I have a special place in my heart for tiny boutique hotels. It may be a little smaller than some of the other chambers, and there aren't enough spots for everybody, but that just makes the few who do make their way into my good graces all the more special. I can give each and every one the loving care and attention they deserve. And thus began my new segment on boutique hotels that I just adore.

If there is such a thing as an icon for boutique hotels, a type that prides itself on diversity and individuality, the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa could be regarded as it. It may tend towards a little bit larger and a little bit more standard in its service and amenities than some of the more outlandish design hotels, but in its solidity lies its strength. Sedona Rouge does everything that a boutique hotel should, and it does it very well. The specialty of the hotel is, of course, its spa, which is a destination in and of itself. Customizable treatment and ample facilities mean you can always find what you're looking for, and a few things that you weren't. Enjoy the outdoor seating at Reds Restaurant in their cozy bamboo garden, and when you're done, you can soak in their heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Sedona Rouge brings the Mediterranean to the Southwest, transplanting the European hotel spa culture to the breathtaking landscape of Arizona's mountainous desert regions.