The Inn Above Oak Creek

In a town packed with quaint inns and middling mid-range options, The Inn Above Oak Creek manages to stand out -- as attested to by how far in advance bookings often have to be made. It occupies a contemporary gray building with green trim, lined with pretty stone walls and neatly kept landscaping. The entrance off a busy main road leads to an open lobby with lots of natural light and a homey feel. Knotty wood floors have a glossy finish, and the stone fireplace has a modern-rustic feel. This is not a kitschy bed-and-breakfast, as antique and rustic furnishings are used sparingly and tastefully. A small seating area with plush couches sits by the fireplace, while the small breakfast nook lines a wall of windows overlooking Oak Creek. A spacious deck, filled with tables and chairs, also has views of the creek and the red rocks in the distance. On the wooded property, brick paths wind around past the creek and there are Adirondack chairs perched by the water. While families with children aged 13 and older are welcome, the inn is especially popular with couples looking for a romantic escape. 

The inn sits on busy Highway 89A, the main route through Sedona. However, Oak Creek borders the rear of the hotel, making it a fairly quiet, peaceful spot. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, filled with specialty shops and galleries, is a five-minute walk away. Several popular restaurants such as Elote Cafe and The Hudson are also within five minutes' walk. There are a few art galleries within five to 10 minutes' walk of the inn. Bustling Uptown Sedona is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away and offers more restaurants, bars, and shops. Popular Chapel of the Holy Cross is a 10-minute drive outside of town, while Red Rock State Park is a 20-minute drive. The Grand Canyon is a two-hour drive from Sedona, as is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. 

The inn’s 13 rooms include seven Creekside Rooms with private balconies overlooking the water; four Red Rock Rooms with distant views of the mountains; the Oak Creek Suite, which has a full kitchen; and a compact Bonus Room that can be combined with one of the Creekside Rooms or rented by itself for a lower rate. Rooms are decorated in beiges, grays, and light greens and have a bright, contemporary feel. Dark wood veneer furniture is handsome and well-kept and wall art is sparing and limited to wrought iron details or bright floral prints. Details like neutral-tone damask pillows add a classy touch, and most rooms have excellent natural light. It's worth noting that while many rooms have lovely views, the Single King Room that we visited looked out only onto the busy road, trees, and neighboring rooftop.

The best features in all rooms (except for the Bonus Room) are the sleek gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Flat-screen TVs are provided and DVD players are available. Wi-Fi is included as well. The bathrooms have beige marble tiling and whirlpool shower/tub combos (though, the Bonus Room only has a shower) as well as pedestal sinks, Roam toiletries, and small built-in hairdryers. The rooms have a plush feel, but some are on the small side, and each can accommodate only up to two guests. Families traveling with children (age 13 and up) will have to rent two rooms. Some rooms that face the road do pick up external noise that may be an issue for light sleepers.

Like most bed-and-breakfasts, features are limited here. The inn serves a free continental breakfast with bagels, pastries, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit, along with juice and coffee. Tea drinkers are in luck as there's an extensive tea selection available throughout the day -- along with coffee and snacks -- in the lobby. Guests can store food and drinks in the kitchen’s refrigerator and have use of the microwave and an outdoor grill. The staff can provide recommendations on local hikes and activities and help make reservations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the building.