The Best Northern Arizona Hotels

Most vacationers have to choose between a hotel that’s close to nature or close to shopping and restaurants—but Sedona’s Amara Resort and Spa delivers the best of both worlds thanks to its coveted position along the wooded banks of Oak Creek and its close proximity to the bustling Uptown scene. The panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks Sedona is known for, especially from the expansive courtyard and infinity pool, are worth the price of admission alone. Dine al fresco at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, which highlights seasonal dishes and ingredients inspired by the Verde Valley.

The resort completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in the fall of 2021 that morphed each of the guest rooms and public spaces into a sophisticated “tree lodge” aesthetic. Natural and cultural elements surrounding the resort have been incorporated (such as headboards handcrafted from local fallen trees, and artwork and carpeting that reflects the traditions of the Hopi and Navajo tribes that are indigenous to Northern Arizona).

To further enhance the relaxing vibes, book a treatment at the award-winning Amara Spa, which specializes in such signature services as a Monsoon Meditation massage, Rain Dance massage, and a Sedona Serenity Gemstone facial. 

• Amara Spa
• Electric car charging on-site

It may “only” be a manmade reservoir on the Colorado River, but Lake Powell attracts about two million visitors each year thanks to its 2,000 miles of shoreline stretching from northern Arizona to southern Utah. Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell makes for the ideal place to call home while enjoying water sports and exploring the area’s 11 national parks, 16 national monuments, and 20 scenic byways.

A wallet-friendly stay here means you’ll have more money to spend renting standup paddleboards, or off-roading vehicles, which can be rented through Big Orange Jeep Tours and Epic Adventure Rides. Just a few miles up the road are some of the most iconic and photographed spots in Arizona: Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and Antelope Canyon. 

Your stay comes with a complimentary breakfast that includes hot items made to order and access to the 24-hour gym and outdoor pool. There’s a market for grab-and-go snacks and a bar offering coffee, cocktails, and shareable bites—the crispy Brussels sprouts, P&S flatbread, and fruit tartlet make for a delicious meal. Dining on the lounge patio amid fire pits while staring out at the desert landscape is the perfect way to end a long day.

Roughly 100 miles north of Phoenix lies the Verde Valley, an area lauded for its natural beauty, rich history, and myriad wineries. Cottonwood—named for the type of trees that grow along the Verde River, one of Arizona’s last free-flowing river systems—is one of the area’s most charming cities. Built as a grocery store in 1925, The Tavern Hotel sits right on Main Street in old town Cottonwood. It’s within easy walking distance of some of the best stops along the Verde Valley Wine Trail, including Pillsbury Wine Company, Burning Tree Cellars, and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards.

Be sure to temper your tastings with some food at nearby restaurants like the Tavern Grille, Pizzeria Bocce Patio Bar, Crema Craft Kitchen, and Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House. (The hotel and these restaurants are all owned by the same parent company, The Haunted Group.)

Guests traveling with a pup should consider booking the Tavern Dog Cottage. This quaint 200-square foot, studio-style room—with a queen bed, lavish bathroom, fenced front yard, luxury bath products, and plush bedding—is perfect for two people and their furry best friend. Traveling sans Fido? The three-bedroom, two-bath Tavern Penthouse is 2,300-square feet of luxury, with a king-size bed, a stone shower and large soaking tub, chef’s kitchen, two fireplaces, an open floor plan perfect for entertaining, and 180-degree panoramic views of downtown. 

• Electric vehicle charging station

At Enchantment Resort, romance is the name of the game. The location—on 70 acres of panoramic natural terrain in the most picturesque canyon in Sedona Red Rock country—is unbeatable, and one of the best perks about staying here is just how secluded and peaceful everything feels.

The resort itself is built into Boynton Canyon and surrounded by ruby-red rock formations, and it’s so sleekly decorated that it looks as though it’s been ripped straight from the pages of Dwell. Rooms are luxurious, as you might imagine; each features a private deck or patio that overlooks the grandeur of the canyon and the interior is lavishly furnished with authentic Southwestern touches and cozy fireplaces.

It’s not uncommon to see prominent actors, musicians, and artists roaming one of the best Northern Arizona hotels, soaking in the serenity and energy of the area. The facilities here are first-class: epic hiking and mountain biking trails for the adventurous types, an exclusive spa, and the Che Ah Chi restaurant serving up modern American cuisine with Native American influence centered on locally grown ingredients.

Yes, the resort fee is high ($50), but it includes more than a dozen amenities, including access to the members-only Seven Canyons Golf Club, croquet and bocce ball, morning juice delivered to your casita, labyrinth meditation evening walk, parking, stargazing with the resort astronomer, a vortex presentation, and pickleball court access and paddles. 

• Award-winning destination spa, Mii Amo (re-opening after a remodel in Fall 2022)
• Exclusive access to Seven Canyons Golf Club

No trip to northern Arizona would be complete without visiting the Grand Canyon. Unless you’re prepared for the hiking/camping experience, the historic El Tovar Hotel at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers all the views without any of the work. Opened in 1905, the hotel was designed by Chicago architect Charles Whittlesey, who envisioned a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa. It was built from local limestone and Oregon pine and has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1987. 

The hotel has 78 rooms, many of which are suites; no two are alike, though they all have satellite TV, air conditioning, and a full bath. Make your way to the El Tovar Dining Room, constructed out of native stone and Oregon pine, which has hosted such notable guests as Teddy Roosevelt, President Bill Clinton, and Sir Paul McCartney. The menu is full of Southwest influences and the walls are covered in murals reflecting the customs of the Hopi, Apache, Mojave, and Navajo tribes.

