sedona is a lovely motel offering beautiful views of the towering red rock pinnacles. Comfortably furnished rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and patios with stunning vistas. Enjoy barbecues in the evening and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Slide Rock State Park is a short drive from the motel.
Matterhorn Inn
Surrounded by the majestic rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, the Matterhorn Inn offers dog-friendly accommodations with spacious terraces. Rooms boast iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs and microwaves can be requested. Soak up the spectacular views from the solar-heated pool and hot tub.
Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast
Comfortable and quiet, Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast offers a laid-back, home-away-from-home retreat. Southwestern-style rooms have private bathrooms and coffee machines, and free Wi-Fi is available around the property. Relax on your patio and soak up the views or enjoy a barbecue in the garden.
Amara Resort & Spa
For a luxurious desert retreat, head to the Amara Resort & Spa. Set on Oak Creek, this upscale resort has beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with deluxe amenities. Enjoy a full-service spa, yoga classes, a fitness center, and a gorgeous saltwater infinity pool. Explore the area on loaner bikes and toast the day at complimentary wine hours every evening.
West Sedona
✓ Best neighborhood to stay in Sedona for budget travelers
Leafy, green, and serene, West Sedona has a quiet, residential feel. Located about a mile west of Uptown, this down-to-earth neighborhood is a good spot for getting to Boynton Canyon, Lover’s Knoll, and Thunder Mountain.
The main street in the West Sedona area is lined with bookstores, eclectic shops, thrift stores, and small businesses. The Sedona Artist Market & Gallery offers some fantastic handmade arts and crafts by Native American artists.
Nightlife is fairly quiet in West Sedona, but there are plenty of restaurants serving a variety of cuisine. For post-dinner entertainment, head to the Olde Sedona Bar and Grill for bingo, karaoke, and trivia. The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park are worth a visit to admire two Tibetan Buddhist stupas.
Several big chain hotels are based in West Sedona that are ideal if you’re looking for lower room rates and more budget-friendly prices.
The Inn at Thunder Mountain
Elegant and refined, The Inn at Thunder Mountain offers boutique-style accommodations in a beautiful setting. Relax in a spa tub or by the fireplace in your room, and tuck into a gourmet breakfast each morning. Explore the area on hot air balloon rides, jeep tours, and horseback riding adventures from the hotel.
Sedona Springs Resort, a VRI resort
Sedona Springs Resort is perfectly located for soaking up the surrounding beauty of the area and enjoying a range of recreational activities. Comfortable rooms have en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Cool off in one of two swimming pools, work out in the fitness center, or enjoy a barbecue under the stars.
Alma De Sedona Inn B&B
Set in three traditional Southwestern adobe-style buildings, the Alma De Sedona Inn B&B is a quiet retreat just a few miles from downtown Sedona. Comfortable rooms have private entrances and feature fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and balconies where you can soak up the stunning views. Enjoy breakfast and evening drinks by the pool.
Villas of Sedona, a VRI resort
This is a good spot if you prefer to self-cater on your vacation. Villas of Sedona, a VRI resort is a down-to-earth condo complex with comfortable one- and two-bedroom units with kitchens and living rooms with fireplaces. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room, and kick back on your private terrace.
Adobe Grand Villas
Beautifully appointed, rustic-luxe private villas offer a luxurious getaway. The Adobe Grand Villas boast all the bells and whistles, from whirlpool tubs and walk-in waterfall showers to fireplaces and spacious balconies. Savor complimentary breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres and be pampered at the full-service spa. Request your own chef for a special meal.
Tlaquepaque
✓ Recommended place to stay in Sedona for shopping
Tlaquepaque is one of Sedona’s top shopping spots, so if you’re in town to shop until you drop, then make this area your base. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is the beating heart of the district and has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970s.
Located on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek in Sedona, the village is styled after a traditional Mexican village with vine-covered stucco walls and elegant arched entryways.
Behind the walls, quaint, cobble-stoned pathways are lined with eclectic art galleries, tasteful boutiques, and specialty shops. Giant sycamore trees provide dappled shade and fountains offer cool respite.
When you’ve worked up a hunger from all that shopping, you’ll find several restaurants within walking distance of the village. You’ll also find comfortable hotels with easy access to the village.
Just south of Uptown Sedona, Tlaquepaque is also a short drive from the Munds Wagon Trail and Snoopy Rock.
The Sedona Hilltop Inn
Relaxed and laid-back, the Sedona Hilltop Inn is a family-friendly motel with casual rooms and suites and basic amenities. Enjoy cable TV and freshly-made coffee in your room and relax on the Tuscan-style patio and soak up the magnificent views. A short walk will take you into downtown Sedona.
