The Pines Inn and Suites is celebrating a banner year in 2025, having been recognized for its efforts in sustainability by two notable organizations. In April, the quaint Cottonwood inn was awarded a 2025 “Keep Sedona Beautiful” Award of Excellence for its initiatives in sustainability. In December, The Pines Inn & Suites received the 2025 Stars of the Industry Sustainability Award from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AzLTA’s) at its ceremony at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Established more than 40 years ago, the Stars of the Industry Awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses who set the standard for excellence in Arizona’s hospitality, lodging, and tourism industry. For the inn, both awards highlight the impact that small, independent properties can have through environmental stewardship, professionalism, and community-focused hospitality.
The AzLTA honor recognized Martha Bruening, co-owner/operator of the property, for her leadership and commitment to sustainability. AzLTA noted that while the number of nominations was overwhelming, Bruening’s work and The Pines Inn & Suites’ dedication to responsible hospitality stood out among an impressive field of submissions.
Bruening notes, “We are so deeply grateful for the recognition. We strive to not only honor and serve our guests, but to do right by the Earth, as well.” The Pines Inn & Suites is a 27-room boutique hotel that offers modern amenities nestled into the rural community of Cottonwood, Arizona. The property boasts a saltwater pool, over 140 solar panels, numerous waste-reduction and energy saving initiatives, and was the first in the area to offer an electric vehicle charging station in 2014.
Vice President of Pines Inn and Suites Cory Bruening and CEO Anna May Cory were also present at the ceremony. Cory is widely known in the community for her dedication to wellness and the Pines Inn & Suites is also proud to sponsor Wellness in the Verde Valley, a website directory that provides a one-stop-resource for individuals looking for the best in wellness care in the Verde Valley. If you’re visiting the Verde Valley and looking to enhance your stay with local wellness services, WellnessinVerdeValleyAZ.com.
