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El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ Mountain Biking News for Sedona

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Mountain Bike Trails of SedonaSedona, Arizona offers mountain biking enthusiasts a range of beginner to advanced trails featuring spectacular red rock views and tough terrain.  Nowhere else can you find trails that offer Sedona’s unique blend of scenic vistas, slick rock, technical climbs and challenging switchbacks.

There are now new rules for mountain bikers implemented by the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest for specific areas in and around Sedona in order to protect the land and resources.

These new rules restrict mountain bikers from leaving official National Forest system trails and prohibit bikes from cross-country travel in several specific areas, however more than 170 miles of official trails remain open to mountain biking. The new restrictions are a result of unauthorized and unplanned trails used by mountain bikers that have have accelerated erosion and resulted in damage to fragile soil, archaeological and watershed resources near Oak Creek.

Mountain bikers must now remain on National Forest system trails and are prohibited from cross-country travel in the following areas:

  • Schnebly Hill
  • Airport
  • Carrol Canyon
  • Schuerman Mountain
  • Cathedral Rock

All official Forest Service trails remain open to mountain bikers except in a Wilderness Area. Over the past three years the district has added 45 miles of trails to foster increased opportunities for mountain biking; the total miles of trails in and around Sedona are now more than 170!

Each day in Sedona can feature a variety of challenging and exhilarating rides. After a day of adrenaline on the trails, mountain bikers staying at El Portal Sedona Hotel can return at the end of the day to their well appointed suite and relax on the patio with a glass of wine or an ice old beer, stroll over to historic Tlaquepaque shopping village for dinner or take advantage of a soothing massage at Sedona Spa, located just steps away from the pet friendly Sedona hotel. For  more information on mountain biking the trails in and around Sedona, call El Portal at 1.800.313.0017, Steve the owner, can help with trail recommendations and more.

Just remember to stay on the trails!

 

 

Sedona is One of the 10 Best Small Towns in America!

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That’s right because Fodor’s says so! 

With outdoor activities galore, amazing scenery, cultural events, energy vortexes and more – it’s no wonder Sedona is on Fodor’s list, not to mention these well deserved accolades 10 Best Cities for a Girlfriend Getaway by Smarter Travel Magazine10 Great Places to Indulge your Senses by USA Today, and Top 10 US Travel Destinations for 2013 by Lonely Planet.

Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce comments “On behalf of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, it is great honor to be placed on Fodor’s ‘10 Best Small Towns in America’ list. We are very proud to be recognized for our outdoor adventure, arts & culture, and rejuvenating activities that Sedona offers visitors and locals alike. It’s recognition like this that helps position Sedona as a premier destination in the United States. Congratulations, too, to the businesses recognized for top-notch service and world-class products and services. Sedona is lucky to have an abundance of tourism.”

Fodor’s says this about our beautiful town: “Red-rock panoramas and the mythical “vortex” energies set the scene for this spa and wellness haven.

The striking vistas and natural splendors that once inspired artists like Max Ernst and countless Western filmmakers are today attracting a mix of New Age healers, spa therapists, artisans, and wellness-seekers to this mellow desert town of just over 10,000 residents. Sedona is light on historic activities, so visitors are free to hike, mountain bike, or jeep-tour around the red-hued canyons and buttes; shop for jewelry and Native American crafts in the town center; and park themselves at spots likeElote Cafe for gourmet Mexican (and great views), or Dahl & Di Luca for elevated Italian. Many guests simply settle into a health-minded hotel and indulge in spa treatments, yoga sessions, and excursions to the Vortex, a rock outcrop that’s said to be a powerful source of ancient energy.” Read More…

El Portal Sedona Hotel Our Pet Friendly CourtyardEl Portal Sedona Hotel is located in the heart of this wonderful town.  Segner and his wife, Connie, built El Portal Sedona with the goal of creating a historically accurate luxury hacienda that is designed to make guests feel at home.  The property was also designed with pets in mind, and pets are always welcomed as a part of travelers’ families. It is a pet friendly Sedona hotel that welcomes pets with a treat basket and there are no fees for pets.   Segner says, “We actually want all our guests to have a ‘non-hotel’ kind of experience, where they can meet other guests and locals for a true Sedona experience.”  The Sedona hotel has several areas such as the great room and the courtyard where guests can relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day, unwind and chat with their hosts or other guests.  Segner also puts on a full gourmet breakfast each morning, where guests can prepare for the day’s activities.

