Arcosanti — Hotel in Black Canyon City

Arcosanti is inspiring in design, but disappointing in reality. The architecture is stunning, but sadly that is the only part of my stay I can praise. The staff members completely ruined the experience, and these issues have been repeatedly complained in other people’s reviews.

I happened to break my foot on the way there, and that accident revealed what Arcosanti truly is — or at least what it has become.

With such unexpected injury and trouble to walk, I asked for a little understanding and human decency: i asked if possible to get a guest room closer and easier to walk to, an earlier check-in for some rest, or at least some info and guidance on which routes are more accessible. The guy behind the gallery counter was openly rude, dismissive, and misleading. I was assured there were no stairs from parking to the guest room (though there are), and that rooms were no way ready (while it was obvious from the glass walls that many were completely vacant and already prepared, towels neatly folded inside). I am not asking for too much and it is totally understandable if no exceptions can be provided, but I believe any human who have basic manners and the capability for compassion would by instinct see what they can help with at a reasonable level.

Arcosanti itself presents as an utopian community experiment, yet ironically I have felt more of that spirit in far more ordinary places — wildlife workers, volunteer groups, or just random ordinary people, with no remote desert setting and no fancy architecture, but with far more genuine warmth and sincerity. Architecture can inspire, but it is people who really bring those bricks and...

I stopped by here my wife after a quick stay in Flagstaff for a weekend, and we had an interesting visit. I wanted it to be super cool and really awesome. but I left with the feeling of "why the heck is such a cool unique place falling apart and in shambles."

From the tour by a resident, we were led to believe that this started out as an experiment. It was to be an example of what a close knit, sharing community could be like. Decades later we have our answer: there's major leaks throughout the building and the whole community is in disrepair.

Rather than feeling inspired I felt like I wanted to help them find solutions to turn this place around. Unfortunately you can't help those who don't want it. I asked the guide why they don't look for funding they said that they do, they're just very picky about who they get it from and how much they are willing to take. All I can say after touring the grounds is that what they have been doing is not working and they need to come up with a mission statement or some sort of goal with direction. This place really is a gem and a site to behold. It overlooks a beautiful canyon and the architecture and Philosophy is truly unique. I just see massive amount of untapped potential if the community were in the right hands had...

Love this brutalist colony in the middle of the desert landscape. The architecture is beautiful and surreal, almost eerie to see people still living in an academic and cultural community. We stayed about 3 nights in one of the rooms in Sept 2021. I recommend taking a trip out for a guided tour but not staying over night. We didn’t have an air conditioner so it was unbearably hot… some long term visitors did have air conditioners but they were staying there for months. We asked in advance to see if we can get a room with an AC, but nothing could be arranged at the time. There isn’t much around other than some fast food chains and it’s in a remote area so you have to drive out to get some food and necessities. Even though the foundation welcomes people to take tours and learn about the significance of the architectural and sociological movement, we didn’t get a sense of hospitality from the residents. Maybe it’s because they had families with little children around who were being exposed to strangers everyday. Regardless, I highly recommend taking a guided tour to learn...