Where to Stay in Sedona – A Guide to Red Rock Country
Located in the northern Verde Valley of Arizona and nicknamed “Red Rock Country,” Sedona is famous for its mild weather, unique red formations and incredible landscape, and as a spiritual wellness destination. This post will discover the best areas to stay in Sedona, AZ.
The main cultural attractions in Sedona include the Sedona Heritage Museum, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
However, the main draws in this desert town are natural ones, with impressive sights, including Cathedral Rock and Slide Rock State Park, topping the list of Arizona’s most beautiful tourist attractions.
Find accommodation in Uptown Sedona.
Other unmissable tourist attractions in Sedona include Airport Mesa, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Palatki Heritage Sitem, and Snoopy Rock (a rock formation with an uncanny resemblance to a sleeping Snoopy).
Tucson is also one of the main gateways to explore the fantastic landscapes of Camp Verde. Some of this area’s best natural and cultural spaces, parks, and preserves include the Tuzigoot National Monument, the Verde Canyon Railroad, Verde Valley Wine Trail, Jerome State Historic Park, and the Prescott National Forest.
Due to its location in northern Arizona’s interior chaparral, Sedona has a temperate semi-arid climate. This means low precipitation, mild winters, and hot summers. The average temperatures in July and August usually hover between 65 and 100 ºF (18 – 38 ºC). Meanwhile, January is the coldest month, with temperatures typically ranging from 34 to 60 ºF (1 – 15 ºC). The best time of the year to visit Sedona is from fall to mid-spring (October through May). During this period, temperatures are pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing without enduring the summertime’s scorching heat.
To fly into the city domestically, Sedona is served by the Flagstaff Airport. Located 25 miles north of downtown Sedona, this regional airport offers some destinations in the southern United States. Additionally, you can reach Sedona via the nearby Prescott and Grand Canyon airports. If you’re traveling from further away, then your best bet is to book a flight to Phoenix International Airport and rent a car from there.
Book cheap air travel to Phoenix International.
Rent a cheap car for your trip.
There are no train services connecting Sedona. However, the region is served by Amtrak buses from Flagstaff. The Amtrak bus station is located in Uptown Sedona. Meanwhile, Greyhound and other bus companies connect nearby Cottonwood to other cities in the South and West USA.
Because it is a smaller city, the best way to move around in Sedona is by car. Alternatively, there are shuttle services connecting the area.
The best area to stay in Sedona is Uptown Sedona. This area northeast of the city center is home to the city’s main shopping areas, cultural sites, nightlife venues, and restaurants. Uptown Sedona is also where some of the best hotels in town are located. Find accommodation in Uptown Sedona.
Other great districts to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Sedona include West Sedona and Cottonwood.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Sedona, Arizona.
Best Location in Sedona, Arizona: A Quick Guide
Below is a list of the best areas to stay in Sedona according to your travel style. Keep reading to find all the information you need about each particular neighborhood.
- Best location in Sedona for sightseeing: Uptown Sedona
- Best location in Sedona for first-time visitors: Downtown Sedona
- Best location in Sedona for nightlife: Uptown Sedona
- Best location in Sedona for nature lovers: Cottonwood
- Best location in Sedona for families: West Sedona
Best Hotels in Sedona, AZ by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the top-rated hotels in Sedona. No matter your reason for visiting the area, we got you covered!
- Most unique hotel: Adobe Grand Villas
- Best mid-priced hotel: El Portal Sedona Hotel
- Best budget hotel: Sedona Uptown Suites
- Best luxury hotel: L’Auberge De Sedona
- Best boutique hotel: Matterhorn Inn
- Best hotel with a pool: The Wilde Resort and Spa
- Best Inn / B&B: Casa Sedona Inn
The Best Areas to Stay in Sedona, Arizona
1. Recommended area: Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona has a varied offer of accommodation. This district offers everything from boutique properties like Matterhorn Inn to mid-range and budget options like the Sedona Uptown Suites, as well as luxury hotels including L’Auberge De Sedona.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Sedona, AZ:
- Best area for tourists
- Best area to stay without a car
- Tourist attractions
- Great hotels of all categories
- Good transport connections
Located in the northeast of Sedona, Uptown is the main tourism hub of the city. Contrary to its name, Uptown Sedona is actually the city’s downtown area.
