Where to Stay in Sedona in 2024 (Best Areas & Places)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Sedona

Nestled among sculptural red rock formations, stunning desert landscapes, and lush river oases, the small town of Sedona, Arizona aims to reflect and celebrate the natural surrounding beauty. The once tiny mountain town has expanded in response to increased tourism and its growing recognition as one of Arizona’s best towns.

The town of Sedona is made up of a few different neighborhoods: Most of the town’s bustling activity, restaurants, and shops are concentrated in Uptown Sedona, while West Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek are both nearby and are less expensive, quieter options. 

Outside of town Oak Creek Canyon draws those seeking a more secluded getaway in nature and Cottonwood offers a less expensive option further from the action.

Each of these areas offers something unique and special, it’s just a matter of picking the spot that suits you best! Let’s dig into the neighborhoods in more detail:

Uptown Sedona

👉 Best Area For a Central Location | ✨ Best Uptown Sedona Hotels: L’Auberge De Sedona • Amara Resort & Spa • Sedona Views Bed and Breakfast

Uptown Sedona is the beating heart of Sedona, containing the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, art galleries, and lodging. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to feel a part of all the hustle and bustle. Plus, if you want to explore further afield than the town center, the free shuttle service will take you to popular hiking trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge.

Many of the best hotels in Sedona are located in Uptown, but the standout option, and one of the premier hotels in Sedona, is L’Auberge De Sedona. This is a luxury resort that will have you debating whether you even want to leave the outdoor pool and hot tub, with its spectacular views of Sedona’s gorgeous red-rock country.

That said, it’s absolutely worth visiting the hiking trails and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, which blends art, shopping, culture, history, and food in one charming center.

Pros of Staying in Uptown Sedona:

• Close to all of Sedona’s popular sites and attractions
• Tons of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance

Cons of Staying in Uptown Sedona:

• Can get quite crowded, especially during the high season
• Hotels and restaurants in this area tend to be pricier

West Sedona

👉 Best Area For a Homebase for Exploring | ✨ Best West Sedona Hotels: Adobe Grand Villas • Alma de Sedona • A Sunset Chateau

West Sedona is an offshoot neighborhood from Uptown and is a quick five-minute drive away from the downtown area. 

Restaurants, shops, and attractions are more spread out which gives the area a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect option for anyone wanting to be close to the action but also be able to escape it for some peace and quiet.

The Adobe Grand Villas offer a luxurious stay where you can relax after hiking the nearby trails including the iconic Devil’s Bridge, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. Rooms at Adobe Grand Villas are decorated to reflect the unique history of Sedona and offer private patios.

Pros of Staying in West Sedona:

• Less crowded than Uptown
• Short drive to Uptown’s downtown area
• Close to the scenic area of Red Rock State Park (one of the top state parks in Arizona)

Cons of Staying in West Sedona:

• Can’t walk to the downtown area

Village of Oak Creek

👉 Best Area For a Quiet Getaway | ✨ Best Village of Oak Creek Hotels: Canyon Villa Bed and Breakfast • Las Posadas of Sedona • The Cozy Cactus

The Village of Oak Creek is the quiet, small-town counterpart to buzzingly active Uptown Sedona. 

This area of Sedona is a fantastic option for any repeat visitors to Sedona who have already seen many of the popular sights and attractions and simply want a relaxing stay and to take in the lovely desert landscape. The best part is that if you do venture into town, it’s a short 5-10 minute drive into Uptown Sedona.

The lodging options reflect the more quaint, cozy atmosphere in the Village of Oak Creek and here you’ll find more bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels. In particular, Canyon Villa Bed and Breakfast offers its guests a quiet, intimate place to appreciate Sedona’s beautiful landscape. Venture out to hike to the nearby Bell Rock for a scenic adventure.

