Any experts out there? