There are three lodging options in the Madera Canyon, and you won't go wrong with the Santa Rita lodge. Because of the limited parking in the Canyon, they need to be strict about parking rules and check-in/check-out times, but from the moment we arrived we felt welcome and at home. While the staff was dealing with many issues at once, they were able to answer our questions and get us into our room asap, just a bit early. As soon as you park in the "gift shop"/reception parking, you realize you are in bird heaven. They have a huge bird garden that was mobbed with local birds. They have an outside viewing area and another area with chairs after passing through the shop. The shop includes coffee drinks, ice creams and snacks, and the porch is a great place to stay while waiting for a room. Our cabin (#1) was absolutely perfect and had a fantastic view of the birding area, but you won't go wrong with any cabin. Interestingly, the cabin has a slight tip to it, but it was more amusing than annoying. It gets cold in the evening and the two heaters were easy to use. The kitchen was well equipped and we had no problem cooking the microwave food we brought with us for dinner. Be sure to note that there are absolutely no dining or food purchase options in the canyon, you must bring your own. We had one issue with the TV. Normally I never use TVs in hotels, but I wanted to watch a few minutes of a football game. They had just installed a new Roku operating system a few days before and it didn't work well at all. A very nice maintenance guy got us connected but there was no channel with the game. Even after I turned the TV off, it kept coming back on again. We eventually just unplugged it. Again, this wasn't a problem at all, but they need to work on the new system. You are not there to watch TV!!! We had a very comfortable night and enjoyed the birding and the coffee shop again the next morning. A wonderful stay, and highly recommended. read more

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This is for their shop and birding experience. Would give 6 stars if I could. They do a superb job of making the many unique birds highly accessible to all. The staff are super knowledgeable and kind, and they clearly have spent a lot of time making everything great. This is one of the most interesting ecological areas in the state and well worth a stop for hiking or just walking in the forest. Bring binoculars! read more

What a lovely stay!Rustic cabin feel but with amenities you want/ need for a get away. The cabin was clean and comfortable. It's located next to the bird feeders and the gift shop within walking distance which makes it an ideal. You get a parking space with your cabin. There is a front and back porch for bird watching, a nature sound bath, reading ... or anything. Of note, the front porch is shaded. With beautiful trees, mountain views and being away from city life it's perfect to unplug and connect with nature. The shower is a little 'odd' - it's pretty high, almost directly over your head, and the shower head is small. If you are on the shorter side, it can be a bit challenging to move the shower head to where you need it. This cabin slants a bit. I think it just adds the rustic-ness of it. Enjoy it. A few other things you need to know- the cabins are in Madera Canyon which is part of the Coronado National forest. There are no restaurants- so bring a fun picnic to enjoy. Or you can drive 25-30 into town for food. You will likely have no cell service when in Madera Canyon. The lodge / cabins do come with wifi included. You are in a forest. Be responsible- clean up after yourself, expect wildlife to exist, don't try to feed or pet wildlife ... and sure as heck don't expect sympathy if you get attacked by wildlife for your stupidity if you try to friend them or don't take caution. The lodge has several bird feeders and you can spend hours enjoying birdwatching. Also you can request a humming bird feeder for your cabin ( how cool is that!) Super fun experience. Definitely will be back. read more

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The birding is stellar. The cabins are clean. The owner is very friendly. My only recommendation is to bring enough food for a few days. It's a long drive into town, and you're going to want to be birding. Oh, bring trekking poles for some of the hiking. read more

I just completed an eight day stay at SRL. The casita was comfortable and more so, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They do an outstanding job in maintaining the hummingbird and songbird feeders. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!!! read more

I do not understand the lower than 5 star ratings. Staying here is like sleeping in the wilderness in style! Great little efficiency kitchen. No oven but coffee maker, two burner stove, & mini fridge. Plenty of hot water for a normal 3-5 minute shower. Great little heater / air conditioner keeps the room at your desired temperature. Comfortable bed. We were in Casita # 6. I like how close you can park to your room for super easy loading and unloading. We saw Coatamundi tracks when we arrived at night. Snow was on the ground. Elf Owl & Whiskered Screech Owl calling near by. My only wish was that the hummingbird & other feeders were full. We woke to snow! And the road closed below the lodge! read more

Santa Rita Lodge - Bird feeder area - Hotels Near Me - Madera Canyon, Arizona

Update: it looks like the owner has stepped up his game in terms of running the Lodge for the satisfaction of guests. Things have improved significantly since we stayed here 4 years ago. More and better-trained staff, upgrades to cabins, and there is a more guest-centric emphasis. read more

