An Extra Day

Question

I'm looking forward to introducing my husband to Sedona. I've been a few times with my sisters and our mom - we love it.

After an overnight stay at the GC, I have booked an AirBnb for 4 nights in west Sedona, May 10-14. I just realized today that our flight back to Houston is on May 15. Our AirBnB is has an incoming booking so extending our stay there one more night is not an option.

Check into a hotel for one more night in Sedona, or move on to somewhere like Prescott or other small town along the way back to Phoenix?

Advice appreciated!

Sarina

Answer

Since your AirBnB in west Sedona cannot be extended for May 14-15, you have a couple of options: stay one more night in Sedona at a hotel or move on to a nearby town along the way to Phoenix. Both options have advantages depending on whether you want to maximize Sedona time or ease your travel back to the airport.

Option 1: Stay Another Night in Sedona

Staying in Sedona allows you to continue enjoying the red rock scenery, perhaps do a short hike, visit galleries, or have a relaxed morning before heading to Phoenix. For one night, you might consider:

L’Auberge de Sedona: Upscale resort along Oak Creek, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. Ideal if you want a luxurious final night.
Enchantment Resort: Nestled in Boynton Canyon, offering spa services, hiking access, and scenic surroundings.
Mid-range hotels: Options such as Amara Resort or Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa provide comfortable stays with pools and central locations for dining and evening strolls.

Option 2: Move to a Small Town Along the Way

This can make your drive to Phoenix on May 15 less stressful and break up the journey, especially if you want a quieter evening outside Sedona. Nearby options include:

Prescott: About 1.5 hours from Sedona, charming downtown with historic streets, restaurants, and a relaxed vibe. Good for an evening stroll and dinner.
Cottonwood or Jerome: Cottonwood (about 30 minutes from Sedona) offers quaint dining and lodging, while Jerome is a historic hillside town with art galleries and views — both give a unique small-town experience.
Camp Verde: Around 40 minutes from Sedona, quieter and more practical if you want to be closer to the I-17 corridor heading to Phoenix.

Recommendation

If your priority is to squeeze in more Sedona experiences and enjoy a final evening in the red rocks, staying at a hotel in Sedona is the better choice. If you prefer to make your travel day to Phoenix shorter and more relaxed, staying in Prescott or another nearby town is practical. Since your flight is May 15, consider an early morning departure from any location along the I-17 corridor for convenience.

Additional tip: Book early as May is a popular time in Sedona and surrounding towns, and last-minute availability can be limited.