Where to Stay in Sedona for First Timers: Central & Scenic

Sedona has a small town feel, but it’s also surprisingly spread out. If you’re unfamiliar with the town’s layout, you could the wrong hotel and end up driving 30+ minutes between trailheads, restaurants, and your hotel.

I recently visited Sedona for the first time, and we stayed in what I genuinely believe is the best area for first timers, with panoramic red rocks views from our hotel, walkable to a variety of restaurants (and an adorable wine bar), and centrally located, so we never had to drive far! That said, there are some more affordable areas, and quieter areas if you want a more chill getaway.

In this article I’m sharing an overview of the different areas to stay in Sedona and some exceptional hotel and B&B options in each area—like a luxury-on-a-budget spa resort walkable to trailheads, an award-winning Spanish hacienda full of native art, and that perfectly located red-rocks-view hotel I stayed at!

Bathtub in a Sedona hotel in central Sedona

View from the Hyatt Sedona at the fire pit

📍 Rule of thumb: Where to Stay in Sedona based on budget

Where I stayed (and LOVED it)
- 🏜️ $200+/night: Panoramic red rock views & walkable to restaurants and wine bar
One-of-a-kind Sedona stays:
- ✨ $300+/night: Award-winning colonial hacienda full of native art
- 📷 $255+/night: Bed & breakfast at the base of a red rock spire
- 🌿 $170+/night: Creekside inn next to art market
Highly-rated budget picks:
- 👙 $90+/night: Pool with red rock views and spacious suites
- ☀️ $100+/night: Family-run vintage motel walkable to trailheads
- 🧖🏽‍♀️ $120+/night: Luxury-on-a-budget resort & spa with yoga and live music

*nightly rates vary throughout the year!

☀️🌺🌿 Article Outline (Jump Ahead)

Uptown Sedona

My #1 favorite area to stay in Sedona is Uptown, a walkable area teeming with restaurants and shops, and perched up on a ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks! It’s also a short 5-minute walk from the iconic Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and centrally located between West Sedona, Oak Creek Village, and the road to Flagstaff.

Hyatt at Piñon Pointe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.7/10 on Booking.com | 8.8/10 on Expedia | $200+/night | Check current nightly rates

We stayed at the Hyatt at Piñon Pointe and it was the PERFECT location, perched up on Piñon Pointe with views of the surrounding rock formations—and there are a variety of independent restaurants, shops (and an adorable wine bar) just steps away. The Hyatt is also a short walk from Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, which is a must-visit market designed to look like a Mexican village!

Photo via Hyatt at Piñon Pointe

Our studio was clean and spacious, with a small kitchenette and outdoor seating area. But our favorite part was taking in the views from the fire pit, and soaking in the hot tub (can you tell it was chilly when we were in Sedona?!)

✨ Save for later: My FUN 3 Day Sedona Itinerary: Ruins, Hikes & Swimming Holes

The Joy Sedona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.8/10 on Booking.com | $300+/night | Check current nightly rates

The Joy Sedona is a high-end bed and breakfast on the quiet outskirts of Uptown Sedona, where you can see the striking red rock landscapes transform into the foliage-covered Oak Creek Canyon.

Photos via The Joy Sedona

There are a variety of rooms and cabins to choose from, including creekside cabins along with suites with private hot tubs on panoramic decks. The Joy is a lovely place to stay if you’re looking for a serene eco-getaway away from the crowds, but still close to everything Uptown Sedona has to offer!

Sedona Uptown Suites

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.0/10 on Booking.com | $120+/night | Check current nightly rates

Steps away from many of Sedona’s best restaurants and cafes, Sedona Uptown Suites is a lovely budget-friendly hotel with clean, affordable rooms, many of which have kitchenettes or kitchens!

Outside view of Sedona Uptown Suites, one of the best places to stay in Sedona

Photos via Sedona Uptown Suites

Keep in mind that it does not have a pool, but it’s a great affordable hotel in the heart of Sedona’s best neighborhood!

Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque is home to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, the artistic and cultural heart of Sedona! Uptown Sedona is a short uphill walk, so you’re still close to all of the best restaurants. Keep in mind that given Tlaquepaque’s location, you don’t get as many views from this area—but again, you’ll have plenty of amazing views as you explore Uptown and hike around Sedona!

El Portal

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.6/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $300+/night | Check current nightly rates

Truly one-of-a-kind El Portal was designed to feel like a 1900s Spanish colonial adobe hacienda—a portal to Sedona’s unique charm. It’s an award-winning boutique hotel that I’d stay at in a heartbeat!

