Sedona Hotel Archives - El Portal Sedona Hotel

Why Visit Sedona and Stay at the El Portal Hotel?

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:56:57 +0000

Why Visit Sedona and Stay at the El Portal Hotel?

Rising from the high desert of northern Arizona, Sedona has long held a dual identity—both rugged frontier and refined retreat. Known for its luminous red rock formations and its place in the mythology of the American West, Sedona first drew national attention in the 1950s and 1960s as a backdrop for classic Hollywood westerns. Today, it remains equally iconic, though its appeal has evolved into something more layered: a destination where outdoor adventure, spiritual curiosity, and upscale comfort meet beneath vast desert skies.

Located roughly 100 miles north of Phoenix at an elevation of 4,500 feet, Sedona enjoys a rare balance of desert beauty and mountain climate. While Arizona is often associated with scorching lowland deserts, much of the state rises above 4,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures and four distinct seasons. This makes Sedona an ideal year-round base for exploring the high desert of the American Southwest—from the shaded switchbacks of Oak Creek Canyon to the vast expanse of Grand Canyon National Park, just a scenic 90-minute drive to the north.

Yet Sedona’s evolution into a world-class destination owes as much to its refined accommodations as to its landscapes. Among the most distinctive is El Portal Sedona, a boutique hotel that blurs the line between lodging and living museum. Conceived by Steve and Connie Segner, longtime collectors of Arts and Crafts furnishings, El Portal was designed as an homage to early 20th-century craftsmanship. Built with reclaimed materials and thick adobe walls, the property evokes a quieter era—one where architecture and environment exist in harmony.

Inside, each of the hotel’s individually designed rooms reflects a devotion to detail rarely found in modern hospitality. Handcrafted woodwork, period lighting, and natural plaster walls create a tactile sense of history, while modern comforts—spacious layouts, private entrances, and pet-friendly accommodations—offer a level of ease expected by today’s traveler. The experience is intimate and personal, more akin to staying in a well-curated home than a conventional hotel.

Location, however, is El Portal’s defining luxury. Situated in the heart of Sedona’s arts district, the hotel sits just steps from Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, a labyrinth of courtyards, galleries, and shaded walkways inspired by traditional Mexican villages. From this central perch, more than 100 shops, restaurants, and trailheads are within easy reach—many accessible on foot. Guests can move effortlessly from a morning hike among red rock formations to an afternoon of gallery browsing, followed by an evening dining under desert stars.

Sedona’s growing reputation for upscale amenities—from fine dining to wellness retreats—has not diminished its essential character. Instead, it has enhanced the experience of a place that remains, at its core, about connection: to landscape, to history, and to a slower pace of life.

For travelers seeking both immersion and comfort, El Portal offers a rare proposition. It is not merely a place to stay, but a gateway—an architectural and experiential portal—into the enduring spirit of Sedona and the greater Southwest beyond.

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Award-Winning El Portal: Sedona’s Only Adobe Hotel

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:08:36 +0000

Award-Winning El Portal: Sedona’s Only Adobe Hotel

While the Sedona, Arizona area welcomes visitors with many wonderful lodging options, El Portal boasts several unique features that have earned us a stellar reputation among our guests and distinguished our property from other local hotels. In fact, we were thrilled to recently earn a 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor, reflecting our spot among the top 10% of listings around the world. Read on to learn about some of the features that make El Portal so special.

Cultivating a Unique Style and Charm

Upon entering El Portal, guests are often amazed that it was built in 2003, noting that the style is reminiscent of the late 1800s or early 1900s. This effect was intentional: in designing and building the hotel, all work was performed by hand and eye, just as it would have been done around the turn of the century. Additionally, building materials were taken from nature wherever possible, including 100% recycled timber. As Sedona’s only adobe hotel, the property is full of unique architectural touches, such as hand-sculpted walls and niches, elegant archways, and wood-framed windows.

In furnishing El Portal, owners Steve and Connie Segner were inspired by their passion for the Arts-and-Crafts movement that swept the U.S. from approximately the 1890s through the 1920s. The couple incorporated several original, museum-quality Arts-and-Crafts furnishings and works of art from their personal collection to create a sense of warmth and one-of-a-kind ambience in each guest room and throughout the property.

Awards and Accolades

In addition to the wonderful feedback we routinely hear from guests, we are proud to receive awards and accolades from leading publications in the travel industry year after year. Our most recent honor, the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor, is bestowed upon businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on the platform. This was the third consecutive year that El Portal earned this distinction!

