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

The Story of El Portal Sedona Hotel by Steve Segner

Hi, I’m Steve Segner, owner of El Portal Sedona Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of Sedona. And I LOVE MY JOB! I am so fortunate to meet so many different people from all walks of life, every day. I love to visit with them, talk about their plans for the day, etc. In our talks, people usually want to know how old El Portal Sedona Hotel is. When they find out that it was only finished in 2003 they are SHOCKED! 

This is our story of El Portal – our historically accurate, labor of love, pet friendly inn.

Here is a tiny review of the book from “xmyshmrx” on TripAdvisor…

We stayed in the Governor’s suite and it was just stunning. The pictures do no justice. I read Steve’s story online before booking and just felt drawn to the story, intrigued by what went into making El Portal a dream come true for him and Connie and I wanted to stay in one of the nicest rooms available. We were made to feel very welcome by the lovely Carol. My son scarfed down the delicious chocolate chip cookies which were offered complimentary in our room. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub next door at Los Abrigados. If we come back to Sedona, we will stay at least one night at El Portal. We were very impressed, comfortable and felt right at home. Sad to leave for Atlanta today… We will be back.”

 

Winter Festivals and Events in Sedona, Arizona

For holiday merriment come to Sedona, Arizona! We have some of the best events and festivals around the state, and you are sure to not to want to miss them! From visits from Santa to the Menorah Lighting to Irish dancing, it’s sure to amuse, excite and entertain you.

An Irish Christmas – As Seen on PBS! Tuesday, December 3, at 7:30 pm at Sedona Performing Arts Center. Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with amazing dancing, singing, and traditional Irish music. This family-friendly event features an award-winning cast of Irish dancers led by Caterina Coyne (Principal Dancer Riverdance), World Champion Tyler Schwartz (Magic of the Dance, Gaelforce Dance, Celtic Fyre,) and Connor Reider (The Chieftains, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Celtic Fyre) in a memorable night that shines with the charm and magic this festive time of year.  Mark Alfred (Percussion), Musical Director Riverdance/ Heartbeat of Home will join An Irish Christmas Tour 2019! “… Genuinely astonishing… electric!” − The Village News

Tree Lighting and Santa Visits! Join the fun on Friday, December 6, 5 – 7 pm at Tlaquepaque North for a traditional holiday tree lighting, refreshments, entertainment, and a visit from Santa! What more could a child want?

Breakfast with Santa at The Hub at Posse Grounds Park, Saturday, December 7, 8 – 10 am. Enjoy a warm breakfast and Santa Claus! This free event will be held at the Sedona Hub in Posse Grounds Park. After breakfast, the kiddos can enjoy having their picture taken on Santa’s lap, taking home a gift bag of crafts, and petting our pony reindeer. Come for the pancakes (and more), and stay to see Santa!

December 14, 2019 – The day and evening are filled with wonderful events! It starts out with Christmas in the Park at the Sedona Heritage Museum, 11 am – 3 pm.  This is the Museum’s annual gift to the community and visitors. Be greeted by their traditional tumbleweed snowman. Enjoy hot cider and cookies, vintage holiday decorations, a fire in the fireplace, and ‘make & take’ a cornhusk doll. There’ll be holiday entertainment, too. Throughout the Museum there will be old-timers telling stories and local authors signing their books!
Loving Bowls continues the busy day beginning at noon at the Sedona Arts Center. For all art lovers – a unique event that offers a beautiful selection of hand-made bowls for your purchasing pleasure, plus loads of food and fun! Over 1100 bowls will be made and lovingly glazed in a variety of finishes by professional volunteer potters. Bowls are $10 each and come with wonderful chili, bread, and dessert. All proceeds benefit local non-profits and the Arts & Educations programs at the Sedona Arts Center.
And for the pièce de résistance – The Festival of Lights!  At the tolling of the bell at 5 pm., the lighting of 6,000 luminarias gets underway in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village’s courtyards and walkways. An evening full of lively entertainment, a visit from Santa and free cider await, making it the perfect ending to a perfect day. Specially designated luminarias to honor cancer survivors can be purchased in Patio Del Norte as well.

Saturday, December 21 brings the annual Holiday Sweet Stroll, 3 – 7 pm.  Tlaquepaque is joyfully bedecked in decorative lights reminiscent of A Christmas Carol. Santa will be greeting little ones, and carolers dressed in finery from Dickens-era sing traditional songs – lookout for the Grinch, he may be lurking through the courtyards! Shops will be open and filled with unique gifts and with sweet treats, special give-a-ways, and discounted offers. You are sure to find some special presents for those on your gift list.