For your Sedona accommodations call El Portal, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, 1.800.313.0017.

Create the Retreat of Your Dreams at El Portal Sedona Hotel

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Welcome to your Sedona Dream Retreat at El Portal Sedona HotelTucked away in the heart of Sedona is El Portal Sedona Hotel. As you walked through the vine covered entrance you enter into another time…a time of haciendas and eras gone by, where you can enjoy the serene, ageless spirit of Sedona in historic, yet luxurious surroundings.

The great room has a welcoming river rock fireplace, and nooks and crannies for you to get lost in. Your room is one of 12 uniquely decorated suites. Each one as beautiful as the next, with features such as hand woven rugs and pillows, stained glass accents and lamps; filled with all the modern amenities of this century.

Relax in your private patio or balcony with a cup of coffee or a mimosa…order breakfast, El Portal offers a gourmet breakfast in Sedona including omelets, pancakes, cinnamon French toast, as well as an array of à la carte items. You can enjoy this delicious breakfast in the privacy of your room or in the great room.

As you make your way into the day you might want to just delight in a good book and enjoy the views from the private central courtyard. The hummingbirds, the flowers, the red rocks all conspire to relax every fiber of your being.

Or you may be in need of a day of pampering…forget work, the children, even our gorgeous scenery for awhile and devote yourself instead to a lavish day of luxurious spa treatments. By special arrangement with Los Abrigados resort just across Portal Lane, El Portal guests have full use of Los Abrigados Spa and pool facility. We can make all the arrangements for your day at the spaEl Portal Sedona Hotel Great Room

If you prefer to wander further afield, an exhilarating hike might be more to your liking, or a jeep tour of the Sedona area. At El Portal our guests have personalized concierge services for Sedona and area, we will help you plan your day – we are at your disposal.

Maybe you would like to wander the streets of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, just steps from El Portal. This quaint and inviting shopping village is fashioned after a traditional Mexican village. Its vine covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways and magnificent arched entryways give you the feeling that Tlaquepaque has been here for centuries. Eclectic shops, galleries and artisans live in harmony in the beautiful natural environment.  It is a shopping experience like no other.

As the day winds down and you find yourself back at El Portal, enjoy our happy hour. This is an honor bar system for wine and beer, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres such as artisanal cheeses, salumes and a variety of olives. You may certainly take your wine to your room and delight in the joy of the day.

Dinner can be at one of the charming restaurants in the Village. There’s fine dining at Rene’s, delicious dishes at El Rincon or mouthwatering meals at Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. Just meander back to El Portal  - taking pleasure in the sights and sounds of the night.

Romantic Whirlpool BathIs there time for a romantic whirlpool bath? Maybe an in-room massage for two? This is your dream retreat – dream big!

At this AAA Four Diamond Hotel our priority is you, our guest.

For your dream Sedona retreat call El Portal at 1.800.313.0017

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ Fun for Pet Lovers in Sedona!

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The weekend of April 6 and 7 has two terrific events in Sedona for pet and animal lovers!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – Pet-A-Walkie

El Portal Sedona Hotel – Pet-A-Walkie

On Saturday, April 6 join the fun at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for the Second Annual Pet-A-Walkie Pet Parade and Festival. People dress up in costumes with their pets to raise money for the Humane Society of Sedona. Registration is at 8:30 and the Parade Line-up is at 9:30.  Dress yourself and your best pet friend up (not limited to dogs) and walk through Tlaquepaque on Saturday with other pet lovers. After the walk, there will be several pet contests with great prizes. Enjoy a fun filled day of entertainment, a pet photographer, product give-a-ways, a pet psychic, and pet activities. Or you can just enjoy the stores and pet vendors at the pet friendly Tlaquepaque. This event will help raise awareness and money for orphaned pets while promoting responsible pet ownership. All proceeds will benefit the Sedona Humane Society and each pet’s registration will be tax deductible. (Register today at humanesocietyofsedona.com).