Recently, we’ve also received a 2023 KAYAK Travel Award, a 2023 Tripexpert Expert’s Choice Award, a 2024 Booking.com Award, and were notified that for yet another year, we passed our AAA Four Diamond inspection. In fact, El Portal has been designated in the top 25% of all AAA-inspected properties in North America for cleanliness and a high-level condition of our overall property for two or more consecutive years—a coveted designation that we always strive to maintain. We are also pleased to routinely rank among the nation’s top pet-friendly hotels.

Offering a uniquely charming lodging experience for guests and their pets, El Portal also boasts an ideal location in the heart of Sedona, just steps from a diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and galleries at the famous Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. For guests seeking a bit more space and privacy, we are pleased to offer three vacation rental properties: Connie’s Place, Sarah’s Place, and Terrapin Station. Just like El Portal, these properties are pet-friendly, and Terrapin Station is the only handicap-accessible, ADA-compliant short-term rental in Sedona.

Are you ready to experience the award-winning, unpretentious luxury of El Portal? Call us today at 800-313-0017 to book your stay!

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Pet Friendly Walks and Hikes at Your Favorite Pet Friendly Hotel

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:05:21 +0000

Pet Friendly Walks and Hikes

For this month’s blog, we welcome guest blogger Andrea Christelle of Sedona Philosophy!

Sometimes you just have to take the dog with you. That’s the way I felt 15 years ago when my good friend was getting married at Sam A. Baker State Park in Missouri. It wasn’t that I had to take my dog to the wedding. I didn’t have a dog. I found a lost dog at the wedding, and he needed a home!

At the park, all of the cabins and campsites were filled up with friends new and old. It was a weekend of outdoor immersion, before the wedding party and a sizable entourage headed off to Burning Man. It was a wonderfully chaotic mix of people and parties, but eventually, it became clear that amidst the merry madness, there was a dog without an owner.

A black lab mutt with the sweetest disposition kept sidling up to people looking for affection. And food. When I heard the rumor that this dog had been left behind, and that the park managers were planning to take it to the pound I was really upset. That could not happen. Not to this kind creature. I made a decision and a proclamation. I would take the dog back to New Orleans.

I hadn’t had a pet since I was a kid, so I didn’t know that you can’t just put a dog on a plane like a suitcase. Animals need shots, and papers, and more than just carriers. But once I made it clear that the dog would have a home, others stepped up to the plate.

The newlyweds decided to expand their family right away. They adopted this lovable dog, which remained a loyal companion for all of its days. They named him Sam A. Baker, to commemorate the place they found the pup and tied the knot.

Like a lot of things in my life, making sure that the dog had a home didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, but it probably turned out for the best. In this case, the best thing was Sam staying with Kelly and Michael.

We know that many of you are choosing El Portal Sedona Hotel not only for its charm and elegance but also because it is pet friendly. Now you can take a guided hike that is pet friendly too. As of January 2022, Sedona Philosophy can take you on a walking or hiking tour, and your furry friends are welcome to come along. One of our guides even volunteers for the Humane Society, so he is used to taking dogs of all types on the trails.

To the left is Kent Baldner, one of Sedona Philosophy guides who will be taking out El Portal Sedona Hotel guests and their dogs, and he volunteers at Humane Society of Sedona.

Sedona Philosophy hikes are enriching and rewarding outings where you learn a little about Sedona and a lot about yourself. Sedona is the perfect place to reflect on the wonder of the world and the meaning of life. On your next visit to beautiful El Portal, take a tour with Sedona Philosophy, and bring your pet along for every step of the adventure.

By Andrea Christelle, Sedona Philosophy

Here is a guide to help pet owners keep their pets safe this winter season!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly boutique hotel, located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, activities, and more. It is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, with only 12 rooms, and no pet fees!

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Walk to Town & All Around Sedona

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Wed, 12 May 2021 21:48:46 +0000

Walk to Town from El Portal Sedona Hotel!

The Sedona area is known for its many hiking trails, which allow on-foot exploration of the majestic red rock wonderland that makes the city famous. However, visitors do not need to venture into the wilderness to discover immersive walkable adventures. With the city’s intriguing past and diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and galleries, visitors will find plenty to explore in Sedona on foot.

From Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village to Hillside Sedona to Creekside to Uptown to Tlaq North, Sedona is a very walkable town; and all from a two-minute amble to less than twenty minutes’ stroll from El Portal.

