You’re driving up the 87, the heat of Phoenix finally starting to shed like a heavy coat, and suddenly the saguaros disappear. They're replaced by ponderosa pines. Then, you hit it. Strawberry, Arizona. It isn't a bustling metropolis; honestly, if you blink while adjusting your radio, you might miss the turnoff. But right there, sitting like a curated Pinterest board come to life against the rugged backdrop of the Mogollon Rim, is The Strawberry Inn.
Most people think of Arizona as just red rocks or flat desert. That’s a mistake. Up here, the air smells like sap and cold dirt. The Strawberry Inn has become this sort of viral sensation, but not in the annoying way. It’s a boutique hotel that feels less like a lobby and more like your coolest friend’s guest house. It’s white, it’s crisp, and it’s become the anchor for a town that used to just be a bathroom break on the way to Pine.
What actually makes The Strawberry Inn in Strawberry AZ different?
Most mountain lodges are... brown. They are filled with taxidermy, dusty plaid curtains, and that specific smell of old cedar and damp carpet. This place flipped the script. When owners Amber and Carson Eilers bought what was a pretty rundown, classic roadside motel, they didn't just paint it. They reimagined what a "getaway" looks like for people who want the woods but also want high-thread-count sheets and a bathroom that doesn't feel like a horror movie set.
The main building is a classic "motor court" style. You park right in front of your door. It’s convenient. It’s nostalgic. But inside, it’s all modern farmhouse. Think shiplap, black accents, and literal "Inn" vibes. But here’s the kicker: they didn’t stop at the motel.
It’s a multi-campus experience now
You’ve got the original Inn, sure. But then they added the "Tiny Cottages." These are tucked away a short distance from the main property. If you’ve ever fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole of tiny home tours, staying here is your chance to see if you could actually live in 400 square feet without losing your mind. Spoiler: when the design is this good, you probably could.
Then there’s the "Guest House" and the "Bungalow." They even have Airstreams. They basically took over various pockets of the town to create a scattered-site hotel. It’s a clever business move because it keeps the town’s footprint small while offering totally different experiences. You can stay in a literal "canopy" (a raised glamping tent) if you want to hear the wind, or a full-sized house if you’re dragging the whole family along.
The "No Lobby" reality
Let’s talk about the check-in process because it trips some people up. There is no front desk. You aren't going to stand in line behind a family of five while a bored teenager looks up your reservation.
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Everything is digital.
You get a code. You go to your door. You punch it in. You’re home.
For some, this feels a bit cold. I get it. If you’re the type who likes a concierge to give you a physical map and a mint, you might feel a little lonely at first. But honestly? In 2026, most of us just want to get to our room and take our shoes off without talking to another human being. If you need something, you text them. They’re remarkably fast at responding. It’s efficient. It’s very "now."
Eating your way through Strawberry and Pine
You cannot stay at The Strawberry Inn and not talk about the food situation. The Inn itself doesn’t have a restaurant on-site, which is fine because you’re walking distance (or a very short drive) from some of the best high-country eats in the state.
- OLD SCHOOL CHOPS: The Windmill Coffee shop is right there. It’s built into a literal windmill. It’s iconic. Get the coffee, sit on the porch, and just breathe.
- PIZZA HUNGER: You go to Old County Inn in Pine. It’s maybe three minutes away. Their wood-fired pizzas are the real deal. Don't skip the wings. Seriously.
- THE PIE TRADITION: The Strawberry Lodge (different from the Inn) is famous for its pies. It’s old-school. It’s the kind of place where the floorboards creak and the coffee is bottomless.
Is it actually quiet?
That’s the big question. Strawberry is a "mountain town," but the Inn sits right off Highway 87. During the day, you’ll hear the rumble of trucks and motorcycles heading up to the Rim. It’s not a silent monastery. However, at night, the traffic dies down to almost nothing. The stars up here are ridiculous. Because there’s so little light pollution compared to Phoenix or even Payson, the Milky Way actually looks like a cloud across the sky.
