Review of Dog-Friendly Arabella Hotel Sedona

Arabella Hotel Sedona is a budget-friendly lodging option in a town chock full of expensive hotels. This spot is located within walking distance from shopping center Tlaquepaque (a must-visit place brimming with boutiques that feels very European) and just a short ways from the center of Sedona's downtown. As you might have guessed, the hotel is also pet-friendly.

A warm welcome for my two dogs. 

It was recently remodeled and the dog-friendly rooms are all right next to a dog park featuring Sedona's red rock soil. I loved the convenience. Plus, the hotel's grounds make for a gorgeous setting for a dog walk. I've walked my dogs in too many drab parking lots and know this is a true pet parent perk. The hotel also has access to Margs Draw Trail, which is also pet friendly. I didn't get a chance to hike this, but I've read it's a fairly moderate hike.

Loved this on-site dog park. Sorry about the smudge.

Nice view, huh?

The hotel created a sunset vista view point, as you might have guessed from the sign. 

Here's the view you can get from your hike that starts at the hotel. It was cloudy on the day I went up there. 

As far as rates go, this is one of Sedona's more budget-friendly options with rooms costing a little more than $100 a night. But don't think that budget means you have to sacrifice.

The hotel has incredible views from the pool. I also liked the location. You're close to downtown without having to deal with the traffic.

Happy dogs on the bed!

From the roadside, the hotel looks a little run down. But inside, the rooms are clean and modern. Although the bed felt a little old and a tad lumpy--I'm a hotel bed connoisseur--but every other detail felt right. For the price and location, it would be hard to top this hotel.

Bonus: Arabella's most famous attraction is Elote Cafe. The Mexican food here is phenomenal. I've never had anything I didn't like. Try the elote--a sweet and spicy corn dish that you can scoop up with chips. The margaritas are also pretty damn tasty. You'll usually have to wait for a table, but it's well worth it.

The famed and must-try elote appetizer. 

Elote Cafe also has great drinks. 

**Please note: my stay was comped. Opinions are my own.  

Mountains You Should Climb: Tempe's "A" Mountain

When I first visited Phoenix back in January, I wanted a good hike and a great place to watch the Southwest's magnificent sunsets. And I found just what I was looking for at Tempe's "A" Mountain. This is a short, but steep, hike that will provide you with stunning views of the entire city. I mean, just look at that photo.

 Stunning, huh?

The path is all paved. You'll want to be careful at the top since you're fairly high up and many of the rocks you'll be standing on aren't exactly the sturdiest surfaces. A part of the summit is fenced off, but you can climb over that. Wherever you decide to end your hike, be sure to enjoy sweeping views of the Phoenix skyline. I always imagined a desert landscaped like Phoenix being drab and flat and dry, and it is all of that, but so much more. Take in the river. Appreciate the trees. Dig the view.

Either way, if you're a temporary visitor or a long-time resident, watching the Arizona sunset is a must-do. And so is hiking. If you're looking for a place where you can combine the best of both worlds, make it A Mountain. Plus, then you can tell your friends that you hiked "a" mountain when you were in Phoenix. Get it? I know, I know. How very punny.

Either way, enjoy the view from the top.

The Graduate: A Chic, Trendy and Pet-Friendly Arizona Hotel

As a pet owner, I always appreciate a trendy and chic pet-friendly hotel. Especially since those two adjectives typically don't apply to hotels that allow dogs. And that's what makes The Graduate in Tempe, Arizona such a great option for pet parents. This hotel chain is one of the hottest ones right now. And it's not hard to see why. The Tempe location is designed to look like a retro Mad Men-era hotel. Think prints, dark colors and old-looking decor inside the hotel room. 

 Pretty chic, huh?

 Psychedelic hallway, man.

As the name suggests, it's also designed to transport visitors back to their college days. Imagine how you would have decorated your dorm room if you actually had money. I appreciated the room keys that resembled ID cards, the composition notebook on the counter that served as a visitor's guide and the very Southwestern hanging art behind the bed. I loved most of the details here, but I especially liked the old school lamp in my room and bikes in the lobby. Just walking into the bright white hotel lobby made me feel like a film star from the 60s. 

 Anyone want to go cycling?

The mix of patterns and colors felt warm and inviting, not overdone or too busy.

And I love that the hotel is pet-friendly. As a pet owner, I appreciated the grassy area located behind the hotel and down a hallway beside the elevator where they could frolic and take care of business. The space comes complete with a handy waste bag dispenser too. It's a bit odd since this area is located right behind a bunch of sliding glass doors that lead to hotel rooms, but the curtains were always closed when I was out there with my dogs so it was never a problem.

The dog area. It's always nice to have one.

 Always helpful. Always.

 Don't you just want to chill by that pool?

I appreciated this at night so I didn't have to trek right through the lobby to let them out or venture too far from the property when it was dark outside. The area also leads to the hotel pool, but that wasn't a problem either.  

The room featured a balcony where I could sit outside with them. My dog's favorite feature was the comfy chair covered in fabric. I loved sitting with them there too.

 Rocket gettin' comfy.

Autumn in front of the mod-looking table top.

 The only words needed to describe this: Southwestern, collegiate chic.

 Rocket looking patriotic.

 I wish I owned this pillow.

 Gotta love that art.

 I want this lamp too.

 Room keys made to look like IDs. Plus, I love that old school library card holder.

Best of all was the hotel's location. It's across the street from ASU, less than a mile from the heart of Tempe--Mill Avenue--has two on-site restaurants and is right in front of a quiet and cute neighborhood. I loved being able to walk my dogs in this area. It made me and (probably them) feel right at home.

I loved walking down this charming, tree-lined street.

Let's all hope that the hottest hotels continue to allow dogs. Pet owners shouldn't have to miss out on the fun. 

 Please note: My stay was paid for as part of a press trip. Thoughts are my own.

Miraval: A Desert Oasis in Tucson

Miraval is a stunning, soothing getaway nestled in Arizona's Catalina Mountains. After just a few days, the calming spirit of the place will wash over you. You'll fall in love with the pink sunsets, green juice served at almost every meal and the stunning views you'll get when you're taking one of the spot's many exercises classes. And the spa here is not to be missed. Not only does it just smell great (like all spas do), but the entire place just exudes calm. From the sound of trickling water at the front desk to the soft lighting--just walking into the space will lower your heart rate. Lounge outside by the pool or enjoy absolute silence and gorgeous mountain views in the spot's quiet room while you wait for a treatment. 

The spa's entry.

It was raining when I visited Miraval just last week, but the outdoor beauty was not lost on me. My treatment room--where I received a fantastic, worked-out-all-the-kinks and left me feeling refreshed 100-minute full-body massage--even had a sliding glass door. That might not sound like much, but I absolutely loved hearing the rain fall during my massage. It brought me closer to the natural beauty of the spa, and I didn't even have to get up from the table. Details like that make all the difference, and I'm sure I'll be thinking of my massage for years to come.

Outdoor lounge. Can't you just imagine resting out here?