Sunday, December 22, 5;30 – 6:30 pm. Enjoy the miracle of the menorah lighting on the first night of Chanukkah. Latkes, donuts and hot chocolate will be served. Kids can meet Judah and receive Chanukkah gelt. Co-hosted by Chabad of Sedona. The event will be in Patio del Norte at Tlaquepaque.

With many of the events being at Tlaquepaque, El Portal Sedona Hotel is the place to stay. We are a two minute stroll from the Village and offer guests personalized concierge services for the Sedona area. The pet friendly boutique hotel has 12 uniquely appointed suites, some with fenced patios for your furbaby. Call now to reserve your room at 1.800.313.0017.

With so many things to do in Sedona, when you visit here, make sure you stay more than a night or two! Most people wish they had stayed longer, and with all the holiday events, plus the “regular” what to do in Sedona, you’ll need extra time to experience just a part of it! So take a trip to Sedona this December – you’ll be thrilled you did!

Road Tripping Arizona’s Verde Valley

The Verde Valley is a lush region in central Arizona. The striking landscapes, the historical sites, the vineyards that line the Verde River all make this a must-do road trip!

• Stunning state parks. The Verde Valley is home to a variety of state parks that preserve the region’s profound natural beauty and provide havens for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most famous is Slide Rock State Park in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, with its natural water slide – making this a fun stop for the whole family.Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve that encompasses trails, verdant meadows, and a riparian habitat teeming with plants and wildlife along the banks of Oak Creek. As the name suggests, the park is also an excellent place for viewing the awe-inspiring red rock formations for which Sedona is known. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will enjoy exploring this nature preserve. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is across the Verde River from the town of Cottonwood. It has over 20 miles of trails, and 3 lagoons – making it a beautiful place to truly explore the natural environment of the Verde Valley.
• The Red Rock Scenic Byway. Beginning just off of I-17, this seven-and-a-half mile stretch of road traverses the spectacular scenery of the red rocks leading into Sedona. As the byway winds through the Village of Oak Creek and through the piñon pines of the Coconino National Forest, it offers several pull-offs and scenic viewpoints from which travelers can marvel at the landscape. Famous sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Sedona’s famous vortexes at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are also located along this road. The Red Rock Scenic Byway has been deemed “Arizona’s First All-American Road,” indicating that it is uniquely American and considered a destination in itself.
• Historical Heritage Sites. Built by the Sinagua peoples, who were ancestors of the Hopi, the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites were the largest cliff dwellings in the area when they were inhabited between 1150 and 1350 A.D. These fascinating remains are just minutes from Sedona. The Palatki Heritage Site includes three trails: one that leads to the cliff dwellings, one that takes visitors to a view of the dwelling, and one leading to pictographs created by the various groups of indigenous peoples that occupied the Verde Valley. It is one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona with five-stories and 20-rooms. Montezuma Castle is an impressive testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua peoples. After admiring the structure, visitors can journey to the nearby Montezuma Well, which was an underground cavern that collapsed and filled with water. At 55 feet deep and 368 feet wide, the well is a lush desert oasis and a fascinating ecosystem that hosts a variety of rare plants, animals, and insects.
• Adventures on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Verde Canyon Railroad launches from Clarkdale into the wilderness of the remote Verde Canyon, where Arizona’s beautiful high desert meets the pristine riparian. Passengers enjoy a close-up view of the canyon’s stunning vistas of raw unspoiled nature. The Railroad offers a variety of special rides, such as Starlight Tour, Wild Splendor, and Ales on Rails.
• The Verde River. Park your car and take a trip down the Verde River. A diverse landscape surrounds this clear spring-fed river. Tour companies offer a variety of canoe, kayak and paddle board tours – perfect for exploring the river and its bounty. The fishing is excellent with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crayfish, sunfish, channel catfish and more.
• Charming & haunting small towns. Outside the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona is dotted with historic small towns. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two such towns. The small but bustling walkable center of Old Town Cottonwood is packed with an eclectic collection of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and tasting rooms where visitors can sample the wines produced along the Verde River. Clarkdale was founded in 1912 as a home for the miners of nearby Jerome and their families. It is the home of the Arizona Copper Art Museum, as well as a plethora of historic buildings and houses from the turn of the twentieth century. Located on a hilltop at 5,200 feet elevation, the tiny town of Jerome towers above the Verde Valley, offering stunning views and a tapestry of galleries. This historic copper mining town was founded in 1876 and was once the fourth largest city in what is now Arizona. It has since been dubbed the “Largest Ghost Town in America,” attracting many purveyors of the paranormal with ghost tours and allegedly haunted destinations like the Jerome Grand Hotel (a former mental institution). Jerome is now a thriving artist community, with galleries, restaurants (try the Asylum – it’s eerily good), and hotels inhabiting the town’s nineteenth-century buildings.
• Wineries and Vineyards. Thanks to the region’s sunshine, temperate climate, and location along the banks of the Verde River, the Verde Valley is home to several award-winning vineyards and wineries. Founded by hands-on winemakers who are passionate about developing this vibrant new wine region, these vineyards produce exquisite varietals to suit any palate. With tasting rooms and restaurants, this is a must do on a Verde Valley road trip.
• The small city of Sedona has long attracted tourists with its landscape of towering red rock formations and numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. Spiritual gurus are drawn to the area’s vortexes (sites where the strength of the earth’s energy is believed to promote healing and renewal). In recent years, Sedona’s arts scene has grown exponentially, leading The New York Times to call the city “a new west enclave of galleries.” From painting to sculpting to jewelry making, several different mediums of amazing artwork are represented at Sedona’s many galleries and art festivals. Dining in Sedona is as eclectic as the art and as diverse as the landscape!

