Cottonwood Hotel — Hotel in Cottonwood

I have heard of a Ghost hotel but never a Ghost staff. The intent of this review is to share this hotel doesn't operate like a typical hotel because there's no front desk and the only way to book is through their website. Previous reviews share encounters with the hotel's owner, but now there is no one to interact with as it no longer has a front office or lobby. It's shuttered. No one answers their phones and you can only book online, so it operates more like an Air B&B without a host that can answer pre-check in questions. ||||I get it, things change in life, but I hope the owner reads my review and makes updates to their website that explains these changes to manage people's expectations. And I don't want others to go through what I did. Rooms vanished over night when I was ready to book the morning I left for Cottonwood. I waited hours to get a response to see if their system just doesn't allow for day of bookings or if they simply sold out. I never received a response and eventually had to make a plan B and booked at a close by motel. |||| When we arrived in Cottonwood , and strolled by the hotel we noticed the front lobby windows closed and there was a note on their front door stating they only accept bookings online. We enjoyed a great lunch across the street at Merkin Tasting Room where you can look at people passing by the hotel. We noticed other tourists also trying to enter the front door of the hotel, asking if rooms were available I presume, and were met with the same experience. I am hoping things are okay with the owners and that they can improve their communication better on their website - and avoid this happening with...

To start off, I want to be up front, this is not the place we wanted to stay. My wife and I made a late decision to head up north for our anniversary, and this was the only place that had availability on main Street. THANK GOD! We stayed in the John Wayne suite that was right next to the balcony. And I honestly believe that the people that passed this over for somewhere else, absolutely missed out!

Now you have to keep in mind, this place is historic, the bathroom is tiny, the wood floors are creaky. However, I have stayed in places similar that were not as clean, quaint, and centrally located. It is very secure, your privacy is guaranteed, decorated perfectly to highlight the history, but also provided modern comforts. Second floor patrons can sit on the (shared) balcony and people watch from above, while enjoying a glass of wine. You are treated to a beautiful view which I am imagine would change as the seasons do.

And this is where I get to talk about the innkeeper, Karen, and her trusty Great Dane Malak! Her communication is fantastic, but if you want privacy, you will get that. I would suggest not wanting that much privacy because you need to talk to her about the building, the history, and what she did to restore it to the prohibition times when it was in its glory! Karen is a beautiful soul! And Malak is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met, but also lets you know it's his world, and your living in it. Cottonwood Hotel also offers private parking (reasonable additional charge) which is absolutely essential on weekends.

We are not just planning another trip to stay there on our way through, we are specifically planning a trip to stay...

I was fortunate enough to be chosen for Yelp's field trip to the Verde Valley Canyon Railroad. Knowing the night culminated at the Blazin' M Ranch, I wanted to secure local accommodations, as I knew I wouldn't be feelin a 2 hour drive home after a wildly fun day.

In the event confirmation, Lindsay included a link to the Cottonwood Hotel with a discount code. That was all I needed... ROOM... BOOKED!

Karen, the proprietor was gracious, politely appearing titillated with my non-stop attempts at the humor biz, and personally escorted me to my Wine Room suite. I found the decor appealing, and had my wife been there, she would have as well.

After a raucous night of carousing with all things west & wild, I headed for that inviting double bed... but first... stopped to relieve those sloshing iced teas I chug-a-lugged at the saloon. After raising the seat, I let it fly... closing my eyes to become fully in-tune with what is probably the third best sensation the human body can produce.

It was right about then, that the teetering seat came crashing back down. How can I put this? It was like Hakeem Olajuwon jumped from the bowl and swatted my hi-pressure stream back in my general direction. The loud crash along with the warm feeling of 'wet leg', which consequently is probably the thirty-seventh worst sensation, jarred me back to reality.

That was the only downside of this particular room. I also enjoyed the experience again the next morning, which highlights the fact that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

Next time I'm in town, I'll be back... this time...