Photo credit The Secret Garden Café Tlaquepaque

Wander the streets, browse the shops, explore the galleries, and do not forget to follow Sedona’s “Walk through Time,” (also known as the Sedona History Walk). These charming places house a wide variety of coffee shops, ice cream parlors, fine dining, specialty boutiques, gear stores, art galleries, bars, and souvenir shops!

Leave the car behind and walk about wonderful Sedona!

Reserve your room today at El Portal Sedona Hotel! 1.800.313.0017 or online!

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Five Reasons to Stay in a Boutique Hotel – El Portal Sedona

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Tue, 04 May 2021 18:21:26 +0000

Five Reasons to Stay in a Boutique Hotel – El Portal Sedona

When you travel, there are always plenty of options when it comes to choosing accommodations. All too often, travelers fall back on well-worn choices, choosing the stay at a large, chain hotel with buildings in multiple cities in many different countries. This is an understandable decision because the traveler knows exactly what they’re getting when they book with these larger companies. However, what isn’t talked about nearly as often is what is missed when a chain hotel is picked over a boutique hotel. Yes, you know what you’re getting, but that’s because it is the same in every single city in every single country, which results in a less rich traveling experience. Staying at a boutique hotel can provide a far richer experience when it comes to exploring the area and the accommodations provided. Here are the top five reasons to stay in a boutique hotel instead of a large chain when you come to Sedona.

Unique experience: Staying at a boutique hotel means that you’ll get an experience you cannot get anyplace else on the planet. The hotel is unique, one of a kind, and what it offers travelers can’t be replicated anyplace else.
More personal service: Many boutique hotels have a lower capacity – fewer rooms overall are available – so it’s possible for owners and staff to provide a much more personalized experience for their guests. They will recognize your face, pet and be more aware of any needs you may have.
Location: Many boutique hotels are located in the heart of the city – their smaller size is less disruptive and means they don’t need to be on the outskirts. These hotels are often closest to shopping, dining, and adventures.
No two stays are the same: Boutique hotels change with the years and the seasons in a way that large chain hotels simply cannot do. You can stay in different rooms with radically different aesthetics and layouts, experience different events, and much more.
Knowledgeable staff: The staff at a boutique hotel are often local, dedicated, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area, which allows them to help guests with more nuance and detail than the staff of a large hotel.

El Portal Sedona Hotel is no exception when it comes to boutique hotels. A visitor to Sedona, Arizona who chooses to stay at El Portal will have a vastly different experience than if they were to stay at the chain hotels. El Portal has won multiple awards and boasts an unbeatable location. Close to the Grand Canyon, world-class hiking, and top-flight shopping and dining, El Portal is close to many of the favorite spots that visitors want to see. And the owners and staff are knowledgeable and ready to help any guest organize a tour, select a hiking or biking trail, and decide which restaurant they would like to try that night. With only twelve rooms, El Portal is personal and welcoming to both humans and their pets as one of the best pet-friendly hotels in the nation. The next time you come to Sedona, or when you decide to visit for the first time, keep in mind boutique hotels like El Portal Sedona.

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El Portal Sedona Hotel – Charming, Quaint, Unique…

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:31:14 +0000

El Portal Sedona Hotel – Charming, Quaint, Unique…

These are Not Our Words…They are Our Guests’

Isn’t it time to break the chain hotel habit? Get out of the rut staying in cookie cutter rooms, sterile lobbies, and boring amenities. It’s time to stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel, and here’s why…

“Mother daughter trip
Cannot say enough good things. If you are looking for a great personalized experience, choose El Portal. They even have the honor system. So charming and so quaint. What a treat to visit with Steve (the owner) as well as Fran who gave me so many tips. Loved everything about it.” (by pharrison319)*“A Beautiful Boutique Hotel

We had the pleasure of staying in this hotel for 4 nights. It’s a perfect location for your stay in Sedona. There are many restaurants that are within walking distance and the hiking trails are about a 10–15-minute drive. The hotel is custom built by owners Steve and Connie, who also work at the hotel, and are both friendly and gracious. This hotel is also pet friendly which was a must for us. Each room is very unique and custom designed. We had the opportunity to stay in two of the rooms and both were great. We stayed at the Grand Canyon #7 and Rim View #9. The Grand Canyon is a downstairs room and has a nice, private patio. The Rim View is an upstairs room. Of the two rooms, we really loved the Grand Canyon, but both were really comfortable. Please note this is a boutique hotel, not some cookie cutter Hyatt. Each room has a different theme and beautiful antique style furniture throughout. In fact, the entire hotel feels like a work of art. We hope to return to Sedona one day and we’ll be staying at this hotel when we do. We’re posting a photo of us by the fireplace, which was actually taken by Steve on his phone and sent to us. He was so excited to see us in matching outfits with our pup, he asked if he could take a picture and we agreed! That’s one small example of how welcome you feel when you stay at El Portal!” (by alexisooo)

If you want to break the chain hotel habit reserve your room with us – we guarantee a wonderful, unique, even quirky stay! Call now at 1.800.313.0017 or book online.

