Grand Canyon/Sedona Question
 

Hi all,

As my husband I just returned from an amazing trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, we've decided it's time to explore our own country even more and finally make our way to the Grand Canyon. That being said, I could use some assistance with the logistics.

Our travel dates, based on hotel availability, are May 2 - May 7. We're coming in from Atlanta and have two choices: 1. Fly direct to Phoenix or 2. Fly, with a stop in Phoenix, to Flagstaff.

The same would be true on the return flight home.

From what I've read in several reviews, it sounds like we're going to be in love with Sedona. We're are NOT avid hikers, in fact, the easier the trails, the better. What we do love is to take beautiful pictures and enjoy wine with a view. For example, in the Grand Tetons, we stayed at the Signal Mountain Lodge, got their best room (IMHO), brought portable speakers and sat on our porch each night with beer/wine and just enjoyed the sunset. This was heaven to me. So I'm looking for a similar experience, with a very different view!

Here is what we're considering:
Fly nonstop from Atlanta to Phoenix, arrive in Phx at 3:00pm. Drive immediately to Sedona. Spend two nights and leave early Friday morning for Grand Canyon. Spend two nights in the Grand Canyon. Our biggest question is what to do on the last night: Do we spend one more night in the Grand Canyon and drive all the way back to Phoenix Monday morning before our flight (our flight would leave somewhere around 1pm, so it's doable we suspect)? Do we leave the Grand Canyon on Sunday, drive back to Sedona for the last night, and have less of a drive pre-flight on Monday? Or do we leave the Grand Canyon, drive back to Phoenix and stay somewhere closer to the airport for the last night? Not an airport hotel necessarily, because I think we'll have more time than that, but maybe a nice Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale hotel? Is there anything we need to see while out there? Or do we need to scratch that plan and simply take the extra flight to/from Flagstaff?

Even more logistics: El Tovar has availability on those dates (the first thing I looked at), so we're fairly certain that based on reviews, we need to stay there. Anyone see a problem with that or have a better suggestion? Nothing is booked at this point, but I'm planning on making the reservations asap.

For Sedona, we've been thinking Enchantment Resort the whole time, but today I think Orchards Inn looks nice too, but with a much better price tag. We aren't afraid to spend the money if everyone feels like it's the absolute best place to be, but the price difference would allow us to feel like we could leave the resort to explore a lot more - instead of planning on seeing the resort all day (we would not partake in the spa services or any of those extras). We love, love, love food and want to eat at great restaurants - if Sedona is anything like Atlanta, the amazing restaurants are not necessarily within a hotel (some are, I know, I know). We would also be booking the standard room at Enchantment versus the deluxe room with private balcony at Orchards Inn. If the view is equally good, then I think we need to stay with the private balcony. Input?

In case it helps paint the picture, we're in our late 20s, but we travel much differently than a lot of our friends the same age.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Sorry for such a long post!

visitsedona.com was great when I did this

Tonnes of great food of all kinds in the town

btterbidding.com nice hotels for us

We flew into Sky Harbor rented a car carrentals.com

did flight nights in sedona...splurged for a couple of nights

at the El Tovar on the rim it was awesome.

We had a great time drive was pretty easy and pretty

up down the Mogollon Rim through Oak Creek Canyon.

Happy Planning!

Stayed at the Hilton Sedona $70 or so bidding priceline.com

Got a club floor upgrade free as an HHonors.com guest join up

www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=4969&

bet deals for us usually.

Arizona is certainly very different from Wyoming, but I think it's beautiful there. If you want, you'll be able to find plenty of easy hikes in Sedona (more like strolls, really).

I personally would linger in Sedona for Friday night, and maybe Saturday night too. I've ranted about the Grand Canyon before, so I won't do that again. I don't think it's worth more than a day and a night, but your mileage may vary -- I wasn't staying at El Tovar. Particularly if you're not doing strenuous hiking, I think you'll get tired of looking at the same canyon after a day. And I found the South Rim to be unbearably crowded and annoying to get around in.