A very great place to stay if you love wildlife. The newly remodeled lodge will delight the weary traveler. The kitchens are not stocked super well but adequate. Bring everything you need. read more

Santa Rita Lodge - Hotels Near Me - Madera Canyon, Arizona

These are very old cabins (somewhat modernized, not too much) inside a national forest, paneled in a kind of knotty pine that I don't think you can even get any more. Our cabin was one big room with a well-appointed kitchen alcove, though the tableware was kind of odds and ends. Advantage: hummingbirds feeding at a feeder hanging just outside the window looking into the woods. No restaurant or market -- bring your own food or drive 25 minutes to Green Valley. It's a real housekeeping cabin: you get what you need when you arrive, and there's no further service in your unit till you leave. At least not in our experience. But when we ran out of coffee for the coffee maker, which IS provided, we were immediately given more. But you don't come here for the accommodations -- you come for birding or hiking the canyon, especially to look for the rare trogon (that's a bird, but if you don't know what it is you probably won't like this place). At dusk this spring many of the guests and some visitors gather at the birdwatching area to wait for an elf owl to emerge from a hole in an old/unused telephone pole and go out to catch moths to eat. During the wait the birders all compare notes on what they saw or photographed and where others can find it. A really friendly atmosphere. This place is famous among birders, for the trogons and many other rare species. read more

Santa Rita Lodge - A trogon in a tree in Madera Canyon, April, 2015. - Hotels Near Me - Madera Canyon, Arizona

Charming place in a delightful setting. Wonderful staff. Right price for a cabin overlooking a creek. The company of deer, turkey, beautiful hummingbirds, and the ever present delight of acorn woodpeckers added to a joyful stay. Relaxing and peaceful. Looking g forward to going back. read more

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This place is definitely "for the birds." The casita had a microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge as well as the basic utensils, plates, and cups. The feeder area was a wonderful place to spend each morning with a cup of coffee and binoculars. Be sure and bring a nectar and seed feeders as others do to be hung outside your room. read more

A birders' paradise. I enjoyed my visit and hope to revisit soon. Good trails And gorgeous views. A good companion is also a must! Keep your ears open!! read more

The room was clean. The employees were polite. The bird feeders often ran dry. I would not recommend a stay here to a fellow birder.

I stayed at the Santa Rita Lodge in April. Why go there? As the previous reviewer stated -- it's for the birds. Madera Canyon has some of the best birding in the area. But the "Lodge" has only sleeping accomodations, a deck from which to watch the avian creatures, and a nice little gift shop. There are no dining facilities, no place to purchase groceries. You have to bring your own -- although the units do have small kitchenettes. The owners are nice folks, and the gift shop stocks a number of bird-related items. read more

I would NEVER recommend this place...the lady...owner perhaps? was delightful...the man was extremely rude...when you are in the hospitality business there is a proper way to correct a potential guests innocent error...being extremely rude is not one of them read more

We have stayed a couple of times and during our most recent stay we observed that our cabin was recently remodel/updated along with several areas of the lodge property. The lodge is located in Madera canyon an excellent location for birding and hiking. Our cabin #11 was equipped with a full kitchen and separate bedroom. The cabin had a private deck, AC, WiFi, Satellite TV. It's location provides us a quick getaway from the Phoenix metro area and it's summer temperatures. The staff is very helpful and the owner is nearby if needed. Only drawback is the fact that your in a canyon which may cause cell phone issues. Understand that the lodge is on the rustic side vs a typical resort. If you like nature your in the right place. read more

