Article • Arcosanti, Arizona, USA, North America
An Affordable and Unique Lodging Experience in the Town of Arcosanti Arizona
Last Updated On: March 15, 2022
The town of Arcosanti Arizona might not be as popular as the Grand Canyon, but it still attracts up to 40,000 visitors each year and for good reason, there really is nothing quite like it. This site is especially popular amongst architects and designers who are drawn to its unique design facets and the idea of expanding their knowledge of sustainable building methods and materials. Arcosanti sits at an elevation of 3,732 feet and boasts stunning views of the surrounding Arizona mountains. It is only about an hour north of Phoenix and an hour south of Sedona, making it a perfect stopover to break up your trip. After exiting the freeway, follow the signs down a dirt road until you can see the unique structures in the distance.
Even though Arcosanti has been in operation for 50 years, it still inspires many architects, urban planners, and designers from all around the world.
The city is an active urban laboratory that was created in the 1970s by an Italian architect named Paolo Soleri. His vision was to create an urban utopia for sustainable living, a community that inspires human development to find ways to build more sustainable cities by implementing three-dimensional building methods to make the best use of space and resources.
The compound is a combination of multiple buildings, an array of three-dimensional, geometric, and circular concrete structures that are interconnected by steps and spacious outdoor spaces. When you walk through the grounds you will notice a multitude of ceramic windbells. The Architectural Insights Tour explains quite nicely how the ceramic windbells have influenced the way Arcosanti was constructed.
People from all over the world meet here from every walk of life. Some are permanent residents and others only stay for a few months to join a workshop or an internship. But if you want to get an inside glimpse of this one-of-a-kind desert-dwelling then book a night or two at one of their onsite Airbnb’s or stop by for a guided tour.
Please be aware that visitors are not permitted to explore the grounds and architecture of Arcosanti unaccompanied. The Visitors Center, Cafe gathering space, and Windbell Gallery are the exceptions and are accessible to visitors who do not wish to take the guided tour or book a stay.
What is there to do at Arcosanti?
1. Book an overnight stay at Arcosanti:
Choose between the Greenhouse Guestroom, the Sky Suite, the Sun Suite, or the Studio (currently unavailable).
Arcosanti offers a very serene environment if you are looking for a remote weekend getaway or a quiet stopover on your road trip to Sedona Arizona. These modest yet beautiful accommodations attract couples, solo travelers, and families alike. All rooms come with the bare essentials and feature mid-century modern decor. The accommodations are not designed with luxury in mind but with the intention to provide their guests with an experience that replicates Soleri’s intention to bring people closer to nature and vice versa.
My favorite part about our stay was the incredible sunset and sunrise views. We stayed at the Sky Suite with friends and had a wonderful time getting lost in conversation over good food and enjoying the peace and quiet of this unique place. Sometimes less is more.
The Sky Suite might just be the most impressive suite of them all, with sweeping desert views through the expansive glass walls that surround the living space. Featuring two rooms, one with a full bed and the other with two twin beds, the suite can accommodate up to 4 people comfortably. Fall asleep to a star-covered night sky and awake to the most mesmerizing sunrise. As the name implies, it is located on the second floor with a spacious outdoor deck boasting stunning panoramic views of the high desert landscape, further adding to the magic of Arcosanti.
2. Visit the Gift Shop & Dine at the Seasonal Cafe Atmosphere
The Gift Shop can be found in the main building along with the seasonal Cafe Atmosphere. Here the famous windbells can be purchased and a light meal can be enjoyed. The menu has a rather limited selection of food items, but the sunset views are spectacular. The space incorporates natural lighting and ventilation, featuring the stunning surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows. A space to feel inspired and let the creative juices run free.
3. Book a Guided Tour
Guided daily sightseeing tours are available for those interested in visiting Arcosanti for the day. The tour is led by resident tour guides who are happy to share their knowledge about the unique architecture, history, and overall grounds of Arcosanti.
3. Enjoy a scenic walk
Head on a self-guided hike through the canyon to the other side and admire the rather impressive site of Arcosanti from afar. Simply walk into the visitor center and follow the stairs down until you reach the back of the building. There you will find a small trail leading through the canyon. Follow the path until you reach the viewpoint facing towards Arcosanti. It is debatable whether the best sunset views are from Arcosanti into the valley or from the viewpoint towards Arcosanti. Best to do both if you have the time.
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