Getting It Right

As travelers we stay in a wide variety of lodging facilities. Criteria for perfection changes with each person. Rarely do we find one that truly gets it as close to perfection as the Southwest Inn in Sedona, Arizona.

I spent a lot of time researching Sedona lodging options before making reservations. Many options are expensive resorts, even the national brand hotels tend to be more expensive than in the majority of destinations. I read reviews and comments from lots of sources. One facility caught my eye – Southwest Inn. From making our reservations to check-out our experience was all that we desired and expected.

25+ Reasons to Stay at Southwest Inn

1. Quiet – well situated to mute road noise and well insulated between rooms
2. Clean – no linty corners and even passed my “behind the bathroom door” test
3. Location – on 89A at the west end of town, away from the worse of the congestion and  traffic
4. Corner, gas fireplace – A bit of evening March chill chased away with nice ambiance and on a timer
5. 3-way lamp switches with 3-way bulbs – you choose lighting level
6. Frig in cabinet – mini-frigs aren’t the latest in attractive decor, behind closed doors in a wooden cabinet much more pleasing
7. Clock/music player with pre-programmed music and iPod dock – softly playing when we enter
8. Pillows – plenty of pillows in good condition, I hate worn-out, lumpy pillows
9. Bedding – comforter warm without being heavy and quality sparkling white sheets.
10. Chair & Ottoman – A comfortable place to relax (if one spends any time in their room)
11. Free bottled water – staying hydrated in this climate is important
12. Coffee maker and mugs – pottery logo mugs, not squeaky Styrofoam cups
13. Flat screen wall mounted television – up to date with wide channel selection
14. DVD player – watch one of the many movies filmed in Sedona Red Rock County
15. Rental movies & microwave popcorn – DVD rentals available in the lobby, a free bag of microwave popcorn with each rental
16. Friendly helpful staff – everyone appeared to be pleased you’re their guest
17. Concierge – Well informed with excellent recommendations, dining to activities, good follow-up
18. Towels – an abundance of thick absorbent towels
19. Jacuzzi tub + roomy shower stall – large, well equipped bathroom
20. Bath mats for both tub and shower – smart thinking by someone
21. Robes – two terry-lined robes neatly folded on the bed at check-in, large enough for a man to use without looking silly
22. Heated Pool & whirlpool with towels – clean and well maintained
23. Price – not inexpensive but excellent value for the Sedona market
24. Wireless Internet that works – easy log on, good speed
25. Decor – Southwestern style without getting cute
26. Iron and ironing board – an amenity that’s almost standard today
27. Ceiling fan – preferable to the noisy fan in the normal AC/heater unit
28. Private patio – chairs and table for a private outdoor space
29. Complimentary breakfast – hot items, plus the typical Continental  buffet fare, hard-working attendant keeping food fresh and tables clean between uses
30. Restaurant menus – a large album of area menus to help make a dinner decision
31. Three computers, printer available  – guest computer room available with workable equipment
32. Hot drinks – available in the breakfast room all day
33. Parking – plenty of parking space for the number of guest rooms
34. Two luggage racks – details, details, details
35. Maintenance – when we had a small computer problem it was promptly taken care of
36. Scenery – this is Sedona!

When I started I guessed there would be 25 reasons I thought so highly of this lodging; I over achieved. We had a comfortable Southwest Inn stay and will definitely return the next time we’re lucky enough to be in the Sedona area.