A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist.

Arizona desert luxury meets outdoor adventure at this tranquil retreat with a private hot tub and pool surrounded by magnificent saguaro cacti

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Freda's Casita balances comfort and desert exploration. The spacious property includes an ensuite queen bedroom, living/dining areas, and a full kitchen. Hikers love the nearby trails, and the private patio with hot tub is perfect for stargazing after active days.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry

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About the neighborhood

Located in New River, this guesthouse is in a rural area. Anthem Veterans Memorial and Pioneer Living History Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at New River Nature Rreserve and Agua Fria National Monument. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and hunting nearby.
Map
New River, AZ

What's nearby

  • New River Community Park - 5 min drive - 5.7 km
  • New River Nature Rreserve - 5 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Anthem Community Park - 8 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Anthem Veterans Memorial - 8 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Anthem Community Center - 8 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

  • Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬8 min drive

About this property

A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist.

Guesthouse in a rural location
Take advantage of a firepit, laundry facilities, and a hot tub at A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist.. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • An outdoor pool
  • RV/bus/truck parking, beach towels, and a water dispenser
  • Smoke-free premises, books, and outdoor furniture
  • Barbecue grills
Room features
All guestrooms at A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist. have comforts such as private pools and fireplaces, in addition to perks like air conditioning and bathrobes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and tubs or showers
  • Smart TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and cable channels
  • Porches or lanais, outdoor lighting, and recycling

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Books
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Stereo

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach towels
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Netflix
  • Private pool
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room
  • Recycling

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 23

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Place bagged trash/recyclables outside the front door. We’ll take care of it for you. 🙂
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Only guests listed on the reservation may use the pool
No problem having visitors. Please just let us know.
An additional charge of $225 will be requested for any additional cleaning, ozone treatment necessary for breaking NO SMOKING RULE.

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children
Note from host: Pool is not fenced. No children under age of 12.

Events

No events allowed
No photo-shoots, home-births,

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No photo-shoots, home-births,
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Frequently asked questions

Does A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist. located?

Situated in a rural location, this guesthouse is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from New River Community Park and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from New River Nature Rreserve. Anthem Community Park and Anthem Veterans Memorial are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

A Boutique Desert Stay with a Pool and a Donkey twist. Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 81 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil spot between Phoenix and Sedona

The New River guesthouse was super clean and beautifully decorated. Fantastic sunrise overlooking the mountains and saguaros! We enjoyed staying here and appreciated Susan’s excellent hospitality.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Great hosts, great stay!! House was immaculate and well appointed. You couldn't have asked for a better place. We can't wait to come back next year!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply lovely

A wonderful well maintained guest house with access to a private spa and pool. The house is well stocked with all the amenities. Lushish towels, pool towels, lots of places to relax inside and out. Best VRBO YET!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Terrific place to stay

We found the place to be modern, clean and well located to experience Arizona. I would highly recommend this place to others traveling to that area. We will visit this place again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

The property was immaculate and very well stocked, everything we could want was available and there were even treats provided. The donkeys were adorable and friendly. We had a beautiful morning hike in the hills walking among the saguaro and other cacti. It was a beautiful place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most relaxing stay

We booked one night and the following day to relax at the end of our trip, which Susan was extremely gracious in accommodating. The guest house is spotless and so cozy with so many thoughtful touches. We felt so at home. Susan was very responsive throughout the whole process and is such a kind and generous host! She spent time introducing us to their sweet donkeys. Between that and relaxing by the pool with beautiful surroundings it couldn’t have been a better end to our trip! If you are considering this stay- don’t hesitate!! We would love to return.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alisha H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Paradise

Our first visit to Arizona was amazing and one of the reasons was our stay at Freda’s Casita. Susan and Dan have created the perfect space for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. They thought of everything that would make us feel a sense of belonging from the moment we opened the door. The home is beautifully decorated inside and out. We loved sitting by the pool and using the hot tub. They even set up a fire for us so we could enjoy the stars. The location is perfect if you want to be close to everything without being right in the city. We can’t wait to visit again.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

The hosts went out of their way to make our stay pleasant, and were exceptionally nice and welcoming without being intrusive. The place was immaculate, and well supplied with everything we needed. They even provided welcoming munchies. The donkeys were a joy to interact with, as were the family dogs. The location was well situated in relation to numerous places of interest and hikes.
Stayed 28 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden gem