“Be Their Voice! ~ Artists for Animals” Concert is Sunday, April 7 at Los Abrigados from 7-9 pm. This is a fundraising concert presented by Tom & Shondra and some of Sedona’s best entertainers making this a one-of-a-kind evening!  Entertainers include: Sammy Davis, Gail Kennedy, Eric Williams, Michael Peach, Shaeri Richards, Teri & Bob Bays, Paolo Scardina, Rev. Janet Kingsley, Doug Coblens, Mia Sadler, Sedona Rising Star Kennedy Shosted, Sedona Superstar Karla Bonner & other special guests!

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ Artists for Animals Concert

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ Artists for Animals Concert

There will be a cash bar, raffles with great gifts and more. Proceeds go to Humane Society of Sedona and Second Chance Center for Animals. Tickets are $25 and seating is limited. Get your tickets here, or at Bashas’ in West Sedona, Second Chance Center for Animals in Flagstaff, Rycus Corners and Canyon Moon Theatre in Village of Oak Creek. Tickets are also available at the door, although seating is limited.

El Portal is a pet friendly Sedona hotel located next door to Los Abrigados and just steps from Tlaquepaque Village. We love pets and encourage guests to bring their “best friends” to Sedona with them. This Sedona hotel never charges a pet fee, and welcomes pets with a treat basket of their very own. Make El Portal your home away form home for this incredible weekend of furry fun – and all for a good cause!

Our boutique hotel only has 12 guest suites, each uniquely decorated and each with a private entrance, patio or balcony,  fireplace, whirlpool bath, entertainment center and DVD, WiFi, telephone, luxurious linens and more.

For your weekend of furry fun call El Portal Sedona Hotel 1.800.313.0017

 

 

 

 

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ For the Music Lover in You!

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Join Chamber Music Sedona for a high definition concert on the big screen of the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra Sunday, March 24 at 2:30 pm in the Mary D Fisher

A magical afternoon with the Philadelphia Orchestra!

A magical afternoon with the Philadelphia Orchestra!

Theatre. This performance is a result of a partnership between Chamber Music Sedona and Sedona International Film Festival.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, in a firstof its kind partnership with Philadelphia Live Arts, collaborated with the New York-based Ridge Theater Company to present a 21st century interpretation of “The Rite of Spring” with dancers, video projection, and theatrical lighting. Also on the program a re Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and Ravel‘s Piano Concerto in G, which will be performed by star soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

Tickets:  $12.50 for CMS and Film Sedona Members, $15.00 General Admission. for more information visit Chamber Music Sedona.

Stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel and take in this afternoon of magical music! We are a 12 suite boutique hotel conveniently located along Oak Creek and mere steps from Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. El Portal is proud to be a pet friendly Sedona hotel, so while you are enjoying the performance, we will pet sit your four legged friend at no charge!

For your Sedona accommodations call 1.800.313.0017 or reserve online.

 

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ For Every Occasion

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El Portal Sedona Hotel Private CourtyardPlanning the perfect family reunion? A special anniversary celebration? A university graduation? El Portal is the place for every occasion! We can help you with all the arrangements for that special event – decorations, caterer, things to do and more. We have had numerous reunions and special occasions celebrated at our boutique hotel. One guest wrote “El Portal is a lovely site to consider for a family event or gathering. Our family just completed a three day reunion during which we rented the entire place. It was absolutely delightful in every way. The rooms pleased their occupants. Having the place to ourselves gave our group a home and central gathering point. This was especially true in the evenings when we sat around a fire in the courtyard and talked, shared stories and laughed together. I cannot imagine a better place for us to gather for our reunion. Steve, Terri, Connie and all the others at El Portal looked after our every need. All our guests left with smiles on their faces.”

El Portal is located in the heart of Sedona, so you will be close to all that Sedona offers. From wine tours and kayaking, to spa treatments and fine dining, from extreme mountain biking to easy hiking, Sedona has it all – something for everyone. We can book treatments, arrange tours, even send you off to the Grand Canyon with a picnic lunch. El Portal is a pet friendly Sedona hotel so no has to be left behind!

El Portal Sedona Great RoomAt these Sedona accommodations every room is unique and full of individual character. Room linens include featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets and bath towels, and premium down pillows and comforters for the ultimate in restful comfort. All guest rooms include television, radio, DVD, free internet (broadband cable, with wireless throughout the entire hotel and courtyard) and free local calls.

