Sedona resort

[5lilfish]

I'm usually pretty good about doing travel research, but I cannot decide where to stay in Sedona. We will be there for 3 nights with our 5 kids (ranging from 4-14 yrs old). Enchantment resort looks gorgeous but I don't think we are getting enough for the high price. They have a camp (but we probably wouldn't use it more than once) and a pool, there doesn't seem to be anything special to do there with kids. That isn't a big deal because we want to go off site and explore, but then why would we pay $2300 to stay there? I do like the looks of the Oak Creek Canyon area though. Anyone have any recommendations? We either need a big suite or connecting rooms.

Jess

 

[Imzadi]

I never stayed in Sedona. I've always stayed in Flagstaff for sooo much less money. I prefer to spend my money on doing things, rather than at places to stay. It's only 15 miles and a 20 minute drive down Route 89A, which is considered one one of the most scenic drives in America. I spend most of my time hanging out the windows on the drive back & forth, looking at the view.

Do stop in Oak Creek Canyon. Grasshopper Park is fabulous.

If you can make it up to Monument Valley, which is 129 miles north, it is a place not to be missed. One of my favorite places in all the world.

 

[Wishing on a star]

The canyon area where Enchantment is located is, indeed, just spectacular!!!! If one is wanting to see the southwest... And the very unique 'Red Rock Country' (not forested hills and a town that could be Anywhere, USA...) Sedona is the place!!!

Also, it is fairly steep and winding road between Sedona and Flagstaff.

I cannot recommend one particular resort at Sedona...
It has been a while, and ours was a time-share resort outside of town.
But, I can tell you that I would recommend Sedona itself, hands down.

We LOVED our day at Slide Rock...
And the Pink Jeep tour... YOU GOTTA DO IT!!!! Really...

If you are coming or going by the Grand Canyon National Park, then you will probably be traveling by way of Oak Creek Canyon, thru FlagStaff anyhow.

I would suggest Tripadvisor if you have not already been researching there!

Happy Planning!

 

[HM]

We stayed in Flagstaff at a timeshare resort and traveled to Sedona (and other places in the area, like the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater) to visit while there. You might spread your search a bit further to see what you can find a bit further out. Sorry I don't remember the name of the place we stayed, it's been a long time.

 

[5lilfish]

Thanks...

We definitely want to stay IN Sedona. With 5 kids we don't want to drive back and forth...especially for our 8am jeep tour.

Jess

 

[mdsoccermom]

We own a timeshare at Villas of Sedona. You can also rent villas there:

http://www.8664myvacation.com/resorts/vos/index.html

A one bedroom with loft, full kitchen, living and dining areas is $195/night.

I just adore Sedona. It is truly a magical place. Some things we enjoyed:

Tour of Montezuma's Castle through Native American Journeys;
Going out with an astronomer with Evening Sky Tours;
Day trip to Grand Canyon on Grand Canyon Railroad;
ride to the town of Jerome;
Pink Jeep Tour.

You will also have to try Cowboy Cafe as well as Coffeepot Restaurant (101 omelettes).

Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[TLSnell1981]

I'm usually pretty good about doing travel research, but I cannot decide where to stay in Sedona. We will be there for 3 nights with our 5 kids (ranging from 4-14 yrs old). Enchantment resort looks gorgeous but I don't think we are getting enough for the high price. They have a camp (but we probably wouldn't use it more than once) and a pool, there doesn't seem to be anything special to do there with kids. That isn't a big deal because we want to go off site and explore, but then why would we pay $2300 to stay there? I do like the looks of the Oak Creek Canyon area though. Anyone have any recommendations? We either need a big suite or connecting rooms.

Jess

We Enchantment! My DGDs still say, this is one of their all time favorites. Camp Coyote is wonderful...hiking, swimming, golf, arts and crafts, etc. There are many activities included in the resort fee. The Enchantment Resort is absolutely stunning, photos do not do it justice. We spent a few days at the Grand Canyon, before our visit..but only left the resort to shop and go horseback riding.

 

[princessbride6205]

I've stayed at the Enchantment Resort - it was gorgeous! The rooms were awesome, they delivered fresh OJ to our door each morning, great hiking right outside! But luckily, I wasn't footing the bill, so I can't really speak to the value.
As far as amenities, I particularly enjoyed all the Native American programs. So in looking at their website, almost all the classes and kids camp cost extra. Lame.

