As the son of two biologists (herpetologists), Whitney would be remiss not to mention the area's surprisingly rich wildlife. Observers may expect to see lizards, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, doves, quail, scrub jays, pinion jays, Steller's jays, canyon wrens, red finches, white-throated swifts, swallows, black phoebes, ravens, crows, song sparrows, cardinals, hawks, turkey vultures, and butterflies. Rarer but still possible sightings include roadrunners, eagles, goldfinches, yellow warblers, orioles, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, pocket gophers, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, mule deer, and javelinas. Like much of the Southwest, Arizona, including Sedona, is also the land of the scorpion; and unfortunately these unwelcome intruders sometimes even get inside. We hope, however, that this will not deter you from joining the millions who live here and the millions more who visit and enjoy the Southwest’s spectacular scenery and endless vacation and sightseeing opportunities.

The Penrose features five guest rooms: one on the first floor, four on the second. Each room's private bath has either a two-person shower or a double Jacuzzi with separate shower. The downstairs guest bedroom has its own porch, those upstairs individual balconies. All these rooms have large east facing windows with sweeping views of the area's many red rock formations.

The Penrose serves a complete breakfast from 8-9 AM in the breakfast room or, if guests prefer, either on the deck or in the courtyard. Together with its ceiling fans the room’s bank of windows facing the red rocks gives it the feel of a screened porch. Separate tables permit private dining for those who prefer privacy. Starting with orange juice and coffee or tea, we offer a fresh fruit course followed by a different hot entree each day, e. g., berry ricotta cream crepes, chilaquiles on a bed of black beans, or New Orleans praline French toast. Low cholesterol, vegetarian, allergy-free, diabetic, and other special needs breakfasts are available upon request.

Snack time is anytime at The Penrose. Guests have continuous access to fresh fruit, fresh-brewed coffee and tea, a fridge full of free drinks (bottled water, pop, coffee drinks, fruit juices, and Gatoraide).

During the warmer months late afternoon is a perfect time of day to sit on the deck where, in the comfort of shade and a light breeze, guests can watch afternoon sun and shadows playfully change the color of the red rocks and the valley green as the vast monument shadows creep across the valley and up the sides of its eastern mesas. Visitors may also be intrigued by the sheer variety and subtle colorings of the ever changing cloud formations. Later, dark brings out stars above, scattered village lights below.

We are unable to accommodate pets. The Penrose is a smoking, incense, and candle free environment. You are, however, welcome to bring your own liquor.   While striving to maintain a friendly, congenial atmosphere, we respect guests' privacy and understand that people may not always be in a sociable mood. Accordingly, for example, flexible breakfast seating permits guests to eat separately or together.

We are conveniently located on three acres in a quiet residential neighborhood minutes away from Bell Rock (one mile) and highway 179 (one-half mile), The Village of Oak Creek's main street. The Village contains restaurants, art galleries, three golf courses, spas, and a factory outlet mall. We are two miles south of Sedona's city limits. A beautiful 6-mile drive through some of the area's most dramatic red rock monuments leads from The Penrose to downtown Sedona and its many additional attractions.