Sedona is a must-see destination on any road trip through the Verde Valley, and El Portal Sedona Hotel offers an ideal “home” for experiencing all that the city and the surrounding area have to discover. Located within walking distance of uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, El Portal offers a unique lodging experience for guests and their pets. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, voted Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the US by 10Best.com and USA Today, and has been named one of the best hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler. The pet friendly hotel offers guests and their canine companions unpretentious luxury in a serene setting. To book your Verde Valley Adventure, call 1.800.313.0017 or reserve online.

Spring Events in Sedona, Arizona

Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where all the birdies is?

Yes, spring is just around the corner – finally! It seemed a long time coming but the birds are singing, the grass is coming, soon the flowers will be blooming!

With spring comes a number of events and festivals here in Sedona. From food to birding to art, these events are sure to please and educate!

Book your rooms today at El Portal Sedona Hotel 1.800.313.0017 for these fun festivals!

March 23, 2019, is the Sedona Food Truck Festival, from 11:00-5:00 pm. Held at Posse Grounds Park. If good food, good music, and good beer are on your list of favorites, then this event is for you. 20+ food trucks will be on site, each truck will have a $5 sampler menu plus more, $5 beer will be for sale and a live band will be sure to keep you entertained. Admission is free.

March 23, 2019 is the Sedona Stumble Trail Run too! This is Sedona’s ONLY trail run. It is a 5K & 10K. This Race will sell out! All race finishers will receive a medal. Trophies will be given to age group winners as well. Timing will be provided by Run Flagstaff for this event. For more information call 928.282.7098.

Sedona Wolf Week is March 25-30, 2019. Founded by Plan B to Save Wolves & Apex Protection Project this event was created with the mission to change the way people see wolves through education & entertainment. Wolf Week is a diverse program of speakers, performers, school presentations, arts, entertainment, concert, fundraisers, a wolf co-existence panel and social interactions with the Plan B & Apex Protection Project Ambassador Packs. For a complete schedule and to register: www.sedonawolfweek.org

April 20:  Celebration of Spring. This is more than just an egg hunt, this is a Celebration of Spring! From 9:00 am– 2:00 pm this fun, action-packed event for families and all those in the community that enjoy spring and the beautiful outdoors. Inflatable toys for kids, face painting, carnival rides and much more are included with the $5 admission fee for the youth attendees. The Easter bunny will be on hand for picture taking. Handicapped accessible. For more information call 928.282.7098.

April 26 – 28: Sedona Spring Artist Open Studios Tour presented by the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition. This is a free, self-guided event celebrating the arts in the greater Verde Valley that runs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. The tour provides a unique opportunity to meet over 50 artists in their private studios, working in a variety of mediums. Maps and informative brochures will be available in a number of locations or at their website. For more information, email Mike Upp or call 503.789.4437.

April 25-29: Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival. Held in Cottonwood, Arizona this festival is known as the friendliest birding festival!  Why? It may be the uniqueness of the trips, the knowledge of the leaders, and the value and satisfaction that the participants receive. Festival participants get to choose from over 60 field trip, hikes and walks in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats birding during the peak Spring migration season!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a gorgeous pet friendly Sedona hotel where there are no pet fees! We have hotel suites ready for you and your pet. Room 1 is designated for smaller pets, while rooms 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are fine for all size pets.  Rooms 3, 4, 5 and 7 have fenced pet patios. Pets must be well-behaved, and on a leash at all times. Pets receive a “Welcome Basket” with a blanket, doggie bags and treats! Book your room online or call 1.800.313.0017.

Sedona, Arizona for the Holidays

The holidays light up Sedona! There are activities and events for everyone in the family, from baby to granddaddy! Visit Sedona this holiday season for all the fun and festivities…

The holiday season kicks off with our annual Turkey Trot. The in and out 5K run is Thanksgiving morning, (9 am), with the start and finish line at Posse Grounds Park. The Annual 5K Turkey Trot is presented by Sedona Running Company, and if you want to join in the fun you can register now until November 21 with a fee of $40, and the day of with a fee of $45 (cash).  If you would like to be an Iron Turkey Hero –  bring your turkey on the run with you – go for it, bring your bird! LOL!

