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!

Winter in Sedona – Spectacular!

Why is winter a good time to visit Sedona? Fewer crowds! With fewer people, you can explore and discover so much more! No juggling for a good place to view the Grand Canyon. No more waiting for a parking spot to go hiking. No more lines for the Sedona Trolley or any tours. And, you will have more time to take in the vistas, shops … everything!

Tell us what you wish to do – or not do, we will help you plan your perfect trip! At El Portal Sedona Hotel we offer you unpretentious luxury and personalized concierge services for the area. We are a pet friendly hotel, so no need to find a place for your furry friends – and NO pet fees!

We have a family of properties now, so if El Portal is booked on your chosen dates check out our vacation rentals. Connie’s Place is a single-level home divided into two separate units. There is a one-bedroom, one-bath unit with a queen sleeper sofa in the living room (sleeps 4). Unit 2 is a two-bedroom, two-bath unit. Both have a mini-fridge, single cup coffee maker, and a microwave (sleeps 4). Sarah’s Place is a two-bedroom, one-bath home with spectacular views, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and outdoor living spaces (sleeps 4). All three are pet friendly with no additional cleaning or pet fees!

Call 1.800.313.0017 for your winter respite! Book online!

El Portal Sedona Hotel Recognized with Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Award

Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with El Portal Sedona Hotel recognized as the #6 HOTEL FOR HOTELS IN THE SOUTHWEST & WEST, #2 FOR THE STATE OF ARIZONA AND #1 IN SEDONA!

More than 800,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to provide a full snapshot about the places they can’t wait to return to next. The Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The full list of winners can be found here.

“El Portal is a boutique hotel with only 12 rooms. We have always tried to be different; it’s nice to be recognized and appreciated. We are thrilled for this extraordinary award!” says owner Steve Segner.

After 30 plus years in the pet industry, owners, Steve and Connie Segner dived into the hospitality industry and opened pet friendly El Portal Sedona Hotel. Theirs was a dream of an all-inclusive feeling of oneness with the land and spirit of the Southwest. They brought all the elements of nature and the soul of the Southwest into the creation of this beautiful Sedona hotel. After careful planning and execution, their vision became a reality. A spectacular “Adobe Hacienda” in the Arts and Craft tradition; true to nature, true to the soul of Sedona, was theirs and fortunately Sedona’s. 

The 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

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About El Portal Sedona Hotel
El Portal Sedona Hotel is dedicated to providing an extraordinary lodging experience for guests and their pets in unpretentious luxury.  The boutique hotel was designed and built with pets’ needs in mind with tile and wood flooring throughout, while at the same time offering guests the best in modern amenities and unparalleled concierge services for the Sedona area. It is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel in the heart of Sedona.
95 Portal Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
https://elportalsedona.com/
info@elportalsedona.com
Toll free:  1.800.313.0017
Local:  928.203.9405
Steve and Connie Segner, Owners

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

 

 

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)

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! 

Giving Back to the Unsung Heroes in Our Community

As the coronavirus has devastated communities around the world, we have all marveled at the courage and selflessness of our first responders and healthcare workers. At El Portal Sedona Hotel, we are proud to join other members of the Sedona Lodging Council in celebrating less commonly acknowledged heroes who have braved the front lines to serve our community: our local retail store clerks and employees.

Throughout the crisis, these workers have risked their own health to ensure that residents of the Sedona area could obtain the supplies they needed. To express our gratitude El Portal Sedona Hotel and other upscale hotels belonging to the Sedona Lodging Council are donating complimentary room nights for up to 100 workers at our local Bashas’, Clark’s Market and Ace Hardware stores. This special offer allows retail store workers to enjoy a slice of Sedona luxury at no cost once we have safely reopened our doors to guests.

Giving back to our community is one of our core values, and we are excited to be able to offer some much-needed respite for our local heroes in the wake of this crisis.

 

No Matter the Time, This is the Place, Sedona Arizona

We hope you are keeping healthy and safe! Here at El Portal Sedona Hotel, we are taking various measures, many of them ahead of time, to offer people the greatest degree of protection. We re-evaluate these measures every day to adjust to the latest circumstances. We are closely monitoring the developing situation and are ready to make any sacrifice necessary to get through this period together.

We also continue to serve you, our guests. We are open and hope you will come and stay with us at El Portal.

• As we are a small hotel we have fewer guests staying with us; this means more space for social distancing and social engagement.
• Use our new contact-free curbside check-in, take your packet and go straight to your room, then check out by phone!
• Suites 3-8 have private outdoor entrances – you are in your own private room immediately!
• We have plenty of space for all to relax and unwind, read a book, or have a glass of wine around the fire pit.
• Many of our suites have private patios or balconies.
• With just 12 rooms spaced out around an open-air courtyard, many with their own patio or balcony, it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• And remember, we are pet friendly – there are no pet fees here.
• Sedona is open. At this time all trails and parks are still open with fresh air and wide-open spaces for all.
• Shops are open and restaurants are doing takeout and delivery.
• For more information visit the Sedona Chamber of Commerce for travel advisory

Hike solo or with a loved one. Read that book you’ve been putting off. Take a hot, relaxing whirlpool tub – you know you want to. No matter the time, this is the place to be, El Portal Sedona Hotel.

