I will be in Sedona for 2 nights and would like to ask if anyone has stayed at:
Bell Rock Inn
or
Sky Ranch Lodge
My preference is for a moderately priced property with some "character," not the usual chain motel/hotel. Don't want to be in the center of town. All recommendations would be appreciated.
Also, if anyone has a suggestion for an overnight stay near the airport prior to my departute, perhaps Tempe or Scottsdale?
Thanks in advance.

Bell Rock Inn is in the Village of Oak Creek, about 7 miles south of Sedona proper. It faces Hwy. 179 which leads south another 10 miles to I-17.

On the other hand, Sky Ranch stands on a 500 ft. tall mesa in the very center of Sedona, up where we have our airfield. The views are spectacular, there is no traffic noise, there is a nearby good restaurant, and the grounds of Sky Ranch are one big garden when spring arrives (which won't be long now). Compared to the glitzy resorts, Sky Ranch rates are quite reasonable. If it is atmosphere or character you seek, look no further -- Sky Ranch is your place.

If you change you mind about staying down town, we were pleased with the Best Western Arroyo Robles, where we stayed in February. Our newly redecorated room had a great view of the rocks and there was a very pleasant breakfast room. The rate was good.

We stayed at the Bell Rock Inn and enjoyed it very much. However that was several years ago, so can not vouch for it now.

Whenever we fly out of Phoenix, we usually stay overnight at the InnSuites Tempe PHX Airport. It certainly isn't anything fancy, but it is quite close, they have a shuttle and they have a complimentary breakfast. And they are right across the street from a Claim Jumper restaurant. http://tempe.innsuites.com/

Also, one of the better BBQ restaurants in metro Phoenix is just down the street a couple of miles.

http://www.bigcitybbq.com/locations/tempe-az01.htm

Dear Squeaky:

We stayed at the Bell Rock last summer. It was fine, nothing fancy. We lucked out and got a room facing the pool but if we would have had a room facing the street side, I don't think it would have been such a great experience. I would rate it a step up from a typical chain motel.

MY

About a year ago, my husband and I stayed in a small B&B inn outside Sedona in the Oak Creek Canyon called The Canyon Wren. Each of the 4 or 5 suites is a stand-alone cabin. Ours had a fireplace in the living room, a kitchen with a patio, and a loft bedroom with a deck overlooking the garden and koi pond. The owners were very personable. It's about a 15 minute drive to the downtown area. I would love to stay there again.

We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge and loved being away from all the tourists down below. We had a room with a view down to Sedona over to the other side of the canyon to the red rocks. It had a small kitchenette.

As USNR says, the gardens are beautiful and their is a nice pool.

Another vote for Sky Ranch. We've stayed there on two different trips to Sedona and enjoyed it very much. Great views and it's away from all the touristy stuff in Sedona.