$50–100

Sky Ranch Lodge (1105 Airport Rd., 928/282-6400, www.skyranchlodge.com, $80–125 d) feels like a hazy version of a 1970s ranch or vacation home. Small ponds, bridges, and grassy lawns dot the six-acre property, with quaint stone paths leading to quiet gardens and a secluded swimming pool. Best of all, the inn is perched on Airport Mesa, 500 feet above Sedona, providing elevated views of the town and its red-rock formations and green valleys. And when you’re ready for a little excitement, a five-minute drive will drop you back in the heart of Uptown. The large rooms are quite outdated, but clean. Be sure to ask for a private deck when you make a reservation.

Cheap, clean, and convenient, Sugar Loaf Lodge (1870 W. Hwy. 89A, 928/282-9451, www.sedonasugarloaf.com, $60–90 d) provides the basics just off of Highway 89A and even throws in a few frills like a pool, free Wi-Fi, and in-room refrigerators. The motel isn’t fancy, but its low price is hard to beat, as is the convenient access to neighboring hiking and mountain biking trails. And if you’re planning on bringing your pooch to Sedona, Sugar Loaf has a few pet-friendly rooms.

$100–250

The Santa Fe-style Southwest Inn at Sedona (3250 W. Hwy. 89A, 928/282-3344, www.swinn.com, $94–154 d) is a terrific value if you’re looking for a quiet, comfortable place to sleep between hiking, shopping, and visiting galleries. The converted motor lodge has been nicely updated with excellent bedding and gas fireplaces, but don’t expect a resort-like setting. Be sure to ask for a room with a view of the red buttes.

Visitors who appreciate a more modern style may want to check in at the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa (2250 W. Hwy. 89A, 928/203-4111, www.sedonarouge.com, $167–197 d). The hotel combines clean lines and Sedona’s distinctive color palette of warm earth tones and deep red accents. The comfortable rooms are well appointed, though those on the second and third level have bathrooms that feature generous walk-in showers with dual heads. Sedona Rouge has a more urban vibe than some of its competitors, but you’ll still get amazing views of the red rocks, particularly from the Observation Terrace that’s open at night for stargazing. Plus, you’ll find other amenities, like a large outdoor seating area with fireplace, a heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a topnotch spa with programs by New Age guru Deepak Chopra.

With a name like Boots and Saddles (2900 Hopi Dr., 928/282-1944, www.oldwestbb.com, $225–305 d), you can expect a heavy dose of cowboy style at this popular bed-and-breakfast. Innkeepers Irith and Sam Raz have created a rabid following, thanks to their warm hospitality and gourmet breakfasts. Each of the inn’s seven rooms is unique, decorated in Western themes like Ghost Rider and El Dorado, and with amenities that vary from fireplaces and outdoor air-jet tubs to telescopes for stargazing. The 600-square-foot City Slickers room includes a sunrise nook with a large window, a cheery place to read the paper and enjoy a morning cup of coffee.

The Lodge at Sedona (125 Kallof Pl., 928/204-1942, www.lodgeatsedona.com, $189–229 d) is an unexpected treat in West Sedona. The quaint stone-and-timber lodge features Arts and Crafts–style decor, Mission furnishings, and cozy, fireside seating areas. Make time to explore the gardens, which include water features and red-rock views, before heading out to the meditative labyrinth that is based on Native American traditions. The handsome Star Gazer suite features a large deck with garden views and an outdoor shower, while the Red Rock Crossing king suite offers a jetted in-room tub that’s perfect for a romantic weekend.

The red-stucco Alma De Sedona Inn (50 Hozoni Dr., 928/282-2737, www.almadesedona.com, $189–260 d) is a lovely bed-and-breakfast for those who appreciate a little privacy with their red-rock views. The 12 large rooms have king-size beds, gas fireplaces, and two-person tubs. The grounds are well maintained and feature a host of desert cacti and agave, along with shady old sycamore trees. You may take a dip in the heated pool—or at least enjoy your breakfast poolside if it’s a little too chilly.

The independent Sedona Real Inn & Suites (95 Arroyo Dr., 928/282-1414, www.sedonareal.com, $105–119 d) lacks character, but the clean, spacious rooms and suites are a nice option for families and big groups, especially for the price. You also get some perks not found at budget competitors: free high-speed Internet, an outdoor pool and spa, free continental breakfast, and private balconies.

The Best Western Inn of Sedona (1200 W. Hwy. 89A, 928/282-3072, www.innofsedona.com, $130–150 d) offers views that would cost you a pretty penny anywhere else in the world. Although the recently renovated rooms are clean and comfortable—and have surprising touches like glass-bowl sinks in the bathroom—you’ll want to spend most of your time on the communal balconies, which feature panoramic views of the red rocks. There’s also plenty of convenient parking and a pool, as well as a free shuttle to/from Uptown.

Cathedral Rock Lodge & Retreat Center (61 W. Los Amigos Lane, 928/282-5560, www.cathedralrocklodge.com, $150–300 per cabin) isn’t fancy, but its views are among the finest in the world. Situated near Red Rock State Park about 15 minutes from Uptown, the three secluded “retreat homes” are surrounded by green lawns and wooded grounds—though their lookouts onto Cathedral Rock are the real draw. The Homestead House—which is the largest, sleeping up to six people—has a large kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a collection of westerns filmed in Sedona to enjoy.

Over $250

You won’t find a hotel in Sedona with a more stunning backdrop than Enchantment Resort (525 Boynton Canyon Rd., 928/282-2900, www.enchantmentresort.com, $250–350 d). Situated 10 minutes outside of town, the resort is nestled into the horseshoe-shaped Boynton Canyon. Its soaring cliff walls envelop the resort, creating a sense of seclusion and protection—or it could be the Kachina Woman rock formation that Native Americans believe watches over the canyon. The hacienda-inspired design features 220 rooms scattered across the property, which began as a homestead before being transformed into a tennis ranch and later a luxury resort. Guests have exclusive access to swimming pools, tennis courts, private hiking trails, and the adjacent Mii Amo spa, one of the finest facilities in the world. Kids will enjoy Camp Coyote, which explores Native American culture and the Southwest environment.

Mii Amo (525 Boynton Canyon Rd., 928/282-2900, www.miiamo.com) sets the bar for destination spa-going, blending holistic wellness treatments, Native American traditions, and luxury pampering. The resort creates three-, four- and seven-night “personal journeys” that are tailored to a guest’s goals: de-stress, optimum aging, spiritual exploration, etc. The total price includes accommodations in one of 16 spa casitas and suites, three meals a day, and two spa treatments every day, as well as the use of fitness classes, spa facilities, swimming pools, and activities like tennis, hiking, and mountain biking. The small, communal setting is perfect for solo travelers who want to balance personal time and socializing with new friends. Mii Amo’s seamless indoor/outdoor design blends chic, modern style with the Boynton Canyon’s soaring red walls and the desert landscape. Rates begin at $1,905 for a three-night package.

Subtlety isn’t a word that is used at Adobe Grand Villas (35 Hozoni Dr., 928/203-7616, www.adobegrandvillas.com, $349–450 d). The over-the-top, bigger-is-better suites start at 850 square feet, and each has at least one king-size bed, two fireplaces, and enough Western kitsch to re-create the sets of Tombstone and Bonanza. Still, you’ve got to love any hotel that can decorate with wagon-wheel beds and lantern chandeliers. Some rooms feature tubs for two and steam showers, while others offer red-rock views, private patios, and wood-beam ceilings.

© Jeff Ficker from Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona, 1st edition