Sedona, Arizona

by Susan Sims, Publisher

OUT STAYING AT EL PORTAL, Sedona’s original petfriendly hotel.

Fran welcomed us and Honey to the cool adobe and Honey had her first encounter with the small birds in the lobby. She was quite eager to get as close as she could to these marvelous singing creatures.

Owners Steve and Connie Segner have thought of everything. The hotel was built with wood and tile flooring throughout to accommodate canine visitors and has fencing to create over 1,000 square feet of dog-friendly patio areas.

There are no pet fees and pets receive a “Welcome Basket” with a blanket, doggie bags, and treats. We made use of everything in the basket and were mindful to place the blanket on our bed where our dog, Honey likes to nap.

Because of the size of our petite pooch, our room was upstairs and had a lovely patio for us to relax and enjoy the beautiful Sedona nights. In the past when we traveled with our two large dogs, Junior, and Jake (may they rest in peace) we were allocated to the rooms downstairs with the fenced patio.

Behind the custom-made door of each suite, you will find museum-quality Arts and Crafts furnishings. Every suite has its own private bathroom, and designs may include free-form granite counters, Jacuzzi tub, steam shower, and freestanding claw foot tub.

Outside the suites, guests can enjoy spectacular views, a private garden or sitting terrace, and their Greene & Greene and Santa Fe suites each have a balcony.

Always time to take a look at Steve’s artwork. Over the years, we have amassed quite the collection of hand-thrown pottery. This year we were delighted to see that Steve is working with glass, so we picked up a few unique pieces. Donate what you can with all proceeds benefiting the Sedona animal shelter.

Just steps from El Portal you find the enchanting village of Tlaquepaque featuring 45 specialty shops (including 19 art galleries), as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Ready to turn in for the night, we first enjoyed our private patio which gave us the chance to listen to the sounds of Sedona and talk about what tomorrow might bring.

Don’t miss staying at this exceptional boutique hotel on your next trip to Sedona and be sure to tell them Honey sent you!

95 Portal Lane Sedona, AZ 800-313-0017 elportalsedona.com

El Portal is proud to announce that we have recently received two new awards in recognition of the excellent experience we provide our guests: a 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor, and a 2022 KAYAK Travel Award. In addition, we were recently notified that we passed our AAA Four Diamond inspection, marking another year that we have maintained this coveted designation.

PHOTO CREDIT: SUSAN SIMS

El Portal Sedona Hotel was selected as an architectural masterpiece by “Keep Sedona Beautiful” and is Sedona’s only Arts & Crafts adobe hotel. We are dedicated to providing an extraordinary lodging experience for guests and their pets in unpretentious luxury. We are not a traditional hotel or resort; we provide our guests with the comforts of home and the superior services of a four-star hotel at an excellent value.

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a gorgeous pet-friendly Sedona hotel where there are no pet fees! We love pets, but our human guests come first. We are a hotel first and foremost, and our guests come first. Pets must not be left in their rooms.

Sedona Dog Park – an off-leash dog park now open in Sedona. Located off of 89A on Soldier’s Pass Road in West Sedona at the NW corner of Soldier’s Pass and Caruth Drive. Slide Rock State Park – 6871 N H 89A, Sedona • 928-282-3034 Red Rock Country – Coconino National Forest – various parts of Sedona • 928-527-3600