Arcosanti - Mayer, Arizona

Charlotte B.

Love this brutalist colony in the middle of the desert landscape. The architecture is beautiful and surreal, almost eerie to see people still living in an academic and cultural community. We stayed about 3 nights in one of the rooms in Sept 2021. I recommend taking a trip out for a guided tour but not staying over night. We didn’t have an air conditioner so it was unbearably hot… some long term visitors did have air conditioners but they were staying there for months. We asked in advance to see if we can get a room with an AC, but nothing could be arranged at the time.
There isn’t much around other than some fast food chains and it’s in a remote area so you have to drive out to get some food and necessities. Even though the foundation welcomes people to take tours and learn about the significance of the architectural and sociological movement, we didn’t get a sense of hospitality from the residents. Maybe it’s because they had families with little children around who were being exposed to strangers everyday.
Regardless, I highly recommend taking a guided tour to learn about Arcosanti.

Brandon W.

Really unique place with a lot of interesting history to learn about. We only had time to stop and get some food and drinks at the cafe but we want to come back to stay and do a tour next time. So it's still worth it just for a quick stop.

Kenyon

Beautiful setting and interesting architecture! Try to go on a day when casting bells. Cafe on site for a snack. Bring water, preferably in a reusable container.

Joe H.

Interesting place to say the least. If you're on a motorcycle be prepared for a mile and a half of not so good dirt road. It's doable but it will rattle stuff off if you get in a hurry.

Nami N.

This is where my son brought me while I was staying in Arizona. I think I should have looked into Arcosanti before coming. But I came here without knowing anything, and the unique architecture of Arcosanti was impressive. We came in four, but there was no one else. We walked around the building from where we could enter and arrived at the gift shop. What caught my eye was Bell, all of which had good tones. I regret that I should have bought one. Handmade items are displayed and available for purchase. I also found a cafe, but there was no one there, so I just peeked inside. After that, there was a trail outside the building, and the four of us walked. The view of Arocosanti from there was indescribable. If I have a chance to come back again, I want to buy that handmade bell and relax at the cafe.

Cee G.

This was a very cool place to visit. The architecture is so interesting, and I enjoyed learning how the intentional community functions.

We friend and I did not stay the night here, but we did go on the guided tour. Our tour guide was great and patiently answered the questions asked by the Boomers from Orange County California. The tour guide was so knowledgeable because she was a resident of Arcosanti!

This place is out in the middle of the desert, so I bet it's quiet at night and the sky is just full of stars.

Mona L.

Arcosanti is absolutely stunning! We stayed in the guest room for one night and didn’t want to leave. Wandering through the building feels so calming and uplifting, like you can leave all your worries behind.

Vimal N.

Pros:
1) Scenic views
2) Awesome handcrafted chess board
3) chai latte wasn’t bad

Cons:
1) seems like a pseudo cult
2) so many areas are restricted
3) background music and loud chimes

2 stars