Lodge at 5600 — Hotel in Payson

This is a very late review, but we had a wonderful stay at the Lodge over Labor Day weekend ‘22. We arrived very late in the evening, driving in from Sedona. It gets pitch dark in Pine, let me tell you.. also, am I the only one that didn’t know the area looks more like northern Wisconsin then what I thought Arizona looked like!? We flew in from Chicago earlier that week, when we drove up into Pine I thought we went through a wormhole back to the Midwest, it was bizarre to feel almost at home; especially coming up from the red rocks of Sedona! Anyway. It was really dark when we pulled up, so I didn’t get the full beauty of where we were staying until the morning. The parking area out front is well but dimly lit, which I like- just enough lighting to see where you’re going and what’s around for safety but not blinding. We were in the room called “Horses”, on the first floor. There are only 6 rooms, I assume they are all appointed as well as ours. There was a full shower stocked with shampoos, body wash, etc., plenty of towels as well. The bedroom area has a nifty little electric fireplace below the wall-mounted tv as well as a small two person cafe table. There‘a also a small kitchenette area, beautifully made up of a live edge shelf, glass vessel sink, mini fridge and microwave. This area was well stocked with local info as well as lodge info. I didn’t realize the lodge was run more like an Airbnb, without the traditional check in or staff, but it worked fine, especially with all the helpful materials provided. The hosts were in contact and available via text or call at any time. The bed was SO comfortable, my fiancé and I still talk about it, lol. I did ask for an extra blanket when we happened to see the owners, I actually felt kinda bad because they are the nicest people and were cleaning the room next door, I didn’t want to feel burdensome, but when they came back with it, the owner said she freshened it up in the laundry for me! It was literally still warm from the dryer. It was so beyond what I was expecting I almost felt embarrassed. You have access to the back via a sliding patio door where there’s this beautiful artificial lawn with a gorgeous view of the namesake pine trees (we saw many eagles flying overhead). There’s some patio chairs and a bench swing. Attached to the lodge is a cute little bakery café run by a different family, that provides tasty breakfast items and sandwiches. I believe the mother is the baker, and the sons with their families run the front of house. There’s not much to do in Pine or Strawberry (I don’t think so?) but if you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend staying at The Lodge at 5600. The hosts are gracious and the accommodations lovely. If we find ourselves back out that way, I very much hope they have a booking available, as I’ll be staying longer than a...

I've been visiting Pine / Strawberry my entire life and it's a special place. It's interesting to see how the area has evolved, and in many ways has stayed the same. Lodge 5600 is a newly constructed, small boutique hotel and is a welcome addition to the quaint mountain town of Pine.

The tastefully appointed rooms are modern, clean, comfortable and all perfectly situated to capture sweeping views of the Pine Valley with its dense stand of Ponderosa Pines -- the view here steals the show. The hotel seems a world away from the hustle, bustle (and heat) of PHX. The usually peaceful setting can get a little rowdy on weekends when fun loving Phoenicians descend on the area to blow off steam and ride off-road vehicles on the numerous area trails.

The hotel is currently run more like an AirBnb, with contactless check-in and door codes to entry. So, you are mostly on your own, communicating with the owners via email and text. The owners are generally reachable, and reasonably responsive (I say this based on my conversations with other guests - I had no need to reach out myself) It's not quite the same level of service that having onsite staff would provide, but I expect most people wouldn't find it an issue. The owners do frequently visit the property and greet the guests as they come and go. You do feel there is still a personal touch.

Unfortunately, the on-site bakery/cafe Life is Sweets has moved out, which I was really looking forward to having just outside my room. But Pine is very small and there are a couple great breakfast options, like The Early Bird. For dinner, Old County Inn has good pizzas and varied food options -- when many of the town's other taverns seem to share the same menu.

If you like your rustic mountain town visit to include a touch of comfort and modern amenities, Lodge 5600 is it. There is no better hotel option for a stay in Pine...

A Beautiful Prison Camp With Nice Landscaping

Booked the entire place with friends for 4th of July weekend—8 rooms, good vibes, lots of excitement. We thought we were headed to a relaxing getaway. Turns out… we accidentally checked into a scenic hotel run by the HOA from hell.

It all started when we innocently asked if there was a BBQ on-site. You’d think we asked to host a fireworks show and roast pigs on the lawn. The owners went into full DEFCON mode. We got hit with frantic phone calls, a BBQ usage fee (yes, really), and a contract so strict I’m surprised it didn’t require a blood sample.

Highlight: the contract said we had to take all our trash off-site. Even the room trash. If not, we’d lose our $200 deposit. Suggestions included hauling it to a Chevron up the road for a small $5 disposal fee. Nothing says “luxury weekend” like driving your garbage to a gas station in 100-degree heat. At $300/night, this was a plot twist.

Other fun facts: • Got emailed with a charge for $187.62 for “deep cleaning” after the stay. Reached out to Lisa (owner) to ask why. No response. Ghosted like a bad Tinder date. • The A/C units were more like decorative wall art. Everyone in our group slept like we were being slow-roasted. • Dogs are “allowed”… as long as they don’t touch the grass, stay inside or outside alone, or commit any acts of joy. • One towel per person. Want more? That’ll cost you. This place is running like a budget airline. • Brian (the co-owner) is lovely and easy to talk to. Lisa… not so much. Think of a cruise director with a clipboard and no chill.

In summary: gorgeous property, nightmare management. Would’ve been better off pitching tents in a parking lot. At least there we could throw...