When the Valley weather outside is frightful, accommodations across Northern Arizona become even more delightful. Here is a look at some of the hottest places to stay while cooling off up north this summer — or cool places to stay literally and figuratively — in Northern Arizona this summer:
READ ALSO: 25 of the best staycation deals in Arizona
Tavern Hotel
Cottonwood’s entertainment epicenter is the Main Street in its Old Town. A walkable wonderland for couples, girlfriend getaways or wine tasting weekends, Old Town’s crown jewel is The Tavern Hotel. In the 1920s, the building was actually the town grocery store. Today the boutique, independent hotel is among the most charming in the Southwest. It features 41 standard rooms with hardwood floors, stone-tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers, granite counter tops, vessel sinks, high-end fixtures, 50-inch flat screen televisions and plush bedding. In the past year, they also added a pool complex that is ultra-private with the most charming of fixtures, pool house and modern-yet-retro vibe. If looking for somewhere special this summer, consider one of the hotel’s private cottages or one of the two penthouses, notably the signature Tavern Penthouse. At 2,300-square-feet and with a 180-degree panoramic view of downtown, the Tavern Penthouse is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom slice of heaven.
The Clinkscale
Jerome’s Clinkscale building, which dates back to the 1800s when the region was a vibrant mining town, has been formally restored by The Haunted Group, a locally owned hospitality business known for its venues across Northern Arizona. Re-opened in 2020 as the Clinkscale Hotel, Bar + Grill, the hotel portion of the property is now furnished with luxury amenities and chic design including flat-screen televisions, subway tiled bathrooms with marble floors and walk-in showers and plush bedding. Exposed brick, hardwood floors, brown leather and steel accents, create an elegant and modern vibe, rivaling even the most trendy spots in Phoenix. While staying, be sure to stop by the connected restaurant as well, which offers American-fusion cuisine with a touch of French flare, including daily brunch (with mimosas for a penny) and dinner complete with wine pairings.
Pine Canyon in Northern Arizona
Until recently, only residents of the posh Pine Canyon and their personal guests have had the chance to experience the magic within the Flagstaff luxury resort community’s gates. Through its Discovery Visit program, now a limited number of non-residents can enjoy its unique brand of high country living in Northern Arizona. The package includes two-night accommodations in one of the community’s club cabins as well as access to public areas, lounges, pools, golf, fitness center and the kids’ club. Each of the two-story cabins – just feet from our 35,000-square-foot clubhouse – has four total bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a full kitchen, working fireplace, dining and living areas and multiple outdoor spaces. Depending on the size of the party, Pine Canyon can make the entire cabin available, or partition off one- and two-bedroom options as well. In addition, also included is a chef’s dinner at the clubhouse or in-suite dining experience, a property tour and more.
Amara Resort
Intimate yet expansive – with Red Rock views for days – Amara blends modern amenities and design seamlessly with both nature and the surrounding area’s laid-back vibe. There are just 100 rooms at this award-winning Creekside respite, each ample in size and flush with amenities. Amara’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, is one of the sneaky best spots in town, deftly showcasing Southwestern-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, light and seasonal dishes using culinary traditions and ingredients of the Verde Valley. Bonus: this summer, Amara is debuting a dedicated “Adventures at Amara” concierge team available to curate off-site, socially distanced activities for guests including open-air jeep tours, private hikes and yoga classes, golf excursions and more.
Little America Hotel
The Little America Hotel is just miles from all of Downtown Flagstaff’s top attractions. The cozy, spacious hotel has been making headlines for the past few years for more than just its prime location, however. In recent years, the award-winning hotel completed a more than 75,000-square-foot interior and partial exterior renovation to update the property, initially built in the 1970s. The enhancements include the addition a modern, contemporary lobby with Southwestern flair and an impressive bar and restaurant called The Silver Pine. Even if not staying at the hotel, the restaurant’s creative cocktails, gastropub-meets-comfort-food menu and expansive patio (with heaters) that offers a view of both the stars and the 500 acres of woodlands is worth a visit.
Talking Rock
As with Pine Canyon, this ultra-luxurious golf club and resort community in Prescott used to be solely for its residents and their guests. But that changes this summer with the debut of the Talking Rock Discovery Program. Developed to give visitors the chance to experience the high country high life, open spaces abound during one’s two-night stay in one of a handful newly built rustic cottages as do exclusive amenities, including a tee time on Talking Rock’s championship golf course, a chance to experience a health or wellness treatment at the spa, daily breakfast at the property’s casual Coop’s Coffee Shop, plenty of pool time, and the choice of dinner at the Talking Rock Ranch House or an in-suite dining experience. One can do it all, or simply relax by the fire while watching stars light up the night sky.
L’Auberge de Sedona
This multi-year Forbes Travel Guide award winner benefits from its prime location along Oak Creek in Sedona. The locale allows it to naturally offer bubbling brooks and lush greenery as well as views of the towering Red Rock formations above. The summer is among the best times to take in the immersive resort and its daily programming, which ranges from professional photography programs and geology discussions to sunrise yoga on the lawn, duck feeding and stargazing with professional equipment. The intimate spa features only four treatment rooms, but also offers massages in private Creekside tents as well as a rich bounty of healing botanicals and fragrant herbs to custom-blend body care products. French-influenced, locally sourced Cress offers al fresco dining along the creek as well as cozy indoor seating that feels very farmhouse chic. Its prix fixe menu is a showcase of precision, technique and flavor all at once.