Red rocks covered with snow and fog after a winter storm in Sedona, Arizona.

On Saturday, December 1 is Sedona’s Annual Breakfast with Santa! The two hours combines a warm breakfast and Santa Claus! This event will be held at the Sedona Hub in Posse Grounds Park. After breakfast, children can enjoy taking a picture on Santa’s lap and taking home a gift bag of crafts or petting our pony reindeer. This event is free of charge, so come for the pancakes (and more), and most of all, come to see Santa!

On Sunday, December 2 is the Chanukah Menorah Lighting from 5:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy the miracle of the Menorah on the first night of Channukah at Tlaquepaque in Patio Del Norte. Enjoy scrumptious latkes, donuts, and hot chocolate while listening to festive music. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Judah the Maccabee – take a photo and even receive some gelt.

Then on Saturday, December 8 enjoy traditional tree-lighting, refreshments, local holiday entertainment, and Santa visits with children. This free event takes place at Tlaquepaque North, just a short walk from El Portal Sedona Hotel, and is presented by Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. 

In addition to the Tree Lighting at Tlaq North on the 8th, is the 46th Annual Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village! From 3:00-8:00 pm there is a full schedule of lively musical entertainment, the River of Life Tabernacle Choir will be performing, a visit from Santa and free cider awaits, making it the perfect outing for family and friends. At the tolling of the bell tower at 5:00 pm, the lighting of 6,000 luminarias gets underway in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways. Specially designated luminarias to honor cancer survivors can be purchased in Patio del Norte as well. For the second year, the Sedona Northern Lights will be on display December 13 – 18! This holiday spectacular, will dazzle audiences and virtually transform Sedona’s landscape with the largest 3D projection mapping project to ever be performed on a natural canvas in the US. Sedona Northern Lights unites light, art, and nature for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  This festive, family-friendly event is free to the public and will be visible from various points throughout Uptown Sedona and Gallery Row – and can even be seen in some areas in West Sedona. The show will commence at the top of each hour from 6-9pm, giving viewers a unique opportunity to celebrate Sedona’s natural beauty, art scene, awe-inspiring landscapes, and dark night skies.

From 3:00-7:00 pm of the 22nd is the Annual Holiday Sweet Stroll. Discover unique gifts, and strolling carolers! The merchants and artisans will have their doors open till 7:00 pm,  celebrating the holidays with sweet treats, special give-a-ways, and discount offers. Featuring some of the best boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in Sedona, you are sure to find some special gifts for those on your gift list. 

Make El Portal Sedona Hotel your hotel of choice for the holiday festivities! Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is a two-minute stroll from El Portal Sedona Hotel,  and Tlaq North is maybe a four-minute walk, just down the lane and across the street! We have great viewing for the northern Lights event as well! El Portal Sedona Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, offering guests unparalleled concierge services for the Sedona area. With only twelve suites, El Portal Sedona Hotel embodies the best qualities of boutique hotels. The owners and staff are passionate about the Sedona area and are committed to fostering an authentic and memorable experience for guests. We are a pet friendly hotel, with no pet fees! Book your room online here!

For any additional information, please visit:  https://visitsedona.com/events-calendar/annual-events/

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.

Fireworks – Tips for Keeping Your Furry Friend Calm & Safe

You’ve got to love long weekends, but with them come fireworks. Now, they are great fun and excitement for us humans, but not for our canine companions. Fireworks can cause dogs extreme anxiety and distress, and we do not want our buddies to suffer!

As El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly hotel, we know how important is it to keep our pets safe, but enter fireworks and you will have a frightened dog. So, after a number of years in the pet industry, owning numerous dogs, personal experience…, we (Steve) have come up with these basic and easy tips for keeping your pup safe and sound.

1. Make sure your dogs are wearing the proper collar and secure ID tags. (Many shelters have their busiest days after a long weekend).
2. Give them plenty of exercise earlier in the day, tire them out.
3. Keep them inside and away from the fireworks. Do not take them to a fireworks display, this is just asking for trouble.
4. Give them “their” space, a nice safe, familiar place. If you are not at home, crate them; they may prefer a smaller, enclosed area.
5. Remove the stimulation. Close windows, doors, and blinds/curtains, etc. This helps to keep them calm. Provide other stimulation, give them something to do – a bone to chew, a new toy.
6. If necessary, visit your vet and get some drugs for your dog.

Enjoy your fireworks, and keep your furry friends safe and calm these holiday weekends!

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. 1.800.313.0017