Read the Reviews and Accolades for El Portal Sedona Hotel

2003 – One of the eight best hotels in America by Harperā€™s Hideaway Report.
2006 –Ā New York Times, ā€œIn Search of the Vortex Vibe in Sedonaā€.
2011 – El Portal Sedona Hotel was voted by readers as one of the ā€œTop Small Hotelsā€ in the United States by CondĆ© Nast Traveler for 2011.
2013 – Voted Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the USA by USA Today &Ā 10Best.com
2015 – El Portal was selected as a 2015 winner of BedandBreakfast.comā€™s 11th Annual Awards for B&Bs and inns!
2015 – El Portal is one of only two AAA Four Diamond hotels located in the city of Sedona proper. Only 3% of the 32,000 AAA approved hotels enjoy this rating.
2016 –Ā Arizona Republic-10 best hotels in Sedona.
2016 – The Telegraph-“El Portal complements the Sedona experience of rest, reflection and rejuvenation.”
2017 –Ā Frommerā€™s rates the El Portal Sedona the highest in the area.
2017 – El Portal was named Number 2 in 2017 by DOGSTER for the Top Dog-FriendlyĀ Hotels in Country, and Number 1 in Arizona.
2021 – Forbes mentions Elportal in this article: “These Hotels Have Animals On Staff – Like Therapy Dogs And Kitty Concierges”
2022 – Upgrade Points named El Portal Sedona Hotel as one of their 9 Best Boutique Hotels in Sedona

El Portal is named Number 2 by DOGSTER for the Top Dog-Friendly Hotels in Country, and Number 1 in Arizona!


El Portal is now one of only two AAA 4 DiamondĀ hotels located in the city of Sedona proper

El Portal Sedona Hotel Conde Nast Readers Choice Award 2013
This luxury boutique hotel was picked as one of the eight best hotels in AmericaĀ byĀ Harperā€™s Hideaway Report, Frommerā€™s and the New York Times. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, and was voted as one of the Top 10 Hotels in the Southwest Readers’ Choice Awards by CondĆ© Nast Travelers.

My favorite place to stay in Sedona. Rooms are wonderful arts and crafts style. Each one is unique and very well appointed. The fire pit in the shared courtyard is a great gathering spot. Connie and Steve are wonderful hosts that make you feel at home. And the location is perfect, right next door to Tlaquepaque, with its shops and dining options.

-March 10, 2024

Mike, Google Review

Perfect stay in Sedona
This was our first trip to Sedona and I can count on one hand how many places Iā€™ve stayed where my room is so cozy that I could stay in it for the whole stay. We overlooked the beautiful courtyard and had a stunning view of the rocks. The hotel itself is quirky and kitschy and completely fabulous and Steve and the rest of the staff were so friendly and welcoming. All of the recommendations they gave to us from tours to restaurants to a wonderful massage place were spot on. The hotel is within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. We will most definitely be back.
– January 30, 2024

Sargentmajor, Trip Advisor Reviewer, Trip Advisor Review

This property is a jewel. Great location. Rooms are fantastic and unique. The amenities are top notch with a daily fire pit in the out door courtyard for relaxing at the end of a day exploring the amazing area. Steve, owner, and his staff make a stay here worth the price. Excellent choice, if you have the money.

-February 1, 2024

James, Expedia Review

Cozy and Central
If you’re like me planning a visit to Sedona for the first time, you have been scouring reviews as a way to make your decision on a place to stay. Well, look no further…I’m serious! I just got back from my trip having chosen El Portal and it was the PERFECT choice…I’m soooooo happy I landed on it and let me tell you why.

1. Steve and Connie
These two are the real deal…completely there to accomodate and make your stay the best. Not only did they lovingly create and build the hotel, they will treat you right. Everything from detailed info on the best route to take to the Grand Canyon to avoid the crowds to advising us to reserve a table at Elote 2 months in advance of our trip (DO IT!!!!) they know their stuff! Oh! And don’t forget to ask them about visiting the ghost town of Jerome. We only stopped there on our way out of town but wish we had listened to Steve and taken a day trip there!

2. Room
When I say cozy I mean it! It was so welcoming and warm when we returned to our space in the Grand Canyon Room after a day out exploring vortexes and crystal shops. It was cold and we left the fire on the entire time. It was like a friend, welcoming us home. We had everything we needed, including cozy robes to wear when going to get coffee in the “lodge” (main area which felt like an extended part of our room) and there was a refrigerator for our leftovers from restaurants. The room was exceptionally clean and well appointed!