For your special celebration call El Portal Sedona Hotel at 1.800.313.0017 or visit us online!

Stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel for Spring Break ~ or Easter Holidays

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Family Fun at El Portal Sedona HotelYes it’s that time of year again – Spring Break, or for our Northern Neighbors – Easter Holidays! The kids are ready! You are ready! For fun and freedom! Freedom from school and homework; chomping at the bit to run, play, hike, bike, ready for FUN!

Take a family trip to Sedona and stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel. Sedona is a great place to bring the family, and at El Portal your family pet is more than welcome too, El Portal is a pet friendly Sedona hotel – we never charge a fee for your pet.

What is there for a family to do in Sedona? Well, there are a number of State Parks in the area offering junior ranger programs, guided hikes, environmental exhibits, hands-on-activities, fishing, canoeing and daily park events.

The Grand Canyon is less than a two hour drive from Sedona, and staying in Sedona lets you miss those huge Canyon crowds! El Portal can make arrangements for a Grand Canyon tour, complete with picnic lunch.

There are exciting helicopter tours, jeep tours of the Sedona area, and thrilling hot air balloon rides! We can help you plan horseback rides, or bike rentals too.

For those who require some “me” time, some quiet, “pampering” time (Mom), guests of El Portal have access to the spa and pool facilities right next door at Los Abrigados. Let us make your “me” time arrangements with a facial, or maybe a relaxing massage.

There is so much to do in the area for families. Whether it’s outdoor adventure you crave, to see the magnificent sights, or do the tourist thing – there’s never a dull moment! El Portal is just steps from Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, a “Mexican Village” with wonderful shopping, art galleries, candy shoppes,and great dining!Sedona Hikes

At El Portal we know who and what is pet friendly. Whether it’s restaurants, places, dog parks you need. We offer free pet sitting services for our four legged guests, and some of our rooms have pet friendly fenced patios.

So no matter what you want to do, Sedona is the place to do it! And El Portal Sedona Hotel is the place to stay in Sedona! Call 1.800.313.0017 for your perfect Sedona accommodations today.

For a limited time El Portal has a Sedona hotel special – book 3 nights or more and receive a $100 credit for a Sunset Jeep Adventure for your spring break vacation!

 

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ “Great dog-friendly experience & hotel!!”

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Guest review of El Portal, a pet friendly Sedona hotel, from TripAdvisor.comEl Portal Sedona - Dexter at 7 Months

“Great dog-friendly experience & hotel!!”

5 of 5 starsReviewed March 6, 2013 by William G of Reno, NV.

We spent a night last week with our two dogs on our way home to Nevada. I was pleasantly surprised by the fabulous experience, facility and location. From the moment we drove up to the time we left the experience was an A+. The charm of the hotel was second to none and the lemon pancakes for breakfast in the restaurant were the best I have ever had. The staff and owners couldn’t have been nicer and more friendly and the other guests and their dogs were very pleasant. Great location in Sedona…private and quaint with adequate parking. The room and hotel (nicer than the Hilton in Palm Springs where we stayed a week earlier) had lots of charm, a gas fireplace, free internet, courtyard, private. The experience at El Portal was like staying at a private boutique resort with super nice owners, great food all in a dog friendly environment. One would never have known there was a dog on the premises except when head breakfast in the restaurant. Would stay there again without the dogs. Wasn’t cheap but nothing any good is. We definitely got value received.

Room Tip: We stayed in #6 with a private dog area.
El Portal Sedona - The Hile Room Fireplace.Thank you so much, we appreciate all reviews from our guests.
At El Portal Sedona, we love our guests – two legged and four legged!  At El Portal we never charge a pet fee (up to the room limit), and we have a welcome basket for your canine companions! Please call for your pet friendly Sedona accommodations 1.800.313.0017

El Portal Sedona Hotel ~ Sedona, Arizona for an Exclusive Destination Wedding

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Destination weddings are special and different.  They don’t happen all of the time.  They are a lovely way to invite family and friends to a place that will hold special meaning in everyone’s hearts.  Somewhere away from the mundane, somewhere that will be remembered as the place where something extraordinary happened – your wedding.  