I would not recommend this place. Our stay here was a laughable one. We reserved a room for 3 people on Easter, just for one day . I was surprised there was vacancy on one of the busiest days of the year, but now I know why. Upon our arrival at 2pm, our cabin was not ready and we were asked to wait 15 minutes. Which I understood and was fine with it. During this time, the woman at the front desk informed us that our two month old counts as a full person even if she didn't sleep in a bed, which I thought was ridiculous but OK, then there's 4. She then asked us not to use their "free wifi" to stream any music or Netflix, etc. because they have limited data...She then asked me if my family was in the car. I said yes, and she said that we would need to shut the car off for the 15 minutes while we are waiting, because the exhaust was bad for the birds. I respect the birds habitat, but her knowing it's 90 degrees outside and there's a baby in the car, was even more ridiculous. There were also, hundreds of cars driving around that day. Anyway, we still decided to check in despite the ignorant request. I also noticed the owner taking pictures of license plates. People must have parked too long or something. The maid was taking her time cleaning things out but we finally unpacked and got settled. My parents and uncle were in the canyon at another site and they stopped in to see our girls for Easter, and were planning on spending a little time there. NOT staying. As soon as car pulled in (I think the maid called on radio ) the owner ran over to inform us there are no visitors allowed, not even for a minute. Can't even use the bathroom lol As an owner and manager of rental property of my own, I understand there are rules and regulations to abide by in order to keep your rentals in order, but come on. We just decided to leave rather then be watched the whole time. Also, the small grill they have is REALLY small. One of those cheap portable ones on the floor that you can cook two burgers on. lol We could not get a refund, but that's ok. Our girls had a great Easter elsewhere. The place itself would be decent, even though over priced, if not for the staff. It must be exhausting to feel the need to watch your rental all day. Customer service skills might be something this facility should invest in if they have a 20 year concession to fulfill. We will not be returning. I would recommend Mt. Lemmon for a stay. They have nicer, bigger cabins for about the same price and is just as beautiful. read more

Buyers beware!! Shopped at the gift shop on Thursday. As I was rung up and items were placed in bag I asked the one sales lady about other cards. She took me to another section and I purchased additional items. When I walked out and looked in my bag (fortunately) two items were missing. They stiffed me!! I found it funny that the one woman who didn't ring me up had her back to me as the second set of items were added. read more

We stayed in the Casitas . Pros: Hummingbirds, bats at sunset, hiking, a running creek besides the cabins (probably not year round though). You have everything you need to cook, etc. Like the other reviewer said, bring your own food. Cons: WORST BED ever. Every day I woke up with neck or back pain! Also, I know you're in the woods, but there were lots of bugs inside cabin, sometimes I would wake up with something crawling into my nose, lol. Also, you can hear your neighbors, no matter how quiet they are....For the price though, you would think they would invest in better mattresses. read more

No frills but loads of personality. Bring your own food or drive 15 minutes down the mountain. But the real deal is to bring your camera, binoculars and hiking boots. You'll find birders here all the time. They get birds migrating through in the spring and fall so you get a wide variety to see. The hummingbirds are the best. Broad billed, Black chinned, Magnificent and Anna's are very common but you'll see Rufus, Plain capped Star throat, Violet crowned and other hummingbirds as the migration north and south. The owners are wonderful and care about the people staying there. Steve has done a wonderful job ensuring the bird area is perfect for any bird wanting to stop and rest or eat. Even saw a Western Tanager this spring. read more

First time here, We were happy having a great time with the kids and cooking s'mores after a fun day of walking around and seeing the area. We only live 30minutes away near Green Valley in Rancho Sahuarita. We were discussing how nice it was and how we wanted to come back again soon when the owner came over and began talking to us. He introduced himself as the owner and us thinking he was making sure our stay was going well said everything was great, to which he began heckling us about there being five of us, two adults and three children (11, 4 and 2). He said be "up front" with him to which I responded I thought I had on the website when I made reservations, he responded I didn't and he "can see five of us". As a 34 year old responsible mother of three I'm not in a position to try and "get one over" on anyone so the blatant accusations of me possibly misleading someone for my own benefit is simply stupid. Although he was nice enough about it, there was no reason to ruin our night, he could've easily discussed it in the morning at checkout or called, not quite sure what he got out of bothering us about it. Sadly we won't come back again, that's just bad business and terribly inconsiderate. read more

I did a phone search of places near Madera Canyon. This place came up so I called them. I talked to an employee about a reservation. I explained to the employee that I had a 10 hr drive and was not sure i could make it all in one trip. I asked the person working (turned out it was the owners daughter) if i could not make it if it was ok to cancel without a fee. She said that was fine and for that day there were many openings. I endend up being too tired to make it so i called at 2pm the day before my reservation and told the girl i wasn't going to be able to make it. She said that was ok and that was that. The next day the owner called and said they were going to charge me for the room. I told him what his employee said. He said she made a mistake and she admitted she did also. I said your employees mistake shouldn't cost me money. He was a jerk and i had to explain everything to him 4 times. Afterwards he fraudulently charged a fee to my credit card which i am fighting. Beware. He really seemed like he needed money and double check your cards. read more