3. Food
This is not a B&B but feels like one. In the morning, guest s gather to eat breakfast and drink coffee and tea in the lodge. Steve and Connie put our pasteries, bagels and breads. There is also ALWAYS complimentary food available all day long like fruits, yogurts, humous, crackers, cheese, guacamole, and chips and cookies! We took food on the road with us every day and saved money that way to splurge on dinners like at Elote, Mariposa and Picazzo’s (highly recommend these 3 restaurants!)

4. Location
Right near the action. Seriously. Walk to shops and restaurants or a short car ride to other sites like Sedona’s downtown (overrated). Yet El Portal is tucked away and a private oasis. Trust me on this! You want to stay here.

5. Much more!
Although we didn’t use it, a short walk next door will give you access to a hot tub and pool as well as gym and steam/sauna room.

Hotel is pup friendly and although we travel sans dog we were happy to meet the guests’ pets.

I called ahead to El Portal when trying to make my decision on where to stay and spoke spoke with Linda who explained some facts to me that completely made the trip successful: A. You need a car in Sedona so we rented one. B. They have a strict cancelation policy so I bought travel insurance. C. She was the one to recommend reserving a table at Elote waaaaay in advance and I am sooooo glad we did. So all of this to say even the folks that work with Steve and Connie will steer you right!

I could go on and on but I’ll end with this: Look no further. This is the place you want to stay! I look forward to reading your review saying how right I was when you get back from Sedona! Oh, and say hi to Steve and Connie from me. :)
– January 25, 2024

Shawna Catlett, Trip Advisor Reviewer, Trip Advisor Review

Just got back from our wonderful stay at the BEAUTIFUL El Portal. I cannot praise it enough! It was everything we wanted. From spacious, gorgeous and super clean (a rarity these days) rooms, to the cozy fire pit that had a fire going first thing every morning to enjoy your coffee by, and first thing every night to enjoy your s’mores. The lighting in the courtyard just instantly draws you in and makes you want to quickly grab a blanket (which they have stacks to offer), pull up an Adirondack, get your spot next to the fire and chat with the other hotel guests coming and going. There were even people who had the GENIUS idea to work remotely at this beautiful inn. If being outside isn’t for you, don’t worry! There is a fire burning in the lobby, which really feels less like a lobby and more like home. There is fresh coffee made every morning and an array of breakfast goodies and snackies that you can help yourself to, at no extra charge (another rarity) . They also have small refrigerators stocked with various fun local beers, ciders and wine for you to try – charge it to my room, please!

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST IN Arizona & SEDONA FOR YOU & YOUR DOG! We love it here & will be back for another getaway Soon! Only an hour & 45 minutes for us to take a relaxing QUIET luxury break!! Walking distance to Tlaquepaque Shops & Restaurants & Handsome Hank loves El Portal Sedona šŸ¾šŸ’™And gives 10 PawStar ServicešŸ¾šŸ’™

-December 24, 2023

Blondie & Jim & Handsome Hank, Google Review

Incredible! Intimate, romantic, cozy and magical. Highly recommend if you’re looking for an experience, not just a place to stay.

-December 23, 2023

Samuel, Expedia Review

This place is just lovely. If you are a fan of craftsman work, you will love this place. Everything has been crafted, down to the custom lamps, the copper plumbing.. There’s so many things to take in…the beautiful stained glass art everywhere, the huge timber beams in the room ceiling…the very deep jacuzzi tub with a river rock step way to it, with long windows you can open to the fresh air and happy bird sounds. The rock wall gas fireplace in our suite was well used during our stay.

In the evening the courtyard becomes magical as the lights sparkle and the fragrant scent of juniper fills the space from the central fire surrounded by chairs with blankets provided to keep you toasty. And they offer s’mores for making :-) Pets are very welcomed and accommodated for here..this is why I booked with them in the first place. Our room had a private outdoor area for our dog and us to relax. They support a pet foundation with art the owner makes from glass that you can acquire with a donation..that’s pretty cool:) This was perfect for us. Warm, solid energy. Good sleeping. Beautiful art everywhere, but not pretentious.

