Round Valley’s Country Cottage
Location: Payson, AZ
Accommodations: 1 Bedroom / 2 Guests / No Pets
Wow, this little guest house is a perfect hideaway for someone looking to escape the summer heat or city life in style.
Round Valley – My Sweetly Secluded Retreat!
If you’re dreaming of an escape that truly takes you off the beaten path, you have to check out my recent stay just south of Payson in the gorgeous area known as Round Valley. This vacation rental unit? Honestly, it was superb!
How amazing that I was only about 15 minutes from town (easy access to restaurants, shopping, and the golf course!), yet the location itself felt like another world. I woke up in the morning to the kind of quiet, peaceful neighborhood where only bird song and a distant dog bark might be heard. The glory of absolutely zero “city noise,” no traffic, and surrounded by beautiful, prolific wildlife was magnificent. It was the perfect place to truly unwind.
My Host Knows Hospitality
From the moment I arrived, my host, Cheryl, was wonderful. She kindly met me right as I parked—it was so easy to pull up right next to the unit—and even her sweet pup gave me a friendly greeting!
Cheryl truly went the extra mile to make the stay special:
- Welcome Treats: To my delight, she had left a thoughtful basket of snacks and some bottles of water chilling in the fridge.
- Local Insider: She compiled a fantastic, detailed binder packed with information about the area. Talk about being prepared!
All the Comforts, Zero City Stress
The unit itself is fabulous and equipped for pure comfort. Everything was clean, well-maintained, and perfectly appointed.
- The Dream Kitchen: I didn’t cook this trip, but I absolutely could have! The full kitchen is stocked with all the appliances and cooking equipment you could need. Plus, they had both a Keurig AND a drip coffee maker—a feature this coffee enthusiast always enjoys!
- Sleep Soundly: The one bedroom has a clean and comfortable queen-sized bed. I slept soundly in comfort, with extra blankets if I needed.
- Unexpected Luxury: And to my great delight? There is a washer and dryer! That’s a huge bonus in my book for any extended stay.
- Cozy Inside: The living room furniture was comfortable, and with the AC, heat, and ceiling fans, you are guaranteed perfect comfort, no matter the weather.
Backyard Bliss & Nature's Soundtrack
The outdoor area is the cherry on top. This unit is on Cheryl’s property, but guests get to enjoy a gorgeous, nice-sized yard complete with a fire pit. Imagine sitting out under the stars with a crackling fire! On occasion, the peaceful Gibson Creek runs right behind the property, adding that perfect, natural soundtrack to your retreat. A BBQ is available and a great addition to any stay.
I Really Loved…
For a small town girl, this hidden gem is just up my alley. Although my pups would love it here, the host doesn’t typically allow pets. I adore the seclusion and yet close proximity to town. I could stay here a month!
This rental is truly a perfect couples retreat—ideal for getting away from it all and, especially in the summer, beating that scorching valley heat. If you need peace, quiet, and a touch of wilderness paired with incredible amenities and hospitality, this Round Valley spot is an absolute must-book!

