Sincerely,
Steve & Connie Segner

 

Off the Beaten Track: Hiking the Unusual in Sedona

With its diverse selection of hiking trails, Sedona, Arizona is a mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s strikingly beautiful landscape is etched with trails of varying difficulty that allow hikers to experience the red rock vistas and magnetic sense of peace for which Sedona is internationally renowned. However, with the more well-known trails often attracting crowds, adventurous hikers may consider taking the paths less traveled by seeking out Sedona’s “hidden gem” hiking trails.

The following hikes offer solitude, serenity, and an opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Sedona area:

Sacred Mountain

Located southeast of Sedona, near the V Bar V Heritage Site – one of the largest and best-preserved petroglyph sites in the Verde Valley – Sacred Mountain offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Sinagua people, who lived in the area from approximately 500 to 1400 AD. The trail leading to the summit of Sacred Mountain, which is actually a butte, is about one mile round trip and is a relatively easy hike, with an elevation gain of only 170 feet.

Upon reaching the top, hikers will enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the Verde Valley and surrounding mountains. But what makes Sacred Mountain unique are the remains of a 50 to 60 room pueblo on the butte’s large, flat top. Sinagua families once lived amongst the structure’s three blocks of approximately 20 rooms each and entertained themselves on a ball court located at the butte’s southeast base. Although the ball court has deteriorated over the centuries and is therefore difficult to identify, it is believed to be the last of such courts built in the Verde Valley. Hikers may also notice a substantial amount of pottery shards jutting out of the earth. In addition, archaeologists have identified agricultural remains around Sacred Mountain, which indicate that the Sinagua people cultivated the area intensively.

Lost Canyon

For visitors interested in archaeology and the history of the region, Lost Canyon Trail offers a slightly more strenuous and thrilling adventure than Sacred Mountain. Although not officially recognized by the Forest Service, the trail—which is two and a half miles round trip and features a 500-foot elevation gain—is used frequently enough that hikers should be able to follow it with ease. However, at some points along the trail, there are loose rocks and sheer drop-offs, so this hike may not be the best for children or anyone with a fear of heights. The trail begins at the same point as the western Brins Mesa trailhead, and after completing Lost Canyon, ambitious hikers have the option of continuing on toward the famous Devil’s Bridge. The parking area for Lost Canyon Trail is located on the rugged Forest Service Road (FR) 152, so it is recommended that visitors access it in a high-clearance vehicle.

Lost Canyon Trail leads to two sites of unusually well-preserved Sinagua ruins nestled into alcoves, which the ancient inhabitants undoubtedly used to shield themselves from the elements. On the alcoves’ rock walls, visitors will notice pictographs painted by the ancient peoples; painted pictographs are distinguishable from petroglyphs, which are carved into the rock. In addition to these amazing ruins, the Lost Canyon Trail features spectacular vistas of Sedona’s red rocks and verdant valleys.

El Portal Sedona Hotel

After exploring Sedona’s hiking trails and enchanting sites, visitors may continue the Sedona experience in the city’s vibrant Uptown area, which is packed with stellar restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Located mere minutes from Uptown, El Portal Sedona Hotel offers guests and their pets a unique and unforgettable lodging experience. When staying in one of El Portal’s twelve distinctively designed suites, guests will experience unpretentious luxury and personalized concierge services, including guidance on the best local hikes. El Portal is one of only five hotels in Sedona to have received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. At this pet friendly hotel, there are no fees for pets.

Contact Information:
El Portal Sedona Hotel
95 Portal Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
1.800.313.017
info@elportalsedona.com
www.elportalsedona.com 
Innkeeper: Steve Segner

El Portal Sedona Hotel Receives 2018 AAA Accolades

Not only has El Portal Sedona Hotel received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Hotel Award for 2018, but also Inspector’s Best of Housekeeping as well as Inspector’s Best of Wow Factor!

With thousands of hotel properties evaluated each year, AAA’s Diamond Rating Process is recognized as the preeminent and most reliable hotel rating system in North America.

“We are honored to have received this award for the seventh consecutive year, and are proud of the commitment to excellence from our knowledgeable staff,” said owner Steve Segner. “We love the personal connection we make with our guests, and we are dedicated to providing an extraordinary lodging experience for them and their pets in unpretentious luxury.”

To ensure that its ratings accurately reflect a hotel’s quality and the experience that it offers guests, AAA’s Diamond Rating Process takes into consideration the observations of professional evaluators who conduct onsite evaluations, feedback from members, and clear quality standards. Properties earn a rating between One and Five Diamonds, ranging from budget accommodations to the ultimate in luxury. According to AAA, the Four Diamond Award® is bestowed upon hotels that are “upscale in all areas,” with physical attributes that “reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout.” Fundamental hallmarks of these properties “include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.” The methodology behind AAA’s Diamond Rating System is complex and very strict; based on member expectations — cleanliness, comfort, security, and safety.

El Portal Sedona Hotel offers guests a luxurious lodging experience that exemplifies AAA’s Four Diamond quality standards in every aspect. With only twelve, amenity-filled suites, the entire property features unique architecture and decor that reflect its stunning Southwestern setting. Guests and their pets are welcomed with exceptional service at this architectural masterpiece in the heart of Sedona. Visit www.ElPortalSedona.com for more information, or call 1.800.313.0017.