Sometimes necessity is the mother of chance. Such was the case when I found out I needed to travel for a few days to a location a few hours away, right in the middle of the tourist/vacation/vacation season, or “Christmas week.” destination: Sedona, Arizona.
Of course, Sedona is a small town that never sleeps. With a constant flow of traffic north/south and east/west along the two main corridors, every corner of town is always visited by visitors of all kinds: hikers, off-roaders, families, retirees, and romantics. ) is guaranteed to be filled. All we wanted to do was visit our favorite restaurant for a special birthday dinner… December 28th… It was a Saturday.
There was little accommodation available, and all but one was affordable. This was a place we had never been to, but one we had seen on many previous trips to our favorite timeshare overlooking Oak Creek in uptown Sedona. Previously, it looked like a private house on the opposite bank of an ever-flowing waterway, and we thought nothing of it except to declare, “Oh, what a beautiful place to find a house.”
What a surprise to find out that the affordable room we had booked for two nights was actually in an aptly named hotel. Inn Above Oak Creekthe same residence that we had always thought was the home of a lucky local. However, the contingency of the situation made what we found upon entering the facility more important than what we initially discovered.
The inn was once a large, rustic house nestled in a wooded area just off the road into Sedona. The interior space has been renovated into a 12-room inn. As a house, it can easily accommodate a family of six, grandparents, and a few cousins. As you might expect, the front door opens directly into the living room. The lobby of the inn is a small alcove, which may have been a living room in the distant past. Beyond the lobby office is a large communal kitchen with a modest refrigerator that guests can use to store food and leftovers from their hikes. (Please label your food so others don’t claim it. Yes, it is) that It’s quaint. ) The rooms are on the ground floor and one floor above. There is one central staircase and no elevator. Standard locks and deadbolts are used on each unit’s door, but electronics often require a few swipes.
If you arrive in the late afternoon, you’ll likely be greeted by Rich. Rich will show you around the lobby and kitchen and explain all the amenities and some of the rules. Rich quickly becomes part of the family and before you know it, you’ll be calling him by his first name. In the morning, we meet Kimberly, who serves us a continental breakfast of fresh bagels, pastries, orange juice, and almond milk. The Inn uses authentic plates, cups, and utensils. This is not a plastic product. Everything is stored in classic antique cupboards. Everything is self-service, but you quickly settle into the casual, family atmosphere.
The quaint and spacious lounge area has a fireplace and shelves lined with an extensive collection of old books and DVDs. The dining room overlooks Sedona’s natural beauty and features a table and benches for day and night use. Moki, a small black spaniel, is our owner Kimberly’s ubiquitous canine companion. She is friendly and quiet, preferring to snuggle up next to guests and just look into their eyes, either lovingly or hungrily. It’s hard to say for sure. With only 12 rooms and a cozy little living area with a warm fireplace and friendly faces, this place certainly has the feel of an old-fashioned bed and breakfast. Except for the fact that the mistress of the house doesn’t come (if she’s home at all) and breakfast is served to you personally.
The dining room opens onto a balcony overlooking peaceful Oak Creek. There will definitely be competition for the use of this outdoor space during the warmer months. An outdoor wood plank staircase leads down to a tranquil lounge area along the stream. Although the water is calm today, we have seen some fascinating rushes of water through this stream in the past. Even when it hits smooth rocks or fallen trees, the sound is very soothing. When calm, the water surface is like glass. And it reflects the vibrant colors of the tree canopy above. Once you’re above the tree line, you’ll get stunning views of Sedona’s iconic red rock country.
The Inn Above Oak Creek was a pleasant surprise and a real treat this birthday weekend. It is within walking distance of Uptown Sedona’s shops and historic district. traquepaqueperhaps Sedona’s crown jewel. It was a bittersweet farewell at the end of the weekend. This writer is moving to Austin, Texas in a few months, and may never have the opportunity to visit this Inn or any other location in Sedona again.
PS: Happy birthday to my talented editor, photographer, and life partner, Valerie Noel! I hope you enjoy it Dahl & Di Luca and Inn Above Oak Creek!
