Arabella Hotel Sedona

The Arabella Hotel sits on a calm stretch of Sedona highway, surrounded by native greenery and majestic red rocks. A four-million-dollar property-wide renovation, completed in 2018, gave the 1940s-built hotel a fresh new look that adds modern decor to its vintage architecture, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The sand-colored, Adobe-style entrance gives way to two-story oblong buildings where rooms are located. The grounds are scattered with alfresco patio areas (some with fire pits) and gazebos decked out in comfy lounge settings -- all designed for guests to chill out, admire the view, or catch beautiful sunsets over the red rocks in the distance. Pops of red in the form of parasols and two aquamarine-colored outdoor pools add vibrance to the property. Despite its highway address and proximity to restaurants, galleries, and other commercial conveniences, Arabella feels secluded. Direct access to hiking trails only adds to the sense of escape and immediacy to the area's surrounding red rocks. Most visitors are vacationers looking for a quiet getaway, and the hotel is a hit with dog owners, thanks to a fenced-in dog park area and a number of pet-friendly rooms. A maximum of two dogs per room is permitted, for a daily fee.

Arabella is situated on a commercial but calm stretch of Highway 179, which runs right through the center of Sedona. Bustling Uptown Sedona is a five-minute drive up the road and features tons of restaurants, bars, and shopping boutiques, Arabella’s immediate surrounds are comparatively calm, though there is still plenty to see, eat, and do within walking distance. The hotel is a four-minute walk south of Hillside Sedona Shopping Center, where dining options include Javelina Cantina (Mexican food), Mooney’s Irish Pub, a bistro, and a sandwich shop, along with a cluster of art galleries and boutiques. It's a 10-minute walk to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a picturesque and popular shopping area with cobblestones, a fountain, and art galleries. Other worthwhile highlights requiring a short drive include Bell Rock (five minutes), Red Rock Crossing (10 minutes), and the Chapel of the Holy Cross (also 10 minutes). Arabella is 10 minutes from Sedona Airport, and around two hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Arabella's rooms were all given a new look as part of the property's 2018 renovation, and decor is largely identical across categories, with views and locations differentiating the various room types. Decor blends earthy tones of beige, gray, and burgundy with textural elements such as linear carpets, ombre curtains, and Southwestern prints on bed runners. Single-seater corner sofas with retro prints add bold contrasts, as do black-and-white vintage photographs of landscapes and legendary movie scenes. Beds have crisp white linens and most rooms come in king or two queen configurations. Amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have slate tiling and wide wood and gray-granite vanities in the living areas, plus either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Arabella offers a solid line-up of features, particularly great dining and wellness facilities. A free hot breakfast is provided daily and features eggs, homemade muesli, pastries and waffles, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Common dietary issues are catered to with items such as gluten-free bread, almond milk, and vegetarian options. For lunch and dinner, the on-site Elote Cafe is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in town. It's privately owned but sits on the Arabella property. Note that reservations are not accepted, and waits for a table are the norm. Free tea, coffee, iced water, and a refreshing prickly pear drink are offered around the clock in the lobby.