Inn Above Oak Creek
Nestled amongst leafy trees, the Inn Above Oak Creek is a lovely, secluded spot overlooking Oak Creek. The inn has contemporary rooms with en-suite bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, and gas fireplaces. Private balconies boast beautiful views. Book a split-level suite for extra space with a kitchen, living room, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Relax in hammocks and Adirondack chairs on a shaded deck.
El Portal Sedona Hotel
Conveniently situated right next to the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the El Portal Sedona Hotel is a deluxe adobe-style hotel in a spectacular setting. Unwind in rustic-chic rooms with Egyptian bed and bath linens, cashmere blankets, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Relish a gourmet breakfast in the cozy lounge each morning.
The Chapel Area
✓ Top-rated area in Sedona for outdoor activities
Once known as the Little Horse Park area of Sedona, the Chapel Area is tucked between Uptown and the Village of Oak Creek. This quiet residential neighborhood is home to the stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural gem that draws visitors from all over the world.
Surrounded by a dramatic backdrop of towering red rocks and sheer cliffs, the Chapel Area is the perfect base for enjoying recreational activities like climbing and hiking. The eponymous wildflower-lined Little Horse Trail winds its way up to Chicken Point for some incredible views.
The Chapel Area is an ideal spot for hiking to the famous Cathedral Rock. This giant natural sandstone butte is one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona and is one of Sedona’s top attractions.
With sprawling resorts and laid-back hotels, the Chapel Area is a great place for a quiet getaway.
Arabella Hotel Sedona
Low-key and laid-back, the Arabella Hotel Sedona offers easy access to the Coconino National Forest hiking trail. Set in three adobe-style buildings, the hotel has casual rooms and suites with cable TV, coffee machines, and whirlpool tubs. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, two swimming pools, and a lovely shady patio with tables and chairs.
Villas at Poco Diablo, a VRI resort
Set on the banks of Oak Creek, the Villas at Poco Diablo, a VRI resort offer a serene and secluded escape. Surrounded by lush gardens, the resort hotel has comfortable rooms with basic amenities and loads of facilities. Relax on the tennis court, the nine-hole golf course, or the outdoor heated pool. Unwind in the whirlpool spa on the sundeck and stay fit in the gym.
Creekside Inn Sedona
Nestled in a lush setting overlooking Oak Creek, the Creekside Inn Sedona is peaceful and quiet. Surrounded by dense forests, the charming bed-and-breakfast is a short drive from Cathedral Rock and only a mile from downtown Sedona. Relax in one of only seven beautifully decorated rooms with whirlpool tubs and private decks. Enjoy in-room massages and a gourmet breakfast.
Village of Oak Creek
✓ Recommended neighborhood for stargazing
Just south of Uptown, the Village of Oak Creek is the quiet, more rural neighbor to its northern neighbor. Once known as Big Park, the Village of Oak Creek straddles the Red Rock Byway and has one of the darkest skies in the state of Arizona, making it a perfect place for stargazing.
The Village of Oak Creek is also home to impressive rock formations like the dome-shaped Bell Rock and the mile-high Courthouse Butte. The tranquil village draws spirituality seekers who come to visit Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s four vortex sites, believed to have healing and restorative energy.
The laid-back village has casual restaurants, pubs, quirky shops, and a good selection of midrange hotels. Four pristine golf courses dotting the neighborhood offer keen golfers challenging games against a backdrop of breathtaking views. As it’s a bit out of the tourist bustle, it’s also a great spot to launch into some popular Sedona side trips like the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Adobe Village Inn
Stylish and sophisticated, the Adobe Village Inn is a Southwest-style hotel with rustic-chic rooms, elegant suites, and private villas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi around the property and private patios with beautiful views. Suites have full kitchens, and villas offer luxury bathrooms and kitchenettes. Spend evenings next to the firepit stargazing.
Las Posadas of Sedona
Situated within a short walk from the Sedona Golf Resort, Las Posadas of Sedona has stylish suites and deluxe villas with private balconies and patios. Kitchenettes with minifridges and microwaves are ideal for easy meals, or you can enjoy gourmet breakfast and afternoon snacks in the lobby. Relax on the sundeck next to the outdoor pool.
Red Rock Luxury
Red Rock Luxury is a modern, air-conditioned apartment with two bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for a hassle-free vacation – enjoy barbecues and explore the area on rented bikes. A spacious terrace offers amazing views of the surrounding rock formations.
Canyon Villa Bed & Breakfast Inn of Sedona
Set against a beautiful backdrop of the famous Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, Canyon Villa Bed & Breakfast Inn of Sedona offers a casual home-away-from-home retreat. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished with private bathrooms, decks or patios, and free Wi-Fi. Upgrade to a suite for fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Relax by the outdoor pool.