The Phoenix airport is also a bit annoying. All of the car rental facilities are off-airport, and require a relatively long shuttle ride (maybe about 15 minutes) to travel to the airport terminals. Also, the airport hotels aren't so close to the airport. So if you are planning to sleep in an airport hotel and drop your car off in the morning, you'll need to factor in maybe 40 minutes of extra time to shuttle bus over to the car rental place, and then shuttle bus over to the airport. That might make it relatively less unappealing to just drive all the way to PHX on the day of your departure.

I can't comment on the Flagstaff airport, because I haven't been there. In general, I try to choose the nonstop flight in situations like this, when one segment is short enough to drive comfortably instead, because (1) it decreases the chance of having problems if one flight is canceled or delayed, and (2) it decreases the chance of my luggage getting lost. Number (2) isn't such a big deal when flying homeward, but you might still consider (1). I'd also mention that you'd probably save money on the car rental if you bring it back to PHX instead of FLG.

The Grand Canyon is one of my favorite spots to visit on this planet -- and I fully agree with Hawksbill on how long I recommend that you stay there. Unless you're willing to do one day of STRENUOUS hiking -- something I do recommend at The Canyon -- even two days would be more than you would need for a visit.

Forget the Flagstaff airport. By the time you factor in the layover and flight time you could just drive and get there in the same amount of time.

Make the reservations for El Tovar now to ensure you get those dates. But do some research on the rooms/views, almost everyone prefers to be outside at various viewpoints for sunset rather than at El Tovar. Viewing the canyon is different than the mountains or even Sedona where I think sitting outside your room would be great. You'll want to be outside at the rim for a 360 view.

2 days at Grand Canyon for a couple that likes easy/flat hikes is probably too much? Most people get bored unless they are doing a longer hike into the canyon.

I got on line for the North Rim. It opens on May 15. They do have availablity for the 15, 16, 17. It is operated by a different company than the south rim. http://www.grandcanyonlodgenorth.com/

So, if you could go a few days later that would be an option. Perhaps stay at both places. The north rim is different than the south and receives far fewer visitors.

There are 4 or 5 cabins at Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim that might be better than El Tovar. But that would be up for debate. They aren't as nice, but might be a better location. Those are probably gone, but you could ask. Sometimes they have a cancellation. In me experience with xanterra, they seem to have more available when you call them than what show up online(sometimes).

You might do a helicopter tour on the south rim. There is horse/mule rides(just along the rim) on both sides.

Personally, I would just fly into Vegas or Phoenix if you have a direct flight.

Go ahead and book all your lodging ASAP. I don't think xanterra charges anything to cancel. I don't know about Forever Resorts cancellations though.

stonest, just a few thoughts. I would spend the lions share of your trip at the Grand Canyon. El Tovar is overrated but historic and the best hotel option. Sedona is pretty to look at, pretty sedate and closes down at 10:00 pm. You are going to have a hard time finding great food on this trip. We drove to Phoenix on our departure day and had no problem making our 1:00 flight. The hikes on top of the rim are easy hikes, and different times of the day give different color perspectives. I would consider another site to see spending, one to two days at Sedona and two to three days at the Grand Canyon and then ??? I agree with the above posters in making your El Tovar reservations as soon as you can.

I'd recommend flying into Phoenix. Flying into Flag won't really save you time due to layover time, etc, plus it would be a tiny plane. You could drive from Phoenix to Sedona in less than 2 hours (maybe an hour and a half) or the same amount of time from Phoenix to Flagstaff.

Go ahead and book some lodging. Check cancellation policies; most likely if you find something else you like better, you will be able to cancel one to two weeks prior without penalty.
In Sedona, check Garland's Oak Creek Lodge as a possible alternative to the other places you are considering. http://www.garlandslodge.com/

Thanks, all!

I booked at El Tovar last night, so we're all set there.

After all the input, we will definitely just fly in and out of Phoenix.

Last question (for now!): where should we stay for the last night? Is the Biltmore in Phoenix worth spending a night at?

I would recommend highly L'Auberge de Sedona it is amazingly beautiful and closer to the pink jeep tours, horse ride tour operators, trolley tours of Sedona etc.. without you noticing all are just a short walk away to the main Sedona road and close to restaurants and coffee/ sandwich shops. Enchantment Resort is certainly the highest star rated accommodation in Sedona but when we saw it on the trolley tour it seemed out of the way (at least 2 miles from central Sedona) and looking on the website the properties seem close together, I have not stayed there but my friend has. L'Auberge has a magical setting by the creek and we could not find fault with the wonderful service and food (Sunday brunch is the best!) during our recent stay this past September.

stonest,

I can't seem to find your trip report for Yellowstone and Grand Tetons.