We had an amazing stay here. No detail was missed. The hosts were fabulous and we met the donkeys too. A nice touch was the walking sticks for hiking which we also did right outside the door. We felt very welocome. Definitely will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Everything was perfect! Absolutely beautiful property (outside and inside), impeccably clean, every detail was considered and we were so comfortable here. Property managers were very easy to reach and friendly. I hope to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike and Laura H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Introduction to Arizona

The Casita exceeded our expectations and was a great location for experiencing Arizona for the first time. We only had a few days, so the location was important. Getting there from the airport was easy and not stressful. Once there, the Casita had everything we wanted and then some.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

40th birthday get away

The perfect home base for hiking, exploring and sight seeing. Everything you need is close by and there is no noise or lights from Phoenix. The host were amazing with communication and what things to go and do. The hike right outside the property was a wonderful way to end our stay there.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow!

This was by far the best rental we have ever stayed in. The attention to detail made everything so special. Bravo to the hosts! You really made our stay pleasant and relaxing. We can't wait to come back! The burros were so sweet. The area was so scenic. The trails nearby provided stunning views. Loved every minute.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fit the bill

The Casita is exactly as shown. Good location, quiet, private and filled with all the needed amenities. If you are considering booking, don't wait! Just book it, you will be very happy you did.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Rental Ever

We have stayed in many rentals over the years and this little desert gem stands out from the pack. It is just the right combination of remoteness (not too far from the city and suburbs) and desert vibes while still serving as a hub for day visits to area attractions. The casita is immaculately tidy and well appointed and everything you could possibly need for your stay is provided. The donkeys are friendly and extremely personable and will enjoy your attention. And finally the hosts are wonderfully welcoming and want to make sure you have everything you need to have a relaxing stay. Don’t hesitate to book this one. The description and other reviews are spot on.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Burros, pool, hot tub, desert hikes!

Very clean, well stocked, plushy casita. At the end of a short gravel road with the Sonoran desert at our doorstep. A welcome basket of snacks and comforts of home were an unexpected bonus! Probably the best VRBO we’ve stayed at- and we’ve traveled a lot in 10 yrs! Shopping only 5 miles away. Fire pit and outdoor viewing area for viewing sunsets. Very relaxing, away from the hustle & bustle of Phoenix! We’ll be back.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly Welcoming

We have stayed with Susan and Dan at their Casita 3 times. Go, experience for yourself the tranquility, only broken at feeding time by happy donkeys. The place is as clean and well appointed as any a vacation renter could hope to find. This is how VRBO is supposed to be experienced. Check in and out is as easy as one could wish for. Have as little or as much contact with your hosts as you desire. They are friendly and helpful without being a bit intrusive. Thanks again! Bonnie and Diana
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christi V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet Donkeys!

We loved our stay at this casita. Beautiful views all around and plenty of comfortable outside seating areas. Comfortable bed and pillows. Quiet neighborhood with great stargazing. The casita was spotless and everything was well stocked. We lacked nothing. I bought some bagels from the bakery and I was very happy to find a bread knife there to cut them with. I was very impressed. The hosts went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed including creamer for my coffee and fresh eggs. They even made sure the hot tub temperature was set to our liking. Super nice hosts. We loved meeting the sweet donkeys. They are so cute and friendly. Our stay here was perfect and we hope we can stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Retreat w/Donkeys & Horses

Stay here! The online pictures are nice but don't do it justice. This place is immaculate and well decorated. A home away from home with all the amenities. Donkeys to welcome you. View from bedroom window amazing. Hiking right there. Away from the hustle & bustle of the city. Easy drive to Sedona, just 3 hours from Grand Canyon. We have stayed in VRBO's where we had to purchase toilet paper, etc. We purchased nothing...it was all here! Dan & Sue are lovely. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Perfect Sonoran Retreat

Everything stated in this listing, and in the many five-star reviews, is 100% accurate. This casita and its location were ideal for our two week stay. We loved its address at the end of a dirt road. We loved seeing and hearing the donkeys out back every morning and evening. We appreciated the fact that everything in the Casita was nicely appointed and worked exactly the way it was supposed to work, i.e. the A/C, the grill, the shower, the dishwasher, the washer/dryer, etc. And did I mention that the backyard pool, fire pit, and lounging areas are simply lovely.... and relaxing. The owners were great to work with, and very friendly, but only "visible" when or if we wanted to see them. We would stay here in a heartbeat. Loved it.
Stayed 15 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

This Home was the perfect fit for my Birthday Trip to AZ with my sister to see the Grand Canyon! Loved the Home it had anything and everything you could possibly need and MORE! The home was beautiful but the Backyard, Pool and Donkeys stole the show for me. They were so cute and friendly! I loved watching the sunrise and Stargazing at the open sky's at night to see so many stars... it was magical! I can not Wait to come back next year. I am so glad we found this GEM for our vacation and I couldn't be more smitten w. New River and this Home! I didn't want to leave. But all vacations must come to an end. This place was Amazing and I left with my mind, heart, body and soul just being completely and utterly Happy! Thank you So Much Susan and Dan for a Great place for some much needed R&R ! We Loved your Sweet Getaway! Freda's Casita will forever hold a special place in my Heart! <3
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren & D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastically Fabulous!

Amazing stay at Freda’s Casita! We had such an incredible time at Freda’s Casita. The hosts truly went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect. Everything we needed was right there, and the casita was spotless, organized, and beautifully decorated. One of the highlights was the donkeys on the property, which we got to interact with—such a unique and fun experience! As someone who deals with fibromyalgia and chronic pain, I especially appreciated the multiple cozy sitting areas. The bed was unbelievably comfortable, with linens that were soft, luxurious, and smelled amazing. Walking into the casita was like stepping into a spa—the intentional and soothing aroma made it instantly relaxing. The hosts gave us plenty of privacy, so you’d never know they even lived there, and we really enjoyed the peaceful, tranquil surroundings. The small thoughtful touches like the guest book, local information, and tourist guides were also much appreciated. We can't recommend Freda's Casita enough—if you’re looking for a peaceful, comfortable, and welcoming getaway, this is the place to stay! We certainly won't hesitate to book again. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Above and Beyond!

We were completely blown away with the amenities this Casita offered! You literally need NOTHING but food since you have every single dish, utensils, cookware, spices, coffee, creamer, coffee, filters, dish soap, first aid kit, towels, toiletries, blankets, linens, board games, robes, pillows, Kleenex, etc. Seriously, the list goes on and on!! The amenities offered go well above and beyond all expectations imaginable! Susan and Dan are such gracious hosts and they are super accommodating. The donkeys are super adorable and so much fun to watch and feed carrots to. We had so much fun petting them and feeding them daily since it was just so cathartic. The wildlife was amazing to see since there were jackrabbits running all around and quite a bit of quail as well. Freda's Casita is just simply a favorite and we would most definitely return here again when we visit AZ again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S., Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

The casita was squeaky clean and beautifully decorated, with such special unexpected touches, such as water and snacks and little chocolates. Susan and Dan were the perfect hosts--super-responsive and so friendly when we had questions, but they respected our privacy. The property was just what we were hoping for, with little seating areas strategically placed so that we could enjoy our morning coffee and watch the sun rise over the desert and relax outside in the evening to watch the sun disappear. There are hiking trails out the door, and we followed one through quintessential desert terrain and to the top of a small hill we could see the casita in the distance. The donkeys kept us entertained. The property was ideally located, so that we were remote enough to see a sky full of stars (and even the Starlink satellite train--twice!), yet close enough that we were able to get to Sedona, Prescott, and Cave Creek during our all-too-short three-day stay. Can't say enough. 5 stars all around! Thank you, Susan and Dan!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dana A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded yet coveniently located apartment

This was the perfect get away for the two of us. We flew in from KY and were happy to see lots of amenities in the kitchen and bathroom that we couldn’t bring with us on the plane. Everything was clean and nicely decorated and in good condition. The sheets and towels were good quality. The bed was a bit soft but didn’t keep us from a good nights sleep. The donkeys were cute and the pen was kept clean so even though they were close, there wasn't a smell. Their braying only happened occasionally during the day and it just made us laugh. The location was perfect for all the hiking that we did. Short drive to Sedona and Prescott where the terrain is different and beautiful. Daisy mountain was very close and very challenging. It was great to come and sit by the pool after a day of hiking, though a bit too cold to jump in. We ate in the apartment almost all of our meals except two. We followed their recommendation for El Encanto Dos and it was very good. In short, we loved this apartment and highly recommend it. Susan and Dan were great hosts and neighbors for the week.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024