At Enchantment, you are definitely paying a premium for a luxury resort and a gorgeous location.

I was not looking forward to the Pink Jeep tour, but it turned out great.
Slide Rock park was cool. I'm interested in the Grand Canyon railroad thing a PP mentioned. We drove up and that felt long to drive up, look at the canyon a few minutes, and drive back. We did do a helicopter tour and I needed the air sick bag, so needless to say, I didn't enjoy my trip to the Grand Canyon!

 

[Green Tea]

There are a lot of beautiful VRBO house rentals in Sedona. Look there.

 

[mdsoccermom]

I've stayed at the Enchantment Resort - it was gorgeous! The rooms were awesome, they delivered fresh OJ to our door each morning, great hiking right outside! But luckily, I wasn't footing the bill, so I can't really speak to the value.
As far as amenities, I particularly enjoyed all the Native American programs. So in looking at their website, almost all the classes and kids camp cost extra. Lame.

At Enchantment, you are definitely paying a premium for a luxury resort and a gorgeous location.

I was not looking forward to the Pink Jeep tour, but it turned out great.
Slide Rock park was cool. I'm interested in the Grand Canyon railroad thing a PP mentioned. We drove up and that felt long to drive up, look at the canyon a few minutes, and drive back. We did do a helicopter tour and I needed the air sick bag, so needless to say, I didn't enjoy my trip to the Grand Canyon!

www.thetrain.com

You have to pick it up in Williams which is about a 1.5 hour drive from Sedona. If you want to spend more than a few hour at the canyon, you can also take the train, spend the night, and take it back the next day.

We had a lot of fun, and felt it was a really relaxing way to get there.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

There are a lot of beautiful VRBO house rentals in Sedona. Look there.

This is what we did, we rented a house. With that many kiddo's, you guys could use the room.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I know that there are condo resorts, not just 'hotels'... that would get you some amenities, nice pool, etc...

I would look up the one we stayed at, but it was a bit too far south of town for our liking.

You will love this area!

 

[OhMari]

We stayed for one evening and we stayed at the Best Western. About the only thing going for it was the views. Free Breakfast in the morning. But you pretty much have to drive to resturants, the pink jeep, etc. We took the scenic drive, I think someone mentioned 89A. The area had rain the previous evening, and Oak Creek was over flowing, which made things interesting. We stopped on a way side on top of the mountain and American Indian Natives were having a road side sale, really cool things.

You will probably just do about everything there is to do in 3 days. We managed to get it done in one day. We were there the week before Christmas and all the shops closed at 5:00 p.m. I don't know if it is like that in the summer. But it was very bazaar, since it still was very warm outside. Maybe stores and attractions don't stay open later, because there are less tourist. But I would check out times.

 

[TLSnell1981]

We bought a package through AAA for the Grand Canyon portion of our trip. We spent time in Williams and really enjoyed the train. I think, everyone should see the Grand Canyon, at least once. It's absolutely breathtaking.

 

[5lilfish]

We are doing the Grand Canyon earlier in our trip. We are going there from Las Vegas. I know it makes more sense to go from Sedona, but my parents will be with us in Vegas. I feel more comfortable going there (with 5 kids) with the extra 2 adults.

Jess

 

[ahutton]

If you won't make full use of the resort ammenities, then you might want to check out some other options. It is a beautiful resort, but I think it is overpriced unless you will use all of what they have to offer.

Best Western Arroyo Roble is in a great area and was built as a time share resort, so it was set up for larger groups. My favorite economy hotel is the Matterhorn Inn - walking distance to everything in uptown and easy access to the canyon.

Someone mentioned Grasshopper Point - that is a GREAT place to take a picnic.

 

[TLSnell1981]

We are doing the Grand Canyon earlier in our trip. We are going there from Las Vegas. I know it makes more sense to go from Sedona, but my parents will be with us in Vegas. I feel more comfortable going there (with 5 kids) with the extra 2 adults.

Jess

I would highly recommend staying in Williams and taking the train. Also, spend at least one night at the Canyon. Parking is insane and sometimes, you will wait hours for entrance to the park.