As the first Hopi-owned and -operated hotel outside of the Hopi reservation, Taawaki Inn offers something found nowhere else in the world — a chance to immerse yourself in the traditions and values of the Hopi people. Hopi land is located in Northern Arizona, and in order to explore the Hopi villages, visitors must join a Hopi-led guided tour. This means that the 44-room Taawaki Inn in Clarkdale allows guests a first-ever opportunity to explore Hopi culture off Hopi land.
The Land Surrounding Taawaki Inn
Situated near the entrance of Tuzigoot National Monument and overlooking the Verde River, the land that Taawaki Inn inhabits holds unparalleled beauty and a vital significance within the history of Hopi.
Tuzigoot marks a location at which many Hopi clans came to trade and barter along the migration route to their current settlement. The land is just as important today as it was back then, providing picturesque landscapes and access to notable cultural sites.
For example, just a short distance from the hotel is Montezuma Castle National Monument, an area originally inhabited by several tribes — including Yavapai, Apache, Zuni and Hopi — from approximately 1125-1400 AD. Many Hopi clans trace their ancestry to people from the region.
Hopi Arts and Culture
A stay at Taawaki Inn transports you to the world of vibrant Hopi arts. Entering the hotel, you are greeted by the sounds of Hopi music playing softly and the sights of hand-crafted Kachina dolls on display and paintings by Hopi artists adorning the walls. The lobby also features a mural by Duane Koyawena, a nationally showcased Hopi artist who culls inspiration from traditional Hopi culture and his own life.
The hotel’s Tsor’ovi (Place of the Bluebird) Art Gallery is also dedicated to showcasing authentic works by Hopi artists. All artwork is for sale, serving as both a way to bring recognition to the tribe’s artists and a chance for guests to take home a piece of Hopi culture. In the future, Taawaki Inn hopes to expand on the cultural experiences, offering events such as Hopi dance performances.
Tawaaki Inn Design and Architecture
The Hopi once lived in homes called pueblos. These dwellings were often multi-storied and constructed out of natural materials like mud and stone. Taawaki Inn pays homage to these homes as the architecture of the hotel itself mirrors that of an adobe-style pueblo.
The interior design blends natural and calm colors — creams, whites — reflecting those of the surrounding environment. There’s an expansive patio at the back of the hotel overlooking Tuzigoot, Verde Valley and Sedona — a tranquil spot fit for sipping coffee as you welcome the day or soaking up the sunset at dusk.
Additional amenities include a conference room and fitness center.
The Tawaaki Inn Experience
In Hopi, “taawaki” translates to “House of the Sun.” Embodying this is an immense and colorful stained-glass window of a Sun Kachina above the hotel’s front entrance. The Hopi believe the sun acts as a symbol of vitality and creativity, representing a fresh start as it rises each day to cleanse one’s energies.
Not only is Taawaki Inn a place where guests can rejuvenate their spirit, it also provokes a sense of discovery. Whether it’s exploring Tuzigoot National Monument, browsing Hopi artwork at Tsor’ovi (Place of the Bluebird) Art Gallery, indulging in traditional Hopi foods in the Café or taking a guided tour to the reservation itself, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the hotel’s rich cultural offerings.
If You Go
Taawaki Inn
441 S. Broadway St., Clarkdale
928-365-9668
taawakiinn.com
Header photo credit: © Taawaki Inn
Daniel King
Daniel King is a writer and Arizona native who is passionate about narrative. As someone who has spent his entire life in the state, Daniel has an appreciation for the grandeur of Arizona’s outdoors and enjoys exploring it whenever he can.
