The Strawberry Inn, nestled in the scenic Pine and Strawberry community, opened its doors in the fall of 2016. What started as a dream quickly became a resounding success, with the Inn selling out during its very first weekend of operation.
This unexpected success was a testament to the passion and dedication of its owners, Carson and Amber Eilers. They were determined to provide an unforgettable hospitality experience in a sometimes underappreciated – but still beautiful – part of Arizona.
Amber, who has deep roots in the Pine and Strawberry area, stumbled upon the listing for the inn by chance. Intrigued, the Eilers decided to check it out. After spending the night, Carson and Amber almost abandoned the idea, unsure of taking such a big leap.
But there was a magnetic pull to the area and the potential they saw in the property. They decided to push forward, purchasing the inn and transforming it into a welcoming, modern retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure in the great outdoors.
Carson and Amber dedicated themselves to a complete renovation, tackling much of the work, with Amber leading the design process. Their previous experience in the short-term vacation rental industry proved invaluable, and they applied the practices they learned to make the inn a place guests would cherish.
The Strawberry Inn’s unique approach to hospitality is a standout feature. Unlike traditional hotels, the Inn is “unhosted,” meaning there is no front desk, and the entire booking and check-in process is handled digitally. While staff is onsite to assist with any issues, guests can enjoy the flexibility of a seamless, self-guided experience from booking to check-in.
The Inn offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy king and queen hotel rooms to charming vintage Airstreams and thoughtfully designed tiny cottages and cabins. Many of the cottages offer fire pits and hot tubs and for those who love to travel with their pets, there are dog-friendly rooms, with access to a park and a goodie bag for four-legged guests.
The inn features several communal spaces to enjoy, like areas for yard games, swings, climbing structures for kids, and even movie nights under the stars during the summer. The property is also home to Windmill Coffee, a boutique coffee shop serving freshly brewed Press Coffee, and a Little Free Library where guests can swap books during their stay.
Most guests come from the Phoenix area, taking advantage of the quick 1.5-hour drive to this mountain retreat. Whether it’s the fall foliage, a winter snowstorm, or the arrival of spring blooms, the Strawberry Inn offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in nature’s seasonal transformations.
The surrounding Pine and Strawberry community offers outdoor adventures and local attractions. Hiking enthusiasts can explore some of the best trails in Arizona, including the Colonel Devin Trail, Railroad Tunnel Trail, Pine Trailhead, Fossil Springs, and the Pine-Strawberry Trail. For anglers, the nearby East Verde River is stocked year-round for fishing.
The town also boasts a growing food scene with favorites like the Old County Inn, PieBar, Pine Creek Fudge and Espresso, and Fossil Creek Farm. There’s also an array of hidden antique shops waiting to be explored.
One of the Eilers’ primary goals when purchasing the inn was to help bring attention to the beauty and potential of the Pine-Strawberry area. Since opening, other small businesses have followed suit, contributing to a thriving local economy.
Whether you’re searching for a weekend getaway or a peaceful retreat, The Strawberry Inn offers a unique experience. To learn more, visit thestrawberryinn.com.