Photos via El Portal

Each room at El Portal is completely unique, adorned with southwest art, from the native woven blankets to the arched adobe doorways and tilework.

Arabella Hotel Sedona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.8/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $220+/night | Check current nightly rates

With two outdoor pools, hot tubs, and cozy fire pits, free breakfast, and red rocks views, Arabella Hotel is a lovely mid-range hotel option close to Tlaquepaque!

Drone view of Sedona Arabella Hotel with red rocks in distance

Photos via Arabella Hotel

It’s located right off Highway 179, right next to the Marg’s Draw Trailhead, and Mole Mexican Kitchen. And a ten minute walk to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village!

Inn Above Oak Creek Sedona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.4/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $170+/night | Check current nightly rates

Perched over Oak Creek just steps from Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, the Inn Above Oak Creek is in the heart of Sedona, with a serene feel—especially if you stay in one of the rooms over looking the creek!

Photos via Inn Above Oak Creek Sedona

Breakfast is included daily, and many of the rooms feature views of the creek, and some have private patios as well!

Oak Creek Village

Situated on the southern end of Sedona, Oak Creek Village is a lovely place to escape from the crowds and traffic of Uptown and stay somewhere that feels a little more residential. Many Oak Creek hotels have exceptional views, and close access to a variety of quieter hiking trails, along with the Bell Rock Trail.

The Penrose Bed & Breakfast

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.8/10 on Booking.com | 9.8/10 on Expedia | $255+/night | Check current nightly rates

Nestled right at the base of a towering red rock spire, the Penrose Bed & Breakfast is somewhere I’d stay again and again! Each of the rooms feature giant windows and panoramic views—and private patios. Most rooms also feature spa-style bath tubs!

Room with a view of the red rocks at The Penrose Bed & Breakfast in Oak Creek Sedona

Photos via The Penrose Bed & Breakfast

The daily chef-prepared breakfast is exceptional, with options for folks with dietary restrictions—and the most warm, welcoming, and helpful staff!

Hilton Vacation Club Ridge on Sedona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.8/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $90+/night | Check current nightly rates

Starting at $90/night, the Hilton Vacation Club Ridge on Sedona is an exceptional option if you’re looking for spacious rooms and a beautiful pool with views, on a budget!

Hilton Vacation Club Ridge on Sedona Pool

Photos via Hilton Vacation Club Ridge on Sedona

All of the surprisingly spacious rooms feature kitchens with full-size refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers—and the suites have larger kitchens with ovens as well!

Las Posadas of Sedona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.0/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $280+/night | Check current nightly rates

I love Las Posadas‘ spacious, airy suites with big windows, patios, giant bathtubs and kitchenettes! It’s a lovely place to stay if you want a comfortable, luxurious ‘home base’ in Sedona.

Photos via Las Posadas of Sedona

The property also has a pool, sauna, fitness center, and a great daily breakfast that guests always love!

West Sedona

West Sedona is where you’ll find all Sedona’s grocery stores, a variety of restaurants and shops, along with plenty of more affordable hotels. It’s a short drive from Uptown and Tlaquepaque, with easy access to a variety of Sedona’s most iconic hikes, like Seven Sacred Pools, the Mescal Trail to Devil’s Bridge, and the Sugarloaf Trail.

The Wilde Resort and Spa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.9/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $120+/night | Check current nightly rates

The Wilde is an award-winning West Sedona resort with rooms for as little as $120 a night! Every inch of the property is vibey with a luxury feel on a budget. If you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy some live music here, maybe join a yoga class, or get a massage at the onsite spa!

Photos via The Wilde Resort and Spa

A few of the unique amenities include a walking labyrinth, a rooftop lounge area (with great red rocks views), a hydra spa, yoga classes and other wellness events, along with pools, hot tubs, and fire pits!

Sugar Loaf Lodge

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.8/10 on Booking.com | 9.2/10 on Expedia | $100+/night | Check current nightly rates

Family owned and operated since 1986, Sugar Loaf Lodge is a classic roadside American motel—with clean, cozy rooms, and a small pool! It’s a great budget option, a 20-minute walk to the Sugar Loaf Trailhead, and just steps from a variety of restaurants and stores.

Outside view of family-run Sugar Loaf Lodge

Photos via Sugar Loaf Lodge

Sugar Loaf Lodge is a great, affordable option in a walkable area, with simple, clean rooms!

Southwest Inn at Sedona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.9/10 on Booking.com | 8.6/10 on Expedia | $120+/night | Check current nightly rates

The Southwest Inn at Sedona features cozy southwest-inspired rooms—along with a sauna, Himalayan salt cave, and cold plunge, if you’re into that type of thing!