Sedona, Arizona is a hidden gem when it comes to destination weddings.  More accessible and affordable than remote islands, Sedona offers everything a wedding party could ask for in a destination: breathtaking views, spectacular outdoor spaces, stunning indoor architecture, gorgeous mountains, among many other things.

Sedona, Arizona is unique among many towns its size.  There are few other places that provide the scenic nature, enthralling day trips, boutique shopping, outdoor adventures, and quiet relaxation all within the same geographic location.  This eclectic mix means that Sedona offers something for everyone, making it ideal when it comes to brides, grooms, wedding parties, and guests with different tastes.  Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, a jeep tour of the beautiful red rock mountains surrounding Sedona; hike one of the many trails in the area.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

One of these boutique hotels is El Portal Sedona Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, located in the heart of Sedona. It is a truly exceptional place to have your wedding. The twelve room boutique Sedona hotel was designed and built with careful attention to detail, featuring turn of the century Southwestern design, 18-inch thick handmade adobe walls, recycled wood trim and natural native stone. The property features an intimate, romantic courtyard with dramatic surroundings of towering red rocks that is wonderful for a cherished wedding.

The inn also features a spacious great room that can serve as the perfect room for an intimate reception. That same meticulous attention to detail will be there in planning your wedding. El Portal provides guests with unparalleled personal concierge services for Sedona and area, and has created many memorable weddings for up to thirty guests.

El Portal Sedona Destination Wedding at the Segner Country Estate RanchBrides who entrust their special day to their hosts at El Portal Sedona Hotel will feel pampered and well taken care of, as they create unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s your very own wedding getaway.  No need to rush to a taxi and off to the airport, relaxation and seclusion are already at your fingertips.

When you stay with us at El Portal, we will help you plan the wedding dreams are made of. We offer a variety of wedding packages for indoor or outdoor weddings here at the inn, or at the Segner Country Ranch Estate. We have room for intimate weddings of 35 or smaller at the hotel, or up to 100 at the Ranch.

Please call El Portal Sedona Hotel, 1.800.313.0017 or visit us online.

During Spring Training Take a Trip to Sedona!

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Spring Training is a great way to spend Spring Break, take an Arizona getaway, or just watch your pre-season D’Backs! Wherever you’re from, spring training is filled with exciting games, great fans and all kinds of fun!

Fans are here to watch their favorite teams gear up for the 2013 season. 15 teams are in the metro Phoenix area. For visitors the Cactus League couldn’t be more convenient with short driving times between ballparks, full range of hotel, dining and shopping amenities, this truly makes the Cactus League the premier destination for baseball lovers.

Sometimes though your team isn’t playing. This makes for a conundrum…what to do? At El Portal Sedona Hotel we suggest you take a road trip to Sedona! We are under two hours from the Valley of the Sun, a scenic drive up I-17, with a few hidden gems of our own in the Verde Valley.

From El Portal you are steps from Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village – a collection of unique shops, galleries and artisans. With wonderful restaurants such as Rene’s, Oak Creek Brewery and Grill, El Rincon, and casual fare at The Secret Garden.

There are more than 30 hiking trails in the area – from easy to extreme, something for all hikers. At El Portal we can help you choose the perfect one for you.

El Portal’s guests have full use of Los Abrigados Spa and pool facility. This sprawling resort complex has a charming walking path along scenic Oak Creek, and several fine restaurants of their own.

Or if you just want to unwind and relax in the privacy of your own room, we can book an in-room massage for you! Just take a deep breath and let your cares float away!Enjoy a Glass of Wine on Your Private Patio

We are having a Spring Training Special – book two nights at El Portal  and when you bring in your ticket stub from a Cactus League game, you will receive 50% off your second night! That’s it – call, book , stay, play and get 50% off the second night! (Valid Sunday-Thursday, until March 15th).

El Portal is a pet friendly hotel and never charges a pet fee. We have information on pet friendly restaurants, grooming, dog parks, and if you happen to go where your four legged friend isn’t welcome, we will pet sit for free! This Sedona hotel has fenced pet patios for your convenience, and are the perfect place to enjoy your morning paper.

For your spring training special call El Portal Sedona Hotel at 1.800.313.0017!