The Mogollon Rim of it all
The reason you’re really here is the Rim. The Mogollon Rim is a 2,000-foot escarpment that stretches across Arizona, and Strawberry is the gateway.
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If you’re staying at the Inn, you’re about 15 minutes from the Fossil Creek trailhead (though you need a permit for that, and they are harder to get than concert tickets sometimes). You’re also close to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. If you haven't seen it, it's the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. It’s a steep hike down, and your knees will hate you on the way back up, but standing under that massive stone arch while water drips on your head is a core memory kind of moment.
Addressing the "Instagrammable" Elephant in the Room
Look, the Strawberry Inn is famous on social media. It’s very "aesthetic."
Because of that, you’ll sometimes see people doing full-on photoshoots in the common areas or by the Windmill. It can feel a little performative. But if you look past the influencers, the bones of the place are genuinely solid. The beds are actually comfortable—not just "good for a motel" comfortable, but actually "I want these sheets at home" comfortable.
They use Tuft & Needle mattresses, which is a nice local touch since that company started in Phoenix. It shows a level of intentionality that most roadside lodging lacks.
Misconceptions about the weather
People come up from the Valley in July thinking it’s going to be 60 degrees. It won't be. It’ll be 85. But 85 in Strawberry feels like a dream compared to 115 in Scottsdale. The real magic, though, is in the shoulder seasons. October in Strawberry is elite. The air gets crisp, the ferns turn gold, and you can actually use the fire pits at the Inn without sweating.
Winter is also a gamble. When it snows, Strawberry turns into a literal snow globe. The Inn looks stunning covered in white, but keep in mind that Highway 87 can get gnarly. If you’re heading up in January, check the ADOT alerts. You don’t want to be the person in a Prius stuck on a slushy incline.
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The Business of the Inn
It’s worth noting that the Eilers have essentially created a blueprint for modern hospitality in rural areas. They didn't just build a hotel; they built a brand. You can buy the candles they use in the rooms. You can buy the hats. It’s a lifestyle play.
This has been great for the local economy. For a long time, Strawberry was the "quieter" neighbor to Pine. Now, it has its own identity. The Inn has brought a younger demographic to the area, which has spurred more small businesses to pop up nearby. It’s a lesson in how a single, well-executed property can lift an entire zip code.
Real talk: The limitations
It isn't perfect. If you're looking for a resort experience with a pool, a spa, and a valet, you will be disappointed.
- Space: The standard rooms are cozy. If you’re traveling with huge suitcases or three dogs, it’s going to feel tight.
- Amenities: There’s no gym. Your "gym" is the mountain.
- Dining: Since there’s no room service, you have to be okay with driving for food or bringing your own snacks. Every room has a microwave and a fridge, but don't expect a chef to knock on your door with eggs Benedict.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book a stay at The Strawberry Inn in Strawberry AZ, don’t just wing it. This isn't a massive Hilton with 500 rooms; it fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- Book the "Tiny Cottages" if you want privacy. The main Inn is great for the "vibes," but the cottages offer a bit more breathing room and a private porch area.
- Download your maps. Cell service in the mountains is spotty. Once you leave Payson heading north, your GPS might decide to take a nap. Download the offline Google Maps for the Gila County area.
- Check the Fossil Creek permit calendar. If you want to hike the falls, you must plan months in advance. If you can't get one, head to the Bob Bear Trailhead instead (it’s brutal but beautiful).
- Bring a jacket even in summer. The temperature swings 30 degrees once the sun goes down. You’ll be in a t-shirt at 4 PM and shivering by 8 PM.
- Visit on a weekday. If you can swing a Tuesday-Thursday stay, the price drops significantly and you won't have to fight for a parking spot at the Natural Bridge.
The reality of Strawberry is that it’s a place to slow down. The Inn provides the platform for that, but you have to be willing to actually do it. Turn off the phone (the Wi-Fi is good, but try to ignore it), grab a chair on the porch, and watch the elk wander across the road. That's the real Arizona.