Guests are within walking distance of the historic South Rim Village and its gift shops, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, and Bright Angel Lodge.

Situated near the base of the San Francisco Peaks—Mount Humphreys is the highest point in the state at 12,633 feet—Flagstaff is one of those rare Arizona towns that experiences all four seasons. The summers are a refreshing escape from the southern part of the state; fall is the perfect time to view the Aspen trees changing colors; and winter is ideal for skiing at Arizona Snowbowl.

It’s also an excellent basecamp for visits to the Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered) and Sunset Crater Volcano, and a nostalgic drive down Route 66. Little America Hotel Flagstaff is just a few miles east of historic downtown Flagstaff and earns the title of one of the best Northern Arizona hotels because it’s the city’s only AAA Four Diamond property.

The natural surroundings and local native culture inspire the décor of every room throughout the hotel, alongside practical conveniences such as flat-screen TVs, a microwave and Keurig coffee maker, goose-down bedding, and a spacious bathroom. Families enjoy staying at Little America because there are adjoining rooms, a heated pool and hot tub, a playground, and a 2.5-mile hiking trail through 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest.

Grab a to-go order at the Travel Center Hot Grill & Deli or sit down for a slower-paced meal at the Silver Pine Restaurant (there’s a kid’s menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

• Official trolley departure station for North Pole Experience each winter

Located in the Village of Oak Creek, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is a quiet reprieve from the buzzing streets of downtown Sedona. And this more remote location is just one reason why the property is a favorite among wellness- and adventure-minded guests.

For starters, it’s home to the Sedona Athletic Club, which has more than 25,000 square feet of wellness and fitness amenities from lighted tennis courts and a 25-meter lap pool to a state-of-the-art fitness complex and outdoor Warrior Pit—this bootcamp-style playground is equipped with ropes, sledgehammers, tires, and anchors.

For a more relaxed experience, plant yourself at the adult quiet pool or one of three hot tubs, book a Signature Sedona Energy massage or Foot Renewal Reflexology treatment, or choose a lavish whirlpool suite. Each room and suite have a private balcony or patio so guests can bask in the stunning views of the world-famous red rocks and lush landscapes.

Book a Pet Pals package if you’re bringing your pooch, which includes breakfast for two adults, a deluxe pet amenity bag, and a 15-minute pet energy treatment with the resort’s energy therapist—plus, pets eat free when dining on The Porch with an adult (this spot also has garden fire pits). For more human-grade food, ShadowRock Tap + Table serves locally sourced ingredients, while the Blue Water Café is a relaxed poolside option. 

• Eforea Spa
• Sedona Athletic Club with outdoor Warrior Pit
• The only resort cross-training facility in the Southwest

A stay at the L’Auberge de Sedona will have you living in the lap of luxury, tucked comfortably into the red rocks of Oak Creek. There are 26 lodge-style guestrooms with king beds, private patio or balcony, and leather lounge seating, but the 62 luxe cottages are where this property really shines.

Listen to the tranquil Oak Creek in the Creekside Cottages while taking an outdoor shower or sipping a glass of wine on the terrace. The Vista Cottages dazzle with 180-degree views of the red rocks, including iconic Snoopy Rock, Giants Thumb, and Elephant Rock. And the Spa Cottages are a romantic hideaway, with private outdoor cedar shower, jetted tub, and dual-jet showers. 

The property’s signature restaurant, Cress on Oak Creek, features an interior dining room and outdoor creekside option for guests who’d like to be one with nature. The Sunday brunch and prix fixe dinner menu are akin to taking a culinary journey through Southern Europe—not to mention, the menu is infused with locally foraged, hand-selected, and seasonal ingredients. For a more casual and lively setting, 89Agave Cantina dishes up Mexican fare and signature margaritas (try the Funky Cacti).

Melt any lingering troubles away at L’Apothecary Spa, with a Desert Sage Sugar Scrub, Inner Peace Cranial Sacral treatment, sound healing session, or forest bathing excursion. Should you choose to leave this magnificent property even for a moment, a shuttle service is available 24/7 to transport guests within one and a half miles.

• L’Apothecary Spa
• 3 electric car-charging stations

Over 100 years ago, Jerome was the third-largest town in Arizona and the state’s largest producer of copper, gold, and silver—but it also earned the reputation of the “Wickedest Town in the West” thanks to its imbalanced ratio of bordellos and bars to churches. During the ‘50s, the mines shut down and the quickly city morphed into the largest ghost town in the West. Over the past 20 years, Jerome has sprung back to life, capitalizing on its Wild West history and restoring historic buildings into galleries and restaurants. The Clinkscale Hotel building dates back to 1899 and has been fully restored by The Haunted Group. 

The rooms, all located upstairs, are individually decorated and have cute names to match their décor personalities: The Victorian Rose, Lariat and Lace, Memories of the Heart (with a 50-mile view out the windows), Pillow Talk, Little Daisy, and the popular Spooks, Ghost, and Goblins (don’t ask!). Each is appointed with hardwood floors, subway tile bathrooms with marble flooring and walk-in shower, pedestal sink, chic fixtures, plush bedding and bathrobes, soft-topped mattresses, and high-end bath products.

Downstairs, you’ll find a connected restaurant, serving up American-fusion cuisine with a touch of French flair. There’s a daily brunch with penny mimosas and dinner with wine pairings. Since this property is all about location, location, location, you’re just steps away from shops filled with crafts and jewelry, art galleries, and several wineries. 

• Arguably the best restaurant in Jerome