Uptown Sedona is busy and vibrant, and it offers many accommodation options. It is home to several of Sedona’s popular cultural attractions, such as the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and the Sedona Heritage Museum.
If you’re into nature, many hiking trails start from Uptown, including the popular Javalina, Hangover, and Marg’s Draw trails.
The neighborhood also boasts numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants, making it the perfect location for dining and shopping.
The area is very pedestrian-friendly and is home to the Amtrak bus station.
Additionally, the towering red rocks surrounding Uptown make it a picturesque and serene place to stay in Sedona.
Best Hotels in Uptown Sedona, AZ
Matterhorn Inn
Matterhorn Inn provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, and free private parking for guests who drive. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a hot tub.
Sedona Uptown Suites
Offering free WiFi access, Sedona Uptown Suites is located in Sedona. Tlaquepaque is a 20-minute walk from the property.
L’Auberge De Sedona
Featuring free WiFi, a spa center, and an outdoor pool, L’Auberge De Sedona offers accommodation in Sedona. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the mountains, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Check Out These Similar Destinations…
2. West Sedona
Offering a more relaxed & local atmosphere, West Sedona offers several accommodation options. From unique hotels like the Adobe Grand Villas to budget properties such as the GreenTree Inn Sedona.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Sedona, AZ:
- Quieter alternative to Uptown
- Budget accommodation
- Great views
- Hiking trails
- Good transport connections
West Sedona is another ideal location to stay in when visiting Sedona.
This neighborhood is located west of Uptown and is known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere. It is centered around U.S. Route 89 and the scenic Oak Creek Canyon.
The West is a more residential part of town but still offers its fair share of attractions, including the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park and the rolling hills of Thunder Mountain.
Visitors who choose to stay in West Sedona will appreciate the tranquil surroundings and close proximity to hiking trails like Sugarloaf Trail and Brins Mesa Trail.
West Sedona is also home to several budget and mid-range hotels, which makes it a good option for travelers on a tight budget.
Best Hotels in West Sedona, AZ
Adobe Grand Villas
Featuring a seasonal pool, this Sedona, Arizona hotel features elegant adobe-inspired rooms. A 3-course breakfast is offered in the restaurant daily. Freshly baked bread is offered in rooms upon arrival. Slide Rock State Park is a 20-minute drive from the property.
GreenTree Inn Sedona
Featuring free WiFi, a pool open year-round, and a sun terrace, GreenTree Inn offers accommodation in Sedona. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.
The Wilde Resort and Spa
This hotel features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. The Wilde Resort and Spa rooms feature free WiFi, cable TV, and a coffee maker. The rooms also offer bathrobes.
3. Cottonwood
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Sedona, AZ:
- Quiet small town
- Budget accommodation
- Natural & cultural attractions
- Hiking trails
Cottonwood is a delightful town located in Red Rock Country, just a short drive from Sedona.
Despite its small size, it has several popular attractions, including the Verde Canyon Railroad and the Old Town Cottonwood historic district.
The atmosphere of this town is relaxed and casual, making it a great place to unwind after exploring the larger city of Sedona.
For those looking to stay a bit off the beaten path and experience a different side of Arizona, Cottonwood is an excellent choice.
Best Hotels in Cottonwood, AZ
The Tavern Hotel
Featuring 3-star accommodation, The Tavern Hotel is set in Cottonwood. Featuring a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy the restaurant or have a cocktail at the bar.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cottonwood
Situated in Cottonwood SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cottonwood features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a shared lounge. The property is allergy-free.
Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
Set in Cottonwood, Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge offers accommodation with free WiFi, a garden with an outdoor swimming pool, and access to a fitness room and a hot tub.