Good friendly folks. I will 100% be making this a repeat event. Something to note… I booked via booking.com…and I did note i would be bringing an animal, but that did not get conveyed to the resort, which was NOT a big deal to them… I do not believe we had any kind of pet fee incurred. But I will call and reserve with them directly next time. No need for a middle man. If you are on the fence about this place just do it. You will not be disappointed!
I can’t think of anything I did not like!

-December 21, 2023

Ginger, Booking.com Review

A Perfect Experience!
While this small boutique hotel looks like it has been there for decades, it was actually built recently by Steve and Connie Segner. Built of adobe, the walls are 18 inches thick. Our room had a large stone gas fireplace.
The king-size bed was very comfortable and the room furnishings are all unique to each of the 12 rooms. A central courtyard was beautifully decorated for Christmas and each evening a fire was made in the fire pit for guests to make s’mores. S’more kits were provided in the main lobby, which featured a beautiful wood burning fireplace.
One of the best things about the hotel is welcome your dog will receive, with its own basket of goodies in your room.
The hotel is located near many good restaurants and if you wish to swim or work out, you are welcome to do so at the Los Abrigados Resort next door.
The Segners were often available which shows their own love for the creation they have built. I know that anytime we are near Sedona, we will be returning to this perfect lodging.

December 17, 2023

happy guest, Trip Advisor Review

Can we give it 6 stars?

If you’re looking for that “something different” place to stay, in boutique luxury style, El Portal has the perfect combination of personality and distinction. From the moment you turn off Sedona’s busy highway 179, you are cosseted in a refined backwater that could be straight out of the Frank Lloyd Wright manual. With individual artfully-decorated guest rooms and gracious public spaces – including a gorgeous outdoor patio complete with open-pit fire (and s’mores kits!) – this is as much an experience as a place to stay. True, there is no restaurant or bar, but the hotel makes up for it with other personal touches and a genuine sense of empathy from all the staff. The fact it is so well situated for most of Sedona, including the fabulous adjacent Tlaquepaque shopping, arts and dining quarter, is a welcome bonus, while the plentiful artwork and period furniture helps to maintain the sense of old world charm that is an almost literal breath of fresh air. We hope to be back. Often.

November 10, 2023

vannesstravelm, Trip Advisor Review

Just got back from our wonderful stay at the BEAUTIFUL El Portal. I cannot praise it enough! It was everything we wanted. From spacious, gorgeous and super clean (a rarity these days) rooms, to the cozy fire pit that had a fire going first thing every morning to enjoy your coffee by, and first thing every night to enjoy your s’mores. The lighting in the courtyard just instantly draws you in and makes you want to quickly grab a blanket (which they have stacks to offer), pull up an Adirondack, get your spot next to the fire and chat with the other hotel guests coming and going. There were even people who had the GENIUS idea to work remotely at this beautiful inn. If being outside isn’t for you, don’t worry! There is a fire burning in the lobby, which really feels less like a lobby and more like home. There is fresh coffee made every morning and an array of breakfast goodies and snackies that you can help yourself to, at no extra charge (another rarity) . They also have small refrigerators stocked with various fun local beers, ciders and wine for you to try – charge it to my room, please!

The conversation, the warm cozy feeling, the comfort of knowing you’re not being glared at for bringing your family’s most loyal companion (your pup), the ease of check in and check out, THE GORGEOUS ROOMS!!!! They even have a sweet little basket made up for your pup with treats to make them feel right at home.

The owners, Steve and Connie, really think of all the fine details to make your stay extra comfy and special. That’s what stood out to me the most. You don’t feel like you’re staying at some generic hotel. El Portal feels like you’re staying with a friend; couldn’t be more comfortable. I am definitely making my way back out to this diamond in the rough!

-October 26, 2023

Ceri, Google Review

The most incredible wedding weekend
El Portal is one of the most precious gems you can find in terms of lodging in Sedona. Tucked into the serene and rustic Talaquepaque village in lush gardens and beautiful stonework, you feel as if you are stepping into a dream. The decor has been hand crafted and selected by the owners to give you a unique southwestern Arts and Crafts experience. My now husband and I stayed in the honeymoon suite for our wedding weekend and were amazing by the comfortable bed, and incredible double head and steam shower and beautiful views out of the window. The atmosphere of the hotel at large is quiet and peaceful, with an added bonus of being pet friendly. Staff was very accommodating and Steve and Connie went out of their way to ensure everyone had a wonderful experience for the hotel. Will always recommend staying here.

