Stargazing Retreats Homestay - Camp Verde, Arizona

Brandon M.

We were really excited to try this place based on the photos and concept—it seemed like a fun, unique glamping-style stay. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t live up to the pictures.

First, the pods are literally in someone’s driveway, which isn’t clear from the listing. The indoor room we booked felt more like a basement storage area than a bedroom. You enter through a sliding door into the main house, which had a strong, unpleasant smell—like old grease and stale air. We appreciated the personal touch of a welcome sign with our names, but it quickly went downhill. The room had no windows, smelled musty, and felt unsafe—not just uncomfortable. If there were a fire or emergency, there’s no alternate way to exit. That’s a serious safety issue.

The bathroom towels had an unpleasant smell like they had been sitting for too long. The shower had weak pressure, and the fridge didn’t cool even after we turned it on.

The outdoor pod was better in concept but still lacking. The door didn’t close properly, and while there was a fire pit with firewood, there were no matches or fluid to use it. The furniture outside was torn and rundown. The linens in the pod didn’t feel clean, and after lying down for a bit, we both felt itchy and uncomfortable the whole way home.

Ultimately, we didn’t stay the night. It just didn’t feel clean or safe. The place has potential if the owners invest in serious upgrades, cleanliness, and attention to detail—but right now, it’s not there.

M W.

Kathy and her family were amazing host! It was an welcomed difference from renting rooms from bigger brands. Now! The stargazing bubbles are almost life changing. The queen sized bed is extremely comfortable! The view.... baby!! the view was amazing... beautiful... breathtaking!! From the amazing guest service to the view.. We'll be back. Her husband is talking about building an observation deck as well. We'll be sure to check that out. Amazing birthday gift from my husband.

Alfonso I.

AMAZING EXPERIENCE.

Watching the stars above your bed is an unique experience.

You can see the stars through the dome and the place is very private and peaceful.

There is an studio next to the bubble where you have a bathroom and even another bed if you want to sleep inside, and both beds are very confortable.

It is at 25 minutes driving from Old Town Cottonwood. Highly recommended to visit the restaurants, wine tasting, stores, etc, and also the River that is front of the old town (if you like walking on trails).

I’m giving 4 stars review as the time we went to this Stargazing Retreats, there was a lot of weeds all over, and we had a feeling that it was like a second category place.

The owner just needs to take care of the common area and it will be a really nice place.

But it is an amazing experience that you need to try by yourself.

Brian B.

When we arrived at this location on our gps, we looked at each other in a confused and disgusted manner, the pods are in the driveway and yard of someone’s house, not set up as they portray it to be. We continued to go ahead and check the place out and the pod we would be staying in anyway, went inside the pod to find the electricity that was being used for the pods was no more than an extension cord submerged under water since it was raining out when we arrived. Apparently the owners of the “retreat” are not familiar with what happens to electricity and water when combined, yes potential electrocution!!!! 100% unsafe, definitely not up to code or satisfactory conditions for the fire marshal. This place is like a family of horders lives there, inside and out was equally gross, dusty, dirty, clothes and toys everywhere, breast pumps on the kitchen counter, day or two old spaghetti sitting on the stove top along with a frying pan full of used grease. The indoor bedroom that was set up for us to use incase of it being too hot or cold to stay outside in the pod was also not up to code, a room with NO window or secondary door to escape in case of a fire and no ventilation in case of carbon monoxide buildup. It only had one door leading from the living room to our bedroom with no window in the bedroom. If the main house caught fire outside our door, we would have no chance for escaping with way it is set up! We didn’t even stay there after all the unsafe and unsanitary conditions we found. We left and found a hotel down the road that was cheaper and 100% safer. When i talked to Kathy about my experience, i had asked for a refund, not due to bad weather but due to the unsafe conditions of the place, her response was that she denies to give me a refund!

Manuel J.

Planned to sleep under the stars, ended up spending the night in a cave...

We reserved a stargazing pod for that same night, notifying the host that we would arrive late. Got detailed instructions for checking-in after hours. We went to the pod and the ceiling was covered in frost. There were no instructions for that, nor had we been warned that this could be an issue (the host knew the forecast when we booked). Switched the small heater on, but after half an hour there was still zero visibility. We ended up sleeping in a dusty, windowless small room inside the house (ironically named “Shaman’s Cave”). When I told the host the following morning, her reply was “Oops, sorry, next time we will heat up the pod before you arrive”. Unfortunately, that was our time in Sedona.

Lisa H.

This place was super cute. I stayed in the pod that also had an adjoining room with a bathroom/shower. Laying in the pod at night and looking up at the night sky was beautiful. It's peaceful, and the view of the sunset going down behind the mountains is amazing.

Jose M.

A great way to sleep under the 🌟 stars view was Amazing☺ best way to end the night...very warm inside wife was worried it would be to cold but thanks to the electric blankets provided by the host and heater it was perfect. It was also a very comfortable bed which we loved😴. The dome booking comes with a room and a bed so if it's to much (for those who find it hard to sleep outdoors) you can simply sleep inside. Everything was clean and organized. Kathy our host was very accommodating and available to communicate at anytime. We hope to come back soon 😁

Crystal B.

Even as a (somewhat) last minute booking, this was amazing. I brought my husband here for a surprise anniversary trip so we could disconnect and remember all that is important in our marriage. We loved looking up at the stars while holding one another in silence and contentment. Kathy is an excellent host, and we would stay here again in a heart beat. In fact, we flew in from Dallas just for this!