ARIZONA TRIP
 

Have come up with the following agenda for our first trip to the southwest at the end of April. The first three nights in Phoenix (Sunburst Resort), the next two nights in Sedona (the Orchards at L'Auberge), then one night apiece at the Grand Canyon (El Tovar), Bryce Canyon (cabin in the park) and Zion (Desert Pearl Inn) before spending the last two nights in Las Vegas (lakeside room at Bellagio). Any comments? Too busy? Better places to stay? Anything we definitely should not miss along the way?

The Arizona accomodations are just fine, you have done well and should have no problem with the timing of those.

Don,<BR><BR>It sounds great. Depending on your interests, though, I'd choose to spend an extra night at the G.C. and cut one night out of Phoenix or Sedona.

I agree with Penny. I'd cut out a night or two in Phoenix and spend more time at the Grand Canyon. I've never been to Sedona, so I can't comment as to whether it would be good to cut out time there.

JUST ONE MAN'S OPINION BUT I THINK ONE SUNSET AND ONE SUNRISE (TO SEE THE COLOR CHANGE IN THE CANYON WALLS) IS PLENTY

I can see (I think) why you've chosen each hotel, except for the Orchards in Sedona. Why this place over the good quality B&B's or Enchantment? (If price for an Orchards room is low, obviously that's a very good reason. But quality wise, I think you'll be somewhat let down).

To Nan: I chose the orchards for a couple of reasons. Enchantment at $350 up a night was more than I wanted to spend. As far as a B&B, I am going with a smoker, and it is harder and harder to find B&Bs with smoking rooms. I am not a smoker myself, but it is not worth the aggrevation of a smoker trying to sneak a smoke somewhere where they are not supposed to. I got a AAA rate of $185 for a third floor room with a fireplace. That was about 65 to 100 dollars cheaper than most of the rooms that I found that I liked at some B&Bs (smoking outside on patio or balcony). From what I had read, I thought that L'Auberge was supposed to be a nice place. Was I misinformed?

Since you're going at the end of April, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon should have reopened by then. You should stay two nights there & cut one out of Phoenix.

Don:<BR>L'Auberge is a nice place overall. The highlight of the resort is the restaurant. The creekside cabins are quaint, and in spring and fall are very pleasant as they are cool, feel isolated, and are set beneath a canopy of leafy trees beside a creek.<BR>The Orchards are just a run of the mill hotel IMO. Nothing wrong with it at all. The views aren't as good as from some of the B&B's and other hotels, but the whole area is very beautiful in every direction. The rooms at L'Auberge (cabins and orchards) aren't as nice as the price might lead you to expect. Much of what people are paying for is the location/atmosphere, etc.<BR>I guess the reason I replied as I did above is that I've had the good fortune to stay in many of the better lodgings in Sedona over the years and I've become spoiled.<BR>The vast majority of the rooms at Enchantment aren't all that well furnished...in fact last time we stayed there in August, our suite looked rather tired. (Many new junior suites have been built in the last 1-2 years which are the jewels of the property now).<BR>Enchantment's huge advantage over other places is its unique location. From almost every room in the place you look out at (up at) the red rock cliffs, and the hiking trails into the recesses of Boynton Canyon are right out the door.<BR>Enchantment's other big pluses are a wonderful restaurant, very pleasant outdoor patio perch above the croquet lawn for drinks or lunch, and a very exclusive spa.<BR>But it's costly, no two ways about it.<BR><BR>Your smoking issues are legitimate limiting factors.<BR>Nothing wrong with the Orchards, though. Just go in with proper expectations.

Dear Don,<BR><BR>Thanks for your (above) post. Would you be so kind as to advise when you might visit the Enchantment Resort for a meal? It doesn't matter if it would be for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner... but in your opinion, when would be a good time for a "drop in?" I have heard that eating outside is pleasant. Would you recommend this also? By the way, we will be visiting in early February, so it might be chilly outside if you were leaning that way.<BR><BR>Thanks for your (already) sound advice.<BR><BR>Happy Trails,<BR>Paul

I am sorry. My previous post should have begun, "Dear Nan,...."<BR><BR>Paul

We always stay at The Orchards because of the views and location . Although we haven't stayed anywhere else, I cannot imagine the views being too much better and the rooms are really very nice. We like that you can walk across the street to several terrific restaurants or drive around easily from that location. It is not inexpensive, though.

Eating outside at Enchantment in February probably won't be an option.<BR>Sedona is not too busy that time of year, so I doubt you'll have trouble finding a good table at the restaurant at any time.<BR>BTW, I still remember the last omelette I had there. Simply exquisite, and I'm not a huge breakfast fan.<BR>Eat there whenever it suits your schedule. Just call in advance to be sure they can accommodate you.

Thanks for your reply Nan. I believe we might eat an early lunch there, then go for a hike through the town or through a mountain range. I typically enjoy hiking and taking a lunch to enjoy outside. This day at the Enchantment will be special however, and perhaps something a little different is in store for us. We will probably only spend one day in Sedona as we will be in Scottsdale for most of the trip. On the other hand, we are also considering staying our first night in Sedona as our timeshare in Scottsdale kicks in the day after we arrive.<BR><BR>I know I am rambling here *sorry* but I really appreciate your message. I'll be sure to mention to you my itinerary and then also how the trip went.<BR><BR>Happy Trails,<BR>Paul