El Portal Sedona Hotel

What an incredible find! I was adding a few days to my trip just to decompress from a busy week, when I came across this gem! Steve, Sylvia and the other staff were so welcoming. They made my stay so comfortable. And the facilites are like no other! A quiet peaceful retreat but still close to all the dining, enter and shopping. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would. Can’t wait to return.

El Portal exceeded our expectations. The grounds and rooms are absolutely beautiful. The owner and staff were so kind and helpful and were so kind to our kids. The location was perfect - walking distance to the cutest shops and restaurants.

El Portal is great. This is a fantastic hotel with a circa 1902 motif that, of course, includes modern conveniences. The hotel staff is the best and is eager to help with questions concerning restaurants, excursions, and local history. Check-in is easy and there is dedicated parking for hotel guests. The firepit seemed to be always lit and there are complementary s'mores kits available that we'll have to try during our next visit. There is a quiet laid-back atmosphere which allows for naps to be taken or for some work matters to be attended to. Breakfast is a very short walk away in Tlaquepaque village. A walking path under the street will get you to north Tlaquepaque village for more shops and eating places. For us, the energy and the atmosphere that makes Sedona a special place is also present in El Portal.

Is it worth the hype and price? We found El Portal to be a mixed bag. Yes, it has character and a great location, but we felt that (at least our room) needs a good face-lift. Here are the pros: Cannot beat the location with convenient parking. It has a great courtyard with a nice fire burning during the day and evening. The "common room" was comfy, with great snacks, cookies, yogurts, etc., available all day. Large guest room and walk-in shower. Cons: When you pay a premium for luxury, you don't expect to find cob webs in the ceiling beams. The chairs were antique, but the cushions were worn out and needed new padding. There were places where the adobe was chipped/repaired/dirty that needed repainting and cleaning. Someone had used expansion foam to repair a leak in the roof but didn't bother to remove the foam that oosed onto the interior beams. The upper window had not been cleaned in years. Any one of these is not a major issue, but taken together, it impacts the feeling you get when a property claims and charges for a luxury experience and misses the mark.

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a historical event, a reconstruction of what a traveler might have found 100 years ago. Quiet and hidden just off the center of town, simply approaching the Inn sets you back in time. Shrouded in vegetation, it draws one closer to where a beautiful stone building with a central courtyard is found. The modern world quickly slips away as you approach. Fascinating stone and wood beam construction draws you into an aristocratic and comfortable lobby, the walls hung with paintings, primarily portraits by exceptionally accomplished artists. Leather glad chairs and a sofa welcome one to relax and enjoy the environment. There is no rush other than to enjoy. The door to every guestroom is unique, built by the owner, just as every room is an exceptional reflection of the past. We travel far and wide, and the El Portal Sedona Hotel is at the top of our list, offering a truly unique and memorable experience.