Most Unique Places to Stay in Arizona: Cabins, Hotels, and More!
Do you live in Arizona and crave fun weekend getaways/holidays? Are you from another state and want to stay somewhere fun when you visit? Either way, this post is perfect for you! There are so many unique places to stay in Arizona, from glamping near the grand canyon to staying in a botique hotel near Saguaro National Park, and beyond.
Over 40 million visitors come to arizona each year.
Coolest Stays in Arizona
1. Starry Nights Glamping @ Grand Canyon
LOCATION: Grand Canyon, COST: $200/night, OCCUPANCY: 2, PET-FRIENDLY: Yes
Want to stay in a glass house and stargaze near the Grand Canyon? This is Starry Nights Glamping (not an affiliate link). A small, privately owned community of glass houses that blend in with the environment. I was HOSTED by the owners here, in summer of 2023. Each room has a double bed, a telescope, a coffee bar, and games as well as some temperature controls. You do need to be OK with glamping, because showers are outdoors. They also have incinerating toilets- wild. Not all 4 walls are glass, so you retain privacy with the others staying there. It is pet friendly too!
Why Is This Stay Unique?
You’re staying in an epic glass house in the backcountry near one of the most popular national parks in the country!!
2. Joshua Tree House Tucson
Imagine driving past the beautiful Saguaro National Park and pulling into a secluded, boutique hotel surrounded by desert landscape. You can soak in the hot spring, swim under the waterfall in the pool, be cooked a private meal by a chef, and stay in an epic suite with your friend, family, or significant other. Trust me, when you check in here, you won’t want to leave.
Why Is This Stay Unique?
You’re staying in a family-owned boutique hotel with INSANE landscape, amazing water features, and well thought out details within the whole property that make you feel like you’re at home, in the middle of the desert.
3. Black A-Frame Cabin
So far in my time in Arizona, this has been my favorite cabin stay. There are many beautiful cabins throughout the state, but I love the charm of this black A-frame. A-frames are so popular, and I understand why. This is located in Pine, AZ which is only 1.5 hrs from Phoenix and is usually 20 degrees cooler, so it’s the perfect year-round escape. There are many wonderful shops and restaurants and coffee shops within a few miles of the cabin.
Why Is This Stay Unique?
A charming, well-decorated A-frame cabin with outdoor dining, lighting, and a hot-tub.
4. High Country Motor Lodge
This awesome stay is located in Northern Arizona, in Flagstaff. If you aren’t familiar with the area, Flagstaff is 2.5 hrs north of Phoenix, just north of Sedona, and east of The Grand Canyon. It is higher in elevation than Denver and is Arizona’s popular mountain town. This stay is perfect if you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, or any nearby attraction that Flagstaff has to offer. It’s affordable too!
Why Is This Stay Unique?
High Country Motor Lodge is Arizona’s first and only Nordic Spa! The retro, cozy vibes are out of this world.
5. Sky Rock Sedona
Sky Rock Sedona is one of the coolest places to stay in Arizona. Sedona is one of the most popular places to visit within the state. I stayed in Sky Rock Sedona in late winter of 2024, and loved it. It gives romantic getaway/ girls trip vibes. I love that each room has access to a community balcony with fires, tables, access to the bar, and views of red rocks. It’s close to so many amazing hikes in Sedona, as well.
Why Is This Stay Unique?
This stay has upscale hippie vibes, with crystals, daily moon ceremonies, and meditation with beautiful rooms and epic red rock balcony views.
6. Americana Motor Hotel
Up next on the list of the most unique places to stay in Arizona is the Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff. Similar to HCML that I listed above, this is another hotel with a beautiful retro renovation. Afterall, Flagstaff is one of the stops on the old Route 66, so vintage is part of its culture. I’m absolutely obsessed with the colorful rug. Each room has a rotating disco ball, too. On top of that, there are outdoor hammocks, a beautiful pool, and firepits AND it is affordable and dog-friendly. Convinced?
Why Is This Stay Unique?
Rainbow vintage rug and hanging disco balls, does that tell you enough?!
7. Saguaro Lake Ranch
Saguaro Lake Ranch is one of the coolest places to stay in Arizona, for it’s unique location and landscape. It is not well known, and underrated. This is a ranch located near Mesa, Arizona, east of Phoenix near the iconic Salt River. The ranch has beautiful rooms, an awesome food service and menu, community events, and excursions including guided kayaking through the canyon and on the lake, and even horseback riding. Definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Arizona.
Why Is This Stay Unique?
This stay has old ranch vibes in a stunning waterside desert location with awesome excursions.
8. El Portal Sedona
El Portal is such a special place to stay. One of the best hotels in Sedona and the whole state. It is owned by a couple who built it from the ground up. There are only a small amount of rooms, which makes it so homey. The plants and vines are stunning, and they have a cute courtyard to talk to others staying there and have a fire. They have a large, stocked food and beverage station and wine to pay for on your honor. I loved talking to the owners while they ate a the table inside, giving me advice of what to do. So kind.
Why Is This Stay Unique?
It is truly the lifeblood of this sweet couple. Feels like home, and I love the plant life around the hotel.
Final Thoughts About Most Unique Places to Stay in Arizona
I hope this blog inspires you go to explore more of this beautiful state- State 48. There’s so much magic to discover, from the desert to the forest. Happy hiking!