– September 19, 2023

Trip Advisor Reviewer, Trip Advisor Review

Utterly charming
Beautifully put together with the owner’s passion for detail and delightlful architecture evident every where you look. The central patio is lovely for breakfasts and that glass of wine late at night under the grape vines and twinkly lights before falling asleep in the most comfy bed. Location near the best Sedona red rock trail heads and Tlaquepaque are more added bonuses. A great team run the place too and make you feel at home immediately with minimal fuss. Why aren’t there more places like this?

– September 17, 2023

Trip Advisor Reviewer, Trip Advisor Review

We have stayed at a few boutique hotels before, and this one was by far the the best. The staff, the location, the perks, the rooms. Room was amazing. Ambiance here was beyond perfect.

-September 12, 2023

Justin, Google Review

Perfect accommodation for our anniversary. We will not return to Sedona unless we stay at El Portal
Our best hotel experience ever! Casual elegance at the highest level. Beautiful, comfortable rooms and outstanding common areas. A+++
It is an excellent hotel.
-August 13, 2023

Jeff, Booking.com Review
Old-world elegance and Southwestern flair!
Beautiful, quiet rooms with touches of old-world elegance and Southwestern flair! We stayed as a couple and enjoyed meeting others around the fire pit. The accommodations were cozyā€¦with a fireplace in the room and stained glass doors. A hospitality center was open all the time for tea/coffee/snacks and drinks. Beautiful local art and curated vintage art throughout. Inspired and quaint. Even dog-friendly! We will definitely go back!
-August 11, 2023
MamaPajama22, Trip Advisor Review
Absolutely perfect for our anniversary trip with friends!
An extremely pleasant experience. The rooms are extraordinary with beautiful appointments and well designed features and comforts. We woke early and had our coffee and complimentary breakfast items in the courtyard, and the courtyard also serves as a quiet, peaceful space to read and/or work, and also a most enjoyable spot for pre and post dinner cocktails. El Portal has a wonderful, convenient selection beverages, as well as being located adjacent to restaurants and shopping while maintaining privacy and the feeling of seclusion. I am recently retired, and this was undoubtedly the best and most totally comfortable hotel experience of my life.
-August 13, 2023
FiveSight, Trip Advisor Review

El Portal is a Unique living experience in that the building itself (Adobe construction) is an homage to the first people of this land and all around you is attention to detail that you will not see anywhere else. It is in the very heart of Sedona and so driving in heavy traffic is not an issue, the grounds are impeccable and are extremely well cared for, it is both Rustic and New and the staff will shower you with kindness. WE will return again and again….
-July 17, 2023

Brian, Booking.com Review

This hotel is such a gem. Itā€™s dog friendly and walking distance to dining and shopping. The property is so charming as it has an old world vibe that oozes luxury. The staff were extremely accommodating. If you are bringing dogs and need a sitter while you are out exploring call ahead and they have a couple they recommend.

-July 9, 2023

NicLauren, Trip Advisor Review

This is a very special, dog friendly hotel. Itā€™s more like an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Itā€™s right in the center of a lovely shopping area but removed enough to not be bothered by it. There is a beautiful garden with a central located fire pit with comfy chairs and plenty of logs to keep the fire going. Our room had a lovely patio area that was just for us and our dog. It was so convenient not having to walk him and find a place for him to go! The lobby ā€œkitchen areaā€ was stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks along with a wine/beer honor bar. Fresh baked cookies daily and lovely amenities, fireplace in room, comfortable beds and spacious luxurious bathroom, my idea of heaven. Thank you to Fran and Iā€™m sorry I canā€™t remember the other kind lady who handled our check in and were there each day making our time there so special. They also provided us with the name of a pet sitter who was able to come out at last minute and went shopping with me and my sweet dog and look after him while I went into all the shops. Perfect stay in beautiful Sedona! So much is lovely about this place you just have to go and check it out yourself. Youā€™ll be so happy you did. I forgot to add that itā€™s in s wonderful central location close to fun shopping and restaurants. You just need to park so you can walk almost anywhere for shopping and restaurants. Also in the evenings they had as sā€™more packets ready to make. Just wonderful!
-June 15, 2023

Cynthia, Google Review

If you are looking for a relaxed, romantic, secluded yet accessible location in Sedona, there is no better option than El Portal Sedona. Care and attention to details are what sets El Portal apart even from other boutique inns. El Porto Sedona is quiet, equipped with a fireplace, a fire pit, a shower for two, a bathtub for two, 24 hour food and drink lounge/area, friendly and attentive owners and staff, in walking distance to restaurants and shopping, open garden patio area for sunlight and birds, a specifically designed room you would want to stay in during the day and simply a place where time seems to last forever.