I'd love to read about it.

I haven't stayed at the Biltmore, so can't comment. Another idea is to stay at the Boulders, which is actually north of Scottsdale, so your ride from the GC or Sdna will be shorter. Nice resort, with a spa. There are a few nice restaurants and wine bars in neighboring Cave Creek. It's an easy, mostly straight ride from the Boulders to PHX, maybe about 45 mins.

Am glad you've decided not to spend your last night at the Grand Canyon - just too much mileage between it and the Phx airport to do comfortably. Sedona is doable but would recommend that you stay in Phoenix your last night. No need to stay at or near the airport, it's not a particularly attractive area and you have plenty of time to get there on your departure day.

I agree that L'Auberge in Sedona is a fantastic hotel.

As for Phoenix, The Biltmore is fine but may be a bit stodgy for two young people. The Buttes (a Marriott resort) is a good location and a great place for evening cocktails to watch a beautiful sunset.

Myer, I actually didn't do a trip report, but I could talk about it for days. I adore the Grand Tetons - ADORE - I had no idea Wyoming would so quickly become my favorite place in the world (but please don't tell Italy).

Maybe I will eventually do a trip report, but seeing as though I haven't even had a chance to go through the pictures (we took 2300), it's not likely. If there's a way to message me, feel free to do so if you're after anything in particular.

Thanks for the additional suggestions! Looking into The Buttes and L'Auberge.

Question about L'Auberge though - the website shows that most of the beauty is the creek. Is that true? We have beautiful creeks and mountain terrain in north Georgia, so I'm definitely looking for something different.

Thanks again!

L'Auberge is very nice but it doesn't have canyon views. The very luxurious cabins are in a creekside setting. The setting for the Enchantment Resort is spectacular in Boynton Canyon. I can't figure out how the resort got such a fabulous location--it looks like a National park. If you don't stay there, be sure to drive out and eat lunch on their outside patio. Enchantment is outside the town--a beautiful drive.

We visited in February so we got a great off season rate. I think it is way over my price range in season. We stayed in the room (Ithink they call them casitas) with the kitchen, living room, Murphy bed and giant patio--it was a great room--and what a view---we totally enjoyed our stay there. We actually extended our stay 2 days because of snow at the Grand Canyon--the road was closed.

We also stayed at the El Tovar (on our next trip out)and were pleasantly surprised with our accommodations. I guess I had really low expectations but we had a room that had been recently renovated. I'm an early riser so I walked the rim all alone in the morning, watched the sun come up--very peaceful.

stonest,

Let me understand.

You "just returned from an amazing trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons", can't be bothered to write a report that would help others who haven't been there plan their trip and are now asking for help in planning your next trip.

Do I understand this correctly?

You do understand that correctly. I am happy to answer questions, but I haven't read anywhere on Fodors that it's required to post trip reports in order to ask questions.

I'm not a writer, nor am I a travel agent. I am aware of where my strengths are and summing up my vacations for others to read is not one of them. To my best friends all I even said was, "Breath-taking! You should go." And then we move on in conversation. I'm great at asking questions. I'm great at listening to ideas. Therefore, I use this site to do what I'm great at.

If you have a specific question, by all means, ask away, I might have an answer.

stonest, I didn't stay there, but I under the Best Western in the new part of Sedona ('uptown') has spectacular red rocks views from the back balconies.

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwest...electedHotels=

Look at the 8th picture in the "Traveler's Pictures" on Tripadvisor for the Best Western Arroyo Roble. Fabulous view from a room balcony.

stonest,

I am not a writer and very few of those who write trip reports are. But we asked questions, get good help and write reports to help others.

It's difficult to ask questions when in many cases you don't know where to start. Reviewing trip reports and photos are a very good way to start. Then the detailed questions follow.

I've been to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons and wrote a very detailed (probably too detailed) report.

I've been to the Grand Canyon and Sedona and also wrote a detailed report.

You are correct, it's not a Fodors rule that in order to ask questions you must post trip reports.