*(Both reviews from Tripadvisor.com)

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Trending Now – Sedona for Summer Vacation!

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:37:15 +0000

Trending Now – Sedona for Summer Vacation!

Sedona is trending now for your next vacation! It is perfectly located with Grand Canyon National Park – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – an hour and a half away, numerous state parks, a national forest, two historical parks, six national monuments, a historical heritage site, unlimited outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, spa days, golfing, wine tours, swimming, fishing; there’s just so much to do, see, explore!

Your trip to Sedona begins and ends – here at pet-friendly El Portal Sedona Hotel. We offer exceptional concierge services for the Sedona area. Tell us what you want to do – or not do and we’ll help you plan the perfect trip!

To view our rooms please visit tinyurl.com/ElPortalSedonaRooms

Book your vacation today! Call 1.800.313.0017 or online!

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Spring Break – Spend it in Sedona

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:22:55 +0000

Spring Break – Spend it in Sedona

Book Your Fabulous, Family-Fun Vacation Today!

Sedona books up fast and we do too at El Portal Sedona Hotel!

Natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and plenty to do to keep the family together and having FUN! Take an adventurous Segway tour glide through the quiet back streets and sidewalks to Sedona’s largest red rock, Wilson Mountain. Hike one of the beautiful trails in the area, from a stroll to the heights; there is one for the entire family to experience!

Go on a thrilling jeep tour, drive through the dramatic canyons and learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. And there is still more to do – shopping, horseback riding, dining, golfing, wine tours for Mom and Dad, spa treatments, RZRing, mountain biking, visit the museums, Bearizona, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, oh and the Grand Canyon is a MUST!

At our pet friendly hotel guests receive unparalleled concierge services; Steve and the gang can help you plan your day or your entire trip!
Call 1.800.313.0017 or book online!

See our rooms!

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Time is of the Essence – A Sedona Spring Getaway!

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:44:17 +0000

Time is of the Essence – A Sedona Spring Getaway!

Do you have a favorite room here at El Portal Sedona Hotel? Is it the Grand Canyon Suite with stained glass accents, whirlpool tub, and fenced pet-friendly yard? Or maybe it’s our Greene & Greene suite with its lovely balcony and fabulous views? It could be our grandest suite – The Governor’s Suite with over 600 square feet and a king-sized bed enveloped in spectacular panoramic Red Rock views. Or it could be the sweet and serene Garden Court Room? No matter what one is your favorite now is the time to book for a spring escape!
It is time to think ahead to March, April, and May! You don’t want to miss the wonderful weather – perfect for hiking, touring, or just kicking back and strolling around! Time is of the essence…

The soul of Sedona is calling, the serenity of the Southwest is summoning … At El Portal Sedona Hotel we invite you to relax and revive your spirit, refresh your inner self! We have the perfect room just for you…the choice is yours.

Call 1.800.313.0017 or book online!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly AAA Four Diamond Hotel, a boutique hotel that offers personalized concierge services for the Sedona area!

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Wide Open Spaces for You to Discover

El Portal Sedona Hotel — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 00:19:33 +0000

Wide Open Spaces for You to Discover

The amazing fall weather makes Sedona a perfect outdoor playground with plenty to do, explore, discover! Visitors and locals alike can experience so many outdoor activities, including but not limited to:

At El Portal Sedona Hotel we are dedicated to providing an extraordinary lodging experience for our guests and their pets in unpretentious luxury. We are a AAA Four Diamond Hotel with personalized concierge services for the Sedona area, we will help you with any tours, hikes – all things to do in Sedona!

“We stayed two nights with our elderly dogs in the beautiful Garden Court Room…with an enclosed outside patio for the comfort of the doggies, which we all appreciated. … Soothing to the body and the soul, and we recommend this hotel whole-heartedly.” (Tripadvisor review).

Remember, pets stay free and receive a welcome basket with a blanket, treats, and waste bags.

Call now 1.800.313.0017 or book online – there’s room to roam here!

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