-May 23, 2023

Andrew, Expedia Review

An Unforgettable Retreat at El Portal: The Perfect Getaway for Both Humans and Furry Friends!

During my recent stay at El Portal in Sedona, AZ, I was delighted by the warm and inviting atmosphere that embraced me from the moment of arrival. Nestled amidst Sedona’s captivating landscapes, the Terrapin Station at El Portal exceeded all expectations as a cozy sanctuary for a truly remarkable getaway. This tucked away bungalow exuded a perfect blend of rustic elegance and harmonious integration with the surrounding natural beauty. It was evident that owners Steve and Connie had poured their hearts and souls into creating a space that radiated warmth and tranquility.

One of the most memorable aspects of our stay at El Portal was the joy our beloved pit bull, Diesel, experienced during his time there. Being a pet-friendly establishment, El Portal treated Diesel as a cherished member of their own family. They showered him with affection and provided thoughtful amenities that made his stay as enjoyable as ours.

What a magical place! Thank you, El Portal, for sharing your remarkable retreat with us and allowing us to create cherished memories in Sedona.

An Unforgettable Retreat at El Portal: The Perfect Getaway for Both Humans and Furry Friends!

During my recent stay at El Portal in Sedona, AZ, I was delighted by the warm and inviting atmosphere that embraced me from the moment of arrival. Nestled amidst Sedona’s captivating landscapes, the Terrapin Station at El Portal exceeded all expectations as a cozy sanctuary for a truly remarkable getaway. This tucked away bungalow exuded a perfect blend of rustic elegance and harmonious integration with the surrounding natural beauty. It was evident that owners Steve and Connie had poured their hearts and souls into creating a space that radiated warmth and tranquility.

One of the most memorable aspects of our stay at El Portal was the joy our beloved pit bull, Diesel, experienced during his time there. Being a pet-friendly establishment, El Portal treated Diesel as a cherished member of their own family. They showered him with affection and provided thoughtful amenities that made his stay as enjoyable as ours.

What a magical place! Thank you, El Portal, for sharing your remarkable retreat with us and allowing us to create cherished memories in Sedona.

Diesel, Trip Advisor Review

Excellent Experience
We decided on Sedona for my birthday and as we were looking for a place to stay El Portal caught our attention because it looked so cozy and unique! Where do I begin the experience at El Portal was amazing! Itā€™s a small little hotel full of history, itā€™s owned and ran by a, in my opinion, very special couple – Steve and Connie (goals) love them, so full of life! You will definitely NOT get their kind of hospitality in one of those sterile corporate hotels. El Portal made the experience of Sedona so much more special. Beautiful energy and itā€™s in a GREAT location! I will definitely be back! Hopefully this summer.
Thank you Steve and Connie

Happy Guests, Trip Advisor Review

No words can describe how pleasant our stay was…

It was like stepping back 100 years in time- but with all the amenities of modern life tastefully integrated- the beams and timbers reminded us of the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite -but much warmer and intimate. From the soaking tubs to the generous treats in the beautiful lobby to the comfortable beds we found ourselves hard pressed to want to leave and visit the rest of Sedona. But when we did tear ourselves away it was literally a 1 minute walk to great restaurants and shops in quaintest Sedona. Will come back as often as we can!!

Jeffrey424, Trip Advisor Review

Steve and Connie are excellent hosts. The property is very quiet and nestled near the Tlaquepaque shopping center. Plenty of eateries and desserts within walking distance. We didnā€™t see any other kids during our stay, but will say this place is kid friendly. Our family made sā€™mores nightly in the courtyard fire-pit. This was a huge hit with our grandkids. Connie and Steve know how important our four legged fur babies are and they are treated so well here. We stayed in the Grand Canyon room and it had a large private patio fenced tall enough where our dog couldnā€™t get out. Room was spacious enough to accommodate our 6ā€™ tepee we brought along. We will most definitely be staying here again when visiting Sedona again. I wanted to send a special thank you to Andrea. She made us feel welcome and was very accommodating. Thanks again for such a great stay!

Ron N Olivia McAfee, Facebook Review