But I do have some specific questions about Yellowstone & Grand Tetons:

How long were you in each park?

Where did you stay and for how long in each place?

What were your interest? Geysers, wildlife, hiking, etc.

Which sights did you go to and how would you rate each one?

If wildlife was one of your interest could you name all of the animals you saw and where?

If waterfalls were an interest could you list all of the waterfalls you saw, rate them and why?

If hiking was an interest could you list all of the hikes you went on and how would you rate each one?

How much time did you spend in the geyser areas. Which were your favorites?

Did you see any sights that were more than 100 yards from a main road? Which ones and what did you like or dislike about each?

I'm sure I have more questions but can't think of them now. You response will probably result in more questions.

***For Sedona, we've been thinking Enchantment Resort the whole time, but today I think Orchards Inn looks nice too, but with a much better price tag. We aren't afraid to spend the money if everyone feels like it's the absolute best place to be, but the price difference would allow us to feel like we could leave the resort to explore a lot more - ***


Recently we stayed at a resort in Sedona and we never saw or used any of the facilities! That's never really happened before. We were much more into the scenery, hiking and sights. Only you know what's best but I thought I'd share our experience. :)

We enjoyed outside dining at Ken's Creekside. It's more of a locals hang out with beautiful views, great food and very reasonably priced. The newly opened Mesa Grill at the airport was very good also. Forget the Mexican restaurant at Tlapague(sp?) square.

Don't forget to watch the sunset near the airport it's breathtaking. If you do a jeep tour don't do it at sunset - the viewpoint isn't as spectacular.

Also, if you enjoy architecture I highly recommend doing a tour at Taliesin West in Scottsdale. Very impressive transformational time in American history and the way we live. Amen to Frank Lloyd Wright!

Good call on the Best Western sf7307. Perfect if you don't plan on using a resort.

FWIW, I stayed at the Best Western Arroyo Roble, on a lower floor I guess, and my view was not nearly as spectacular as photo number 8. The room was quite spacious and nice though, and the free breakfast buffet was quite adequate to get me fueled up for a day of hiking without having to waste time going to a restaurant. My only complaint about the place was the parking. It's suboptimal. They have something like three small lots located on adjacent levels along the hillside in the back, and usually they were all filled up by the time I got there. So I had to park way at the bottom and hike back up again even to get to the elevator.

Also, I was in Sedona to hike, not to do anything in town, so I didn't really need to suffer through all the traffic near the Best Western. I decided that if I ever went back to Sedona, I would stay at one of the less expensive places with better parking lots somewhere off of the south side of the Y.

I was kind of intrigued by the Hyatt. It's a fancy-looking place that has its own mall right on-site. It I were interested in retail opportunities, including restaurants, I might consider staying there.

We have stayed at both L'Auberge and Enchantment. Of the two, I would definitely recommend Enchantment. As LindainOhio mentions, the scenery is stunning. The hotel provides private access to a wonderful, easy hiking trail. We always stay in a studio casita, with murphy bed, kitchen and balcony.
If you don't stay there, try to go for lunch. You will need to make reservations ahead of time to get onto the property.
We always enjoy a relaxing brunch or lunch at L'Auberge's creekside restaurant. Also recommend Heartline Cafe.

Myer, I enjoyed your trip reports a great deal. If the middle age gentelman in the photos is you, then you have been around long enough to know that some people go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands, never willing to give anything back. When there is a free will offering they just say "I'll take free". I am looking forward to your trip report from Paris, my next major destination.

stonest, I highly applaud your decision to see more of this fabulous country we call home. If you liked the Tetons, I'm sure you'll find many more places to enjoy as well. Sedona is probably one of them. I was able to finally visit briefly and loved it. However I can't help with lodging info there, and only ate with friends. But I think your choice to spend your first two nights there will be a good start. You'll only have one full day. There is so much to chose from. Be sure to take the Oak Creek Canyon drive on your way to Grand Canyon.

I'm glad you took the El Tovar rooms as well. Get reservations for the dining room early. Hopefully you'll have time for both the Hermits rest shuttle as well as the main Village area. On your way back to Phoenix consider taking the drive out the east entrance stopping at the viewpoints along the way. My favorite is Desert Watchtower, I always am amazed at the view of the canyon from there.

