If you are planning a family holiday this winter to Sedona, Arizona, you probably know you are headed to one of the West’s most amazing destinations.  Fall and winter is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors in Sedona. The weather is mild and the hiking is great.

Family-friendly sites and activities go hand in hand with the wondrous natural beauty of this historic spot.  Your first task in planning your Sedona stay is to choose from a variety of lodging options.  Although you may not plan to spend much time in your hotel room with the family, your hotel will serve as your home-away-from-home during your vacation.

Whether it’s your family’s first-time to Sedona or you are coming back to experience more of the area, having a knowledgeable, insider source to guide you in your planning is invaluable.  Guests of Sedona’s boutique hotel, El Portal Sedona Hotel, have access to uniquely personalized concierge services throughout their stay.  The staff at El Portal, led by owner Steve Segner, personally plan and arrange itineraries for guests, along with providing a luxurious yet family-friendly setting on the property.  You can even bring along the family dog, who will be warmly welcomed as part of the family. El Portal Sedona is a pet friendly bed and breakfast.

At El Portal, the goal is for families to make themselves completely at home in the well-appointed hotel.  Adults will appreciate the attention to detail in the turn of the century Southwestern design, as well as the fact that family-friendly suites are spacious, with all modern amenities. Each guest suite includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool, bath, entertainment center with DVD, computer portal, telephone, fax, and more. All rooms feature free broadband cable high speed internet as well as free wireless access throughout the hotel, including the courtyard.  After a day filled with exciting excursions and fresh air, set the kids up with a DVD in the suite while you relax with a glass of wine on your private patio and enjoy the early evening sunset; or the whole family can sit around the campfire recounting the day’s adventures.

El Portal Sedona Hotel gets families started for the day with a gourmet breakfast served either in the dining room or in guests’ suites.  From a stack of lemon pancakes or freshly made cinnamon French toast topped with fresh fruit to a selection of hearty egg dishes and omelets, El Portal’s breakfasts are the perfect family fare.  Special requests for finicky eaters are no problem, either.

The hotel itself is conveniently located within walking distance to Oak Creek, the Tlaquepaque shopping village and Los Abrigados Resort and Spa.  Our staff can point you in the direction of a wide variety of restaurants, shops, museums and other family activities nearby.  For families who love the outdoors and adventure, there are many ways to fill your days while staying at El Portal.  Segner is an avid hiker and outdoorsman, and can recommend the perfect red rock hiking trail for your family to tackle or arrange a horseback ride followed by an unforgettable cowboy cookout.

El Portal has its own well-established jeep tour company, Sun Country Adventures, which offers a variety of awe-inspiring red rock and vortex jeep tours for families.  Sun Country guides provide exciting and educational adventures as they share their knowledge about the history, geography and spiritual aspects of the local landscape.   If you are interested in traveling a little further, El Portal staff can make recommendations and arrangements for excursions to the Grand Canyon, riding historical railroad lines through the rugged Western landscape.  The staff at El Portal has helped many families experience an unparalleled glimpse into all of the things that make Sedona such a magical and inspiring place to holiday.

We will be serving up a Christmas dinner this year, so now is the time to plan your family Sedona Christmas vacation. And  El Portal has a wonderful special going on, stay two nights and get $100 credit with Sun Country jeep tours, bring your pet and get 10% off! We never charge a pet fee, and we welcome large dogs too – the only  hotel in Sedona to take large dogs! Please call 1-800-313-0017 for additional details and restrictions.

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