Pros of Staying in the Village of Oak Creek:

• Quiet, small-town atmosphere
• Very integrated with the beautiful desert landscape
• Beautiful night skies for stargazing

Cons of Staying in the Village of Oak Creek:

• Farther from restaurants and shops
• Farther from iconic hiking trails

Oak Creek Canyon

👉 Best Area For Immersing in Nature | ✨ Best Oak Creek Canyon Hotels: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock • Sedona Views Bed and Breakfast • Oak Creek Terrace Resort

Oak Creek Canyon is a lush, wooded oasis within Sedona’s mountainous desert thanks to the shade of the canyon and water of Oak Creek. Traveling the road from Sedona proper into Oak Creek you’ll see a dramatic transition from red rock mountains and desert to dense trees with leafy foliage. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Oak Creek is the place to be! My personal favorite hike in Sedona is West Fork Oak Creek, which is an easy, shaded trail that crisscrossed Oak Creek between the towering walls of the canyon. One of Sedona’s top natural river attractions, Slide Rock, is located in the area, making it a great area for families. 

Because there is no town to speak of in the canyon, there are fewer and much smaller lodging options. However, you can’t go wrong booking your stay at the laid-back Oak Creek Terrace Resort.

Pros of Staying in Oak Creek Canyon:

• Within the scenic, forested area
• Most hotels offer stunning views
• Close to Slide Rock State Park

Cons of Staying in Oak Creek Canyon:

• Farther from some of Sedona’s most iconic hikes
• Fewer restaurant options

Cottonwood

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Cottonwood Hotels: Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge • SpringHill Suites • Lux Verde Hotel

Cottonwood is great for experiencing Sedona while trying not to break the bank. The town is a 25-minute drive from Uptown and a bit further from many of the iconic hiking trails and attractions. Still, everything is still very accessible and the landscape is just as gorgeous in Cottonwood. 

Another positive to staying in Cottonwood is its proximity to the Verde Valley Wine Trail – Arizona’s wine country. My favorite winery in the area is Page Springs Cellars, which has great wines and a lovely outdoor patio to sip and sample. The site is also the starting point of the Verde Canyon Railroad, which transports you through Sedona’s stunning countryside.

Check out Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge which offers affordable, but great, rooms.

Pros of Staying in Cottonwood:

• Located near the Verde Valley Wine Trail
• Cheaper hotel options

Cons of Staying in Cottonwood:

• Farther from hiking and sightseeing 

Tips for Staying in Sedona

Start Hikes to Landmarks Early

Popular places like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge are most likely at the top of every visitor’s list so you can bet on there being large crowds and lines of people waiting for a photo (especially at Devil’s Bridge). 

Not only will getting your boots on the trail early help you beat the hoards but also the dry desert heat.

Visit in Spring to See Desert Blooms

In springtime, especially after a rainy winter, the desert transforms into a floral treasure trove. Cactuses often produce the loveliest blooms with large, flamboyant flowers that only last a few weeks of the year. 

Plan your visit accordingly to be able to enjoy the blooms in addition to Sedona’s usual beauty.

Don’t Forget to Look at the Stars

The desert is the ideal place to stargaze since there tends to be less light pollution that interferes with the stars. The Village of Oak Creek is especially known for its dark skies and fantastic stargazing opportunities.

Pack Lots of Water for Hikes in Sedona

The desert gets very hot very quickly and the dryness in the air will have you thirstier than usual. It’s important to always bring more water than you think you’ll need when you set out on a trail in Sedona.

Speaking of, bookmark my list of the best hiking trails near Sedona to help you plan your next hike.

Consider Visiting Sedona in Winter

Winter is an off-season for Sedona because the cold weather can prohibit some of the river and pool activities.

However, Sedona’s famous red rocks dusted in white snow is one of the loveliest and most unique ways to see the mountain desert of Sedona. Plus you won’t have to worry about the desert heat while hiking and you will have to put up with far smaller crowds in town and at the landmarks.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Sedona

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Sedona! The town has made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in Arizona, and there’s no doubt as to why. No matter your choice, Sedona is an enchanting town that you can explore over and over again.