I second the suggestion to visit Taliesin West, what a fabulous vignette to an important american.

Not quite sure what all myer's questions about the tetons have to do with a visit to Arizona??

"stonest, I didn't stay there, but I under the Best Western in the new part of Sedona ('uptown') has spectacular red rocks views from the back balconies."

Actually, uptown is the old part of Sedona. West Sedona and down toward VOC are the new parts.

One place we have stayed at twice is Sky Ranch Lodge. Not much in the way of frills, but clean and great views from their "view" rooms. No on-site restaurant, either, but a short walk to Mesa Grill at the airport.

InSandy, I believe he's trying to teach me a lesson for not putting up a Trip Report. Ziggypop seems to be judging my character for the lack of a report as well. I'm actually amazed by the negativity, as I thought this was a great place to ask for and give suggestions. Generally people are so nice and helpful.

Thanks for those who gave suggestions! I'm looking into all of them!

Well, there are more ways than one to share and give back.
Responding graciously and kindly to others questions certainly qualifies as well.

Oh man, sounds like I might be in trouble. I only do TR to only about 1/3 of the places I visit.

I don't do trip reports here, although I sometimes do them on www.travelerstogo.com

Ziggypop,
I will definitely write reports for Provence/Paris and hopefully Glacier NP as well.

I'm not sure if "middle-aged gentleman" is a good thing or not.

spiro & Mike,
How can you possibly put yourselves in the same category?

You sre constantly sharing your knowledge and experiences.

stonest,
I'm not trying to teach you a lesson. Just trying to give you a gentle (well maybe not so gentle) nudge. Some encouragement to write a report and share photos.

Sorry, Myer, but I'm just not much of a writer. I pretty much only visit the Arizona forum on Fodor's. But I DID post a "Live From Maui" daily report on TA and TTG while I was there.

We just returned from a similar trip -end of Oct-first week of November. We flew into Phoenix from Atlanta (had an morning flight which gave us an extra half day in Sedona).

We spent 3 days in Sedona (Boots and Saddles B & B - oldwestbb.com, 2 nights in Grand Canyon - El Tovar, 1 night in Page (Courtyard Marriot Lake Powell), & 2 nights Sedona (Canyon Villa B & B). Had fun on a Broken Arrow Pink Jeep tour while in Sedona. In Page, we did a smooth river float trip & a tour of Antelope Canyon.

So glad you are choosing El Tovar; we loved it. GC may not be too crowded when you are there as there will still be school in session & spring break is over. Had a King Deluxe room which gave us a bit more space to move around. Loved the bathroom toiletries (gift shop sells some to take home; because I didn't want to travel home with it, I just ordered some!). We actually wished we'd had 3 or 4 nights at the GC because we loved it so much, had exceptionally nice weather for the time of year we were there & we really do enjoy hiking; we mostly walked the rim trail, but also hiked part way down the S. Kaibab trail. We watched one sunset from Lipan Point (got there ~ 45 minutes before to watch the color change of the canyon as the sun went down) & also enjoyed getting up early for a sunrise right outside El Tovar.

We enjoyed the El Tovar dining room (actually thought the food we had there was better than any meals we had in Sedona!) - I had the Cajun rubbed filet & my husband the trout - everything was cooked perfectly! Our second night, we cancelled our dinner reservation & ordered room service which was also very good. Instead of entrees, we ordered an appetizer, soup, salad, & a yummy pumpkin creme brulee for dessert. Breakfast was also good at the El Tovar.

In Sedona, we really enjoyed both bed and breakfast lodgings we stayed in & both were fairly centrally located - one is off 89S in West Sedona - very charming place (the preferred area my sister likes to stay when she visits from Tucson - twice she has stayed at the Sedona Rouge (rt on 89S & once in the Wyndham time shares. She also stayed once in uptown Sedona, but prefers the less congested W. Sedona. The other B & B we stayed in was off Hwy 179 & had gorgeous views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, etc.


There are so many wonderful places to stay in Sedona & Enchantment certainly looks like one that would be an incredible place to stay & one we would like to try on a future visit. We had a late lunch there one day at Tii Gavo after hiking West Fork trail with my sister & her husband; we sat out on the patio & enjoyed the gorgeous views. I like that the Enchantment rate includes all activities so if you want to participate in yoga classes, guided hikes or mountain bikes, use the spa facilities (treatments are extra), etc., there are no extra fees. You just need to sign up for some in advance to guarantee a place. Right now there is some rennovation going on in the main lobby/restaurant area; someone I spoke to said it would be complete in 6 months (end of April?).

We also liked the idea of staying somewhere in Oak Creek Canyon for a summer visit - like Junipine Resort or the Wren Creek Cabins which we passed on a drive up through Oak Creek Canyon on the way to & from the GC. Garland's Jewelry on that route was fun to peruse.

In Sedona, we dined at Elote (liked it very much; need to get there before opening & wait on line though as no reservations are accepted), Silver Saddle at the Cowboy Club (I'd give this a C rating; 3 out of 4 at our table had our meals overcooked & service was incredibly slow - only saw 1 server), Dahl & Deluca - my husband & I didn't really care for it- our meals were not to our liking, but my sister & her husband liked their dishes, sandwiches from Euro Deli were good, Cucina Rustica (sister restaurant of Dahl & Deluca) - very good actually; had a lovely table outside by a fireplace, and Famous Pizza; a last minute decision to stay in our last night prompted us to order from here; the food was fair, certainly convenient.

Hope this helps some!

I like sharing a brief experience or suggesting something I have done, far more than writing a TR. I feel that a lot of my trips are just typical trips that have been stated already 1000 times on here. Unless, mine has something unique or interesting to it, I am far less likely to do one.

On a different note. Myer, are you going to Glacier this next year? I have seriously thought about it. I am taking my wife to Seattle/Olympic and then my daughter to Seattle/North Cascades/Mount Rainier/San Juan Islands. We are going seperately do to their school schedules. Wife teaches HS and it start the first week of August. Daughter will be in College in July and then won't start her freshman year(she will already have a year out of the way though-27 hours)until the 3rd week of August. We are going together to Shenandoah/DC in May.
Anyway, I have seriously debated about going to Glacier over one of the Seattle trips. I also have a friend who lives in Houston that I possibly could meet up with there. One of the big negatives is that the airfare is pretty steep to Kalispell and I have enough point on Southwest to fly to Seattle for free(might have to buy one ticket on one of the trips).

Stonest
Sorry to hijack your post. But, hey we changed the subject. and I think Myer meant well, he seems to enjoy reading about where he has been(I think he did Yellowstone last year) and he usually will ask for a link for photos. You stated that you travel different than most people your age. I think he would probably fall into that category as well. My parents are about his age and I wish I could talk them into half of what he does. I think about anyone would enjoy it, if they would give it a try. He and I seem to take very similar trips at similar times. If he and I are ever in the same place at the same time, I'm definately gonna have to do one hike with him.

spiro,
I've booked in-park lodging at Glacier for early August (Aug 4 for 6 nights plus I'll book the last night in Kalispell) (2 nights at Swiftcurrent in Many Glacier and 4 nights at Rising Sun at St Mary Lake ).

I'd rather stay mostly on the east side as the weather is supposed to be dryer.

This type of trip doesn't interest my wife. I've gone on a couple with a friend but he has some other issues.

Last year I went to Utah with my daughter and this year Yosemite with her and granddaughter.

It's possible my daughter would be able to come for part or all of the trip.

If I have to I'll go myself but really would prefer not to.

Yes, flying to Kalispell is a lot more expensive. But it's a long drive from anywhere else less expensive. And Delta owes me some credits for our flight from hell on the way to Yosemite.

Would be nice to meet up with you.

Well, hopefully she can do some of it with you at least. They do look like they do some really good ranger-led hikes all over the park and even the hikes on the boat rides look good. I don't know that I would hike by myself there. Even with 2 could be slightly risky. If we go that first weekend in August would be possible. I will definately buy bear spray if I go. I have a lot of points on Southwest. And a ton on AA that I plan on using to Hawaii in the summer of 2013. I don't have any on Delta or United and thats who fly into FCA. I think you have picked the right spots to stay at. Granite Chalet does look mighty interesting to me, though.

HEY no personal conversations allowed on travel related threads!
:)

Not a personal conversation.

Who wants to go to Glacier NP?