Message: We are considering a trip to Sedona, GC area next year. What are some affordable decent places to stay and what time of the year is best to go? We will be traveling with a baby so we won't be able to do any hiking, etc.. Also, what are some of ya'll's favorite places to sightsee in Arizona?

Thanks

Hi HMC,
I am a native of the beautiful state of Arizona born and raised in Phoenix. You can get the best resort deals in the summer but it is VERY hot this time of year. Deals are crazy in July and August (the hottest months) you can stay at the Arizona Biltmore (it's where the most US Presidents stay when in arizona) for a little as 99.00 per night. Traveling with a family Try the Pointe Hilton Resorts for a really nice place with a neat pool. As far as weather the best time to enjoy the outdoors come in October or April but expect to pay a lot more for nice hotels. In Sedona I really like The Hilton. Use the net to find some good deals. You don't really say your price range but you will pay around 100.00 per night for a clean hotel in Sedona. For a nice resort it can get expensive. Enchantement is problably the nicest IMHO. I would spend at least one night in Sedona, you haven't lived untill you have seen the sunset in the Red Rocks. Pink Jeep tours are great but run around 65.00 per person so if your on a tight budget try the trolley in town for a cheaper way to see some of Sedona, not near as scenic but I think it is around 9.00 per person. El Tovar is THE place to stay at the Grand Canyon but is expenive. I would say for the Grand canyon stay in the town of Williams, Arizona try Frey Marcos hotel (don't know if that is still the name) we stayed there about 8 years ago and took the Grand Canyon train up to the Canyon. Lots of fun. They do a whole skit on the train that was enjoyable. Book the train trip ahead of time because it fills up fast. I love the whole Verde valley area, When you drive south on I-17 from Flagstaff check out Gerome, Camp Verde and don't miss Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Prescott. Don't worry about not being able to hike the views from your car are breathtaking! Depending on the age of your baby Youngs Farm in Dewey,AZ (on the way to Prescott) is a fun place for little kids and they serve a good breakfast in the resturant. They are a REAL working farm and if your here in October they have a really neat pumpkin festival. We take our kids up there every year. I hope this helps you.

Enjoy your visit,

azhoselady

Thanks so much for the reply. I'll check those places out that you suggested.

We stayed at Kachina in the GC. It's right next to El Tovar. It's on the rim and it was on $125/night.The room was very clean with new bathrooms. Not bad, IMO, for having the Grand Canyon in your backyard. It was awesome. I think it makes the experience. We'd wake up in the am and the GC was 100 yards away. It's the only way to experience the park. Have Fun.

I liked our trip to the Grand Canyon in early October. The weather was perfect!

Take the stroller to the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of paths along the rim to enjoy the views and take short walks. Then you can also ride the free shuttle buses to other scenic overlooks.

Other places of interest in the area would be Montezuma's Castle National Monument which has a great cliff dwelling.

If you like traveling there is also the Petrified Forest & Painted Desert National Parks, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Lake Powell & Monument Valley.

In nearby southern Utah there is Bryce Canyon and Zion Canyon National Parks.

Have you ever thought of camping? We started camping when our first born was only 15 months old because we wouldn't have been able to afford vacations otherwise. We still camp, but now it's in a motorhome

Utahtea

To save quite a bit on lodging, try staying in Cottonwood or Cape Verde area rather than Sedona - it's only a short drive away and much cheaper

We are traveling to AZ in early October. We are flying into Tucson and want to see that area, go south to Sierra Vista and also go North to Prescott. We have already been to Phoenix and Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Any thoughts on which way to go first? Also places to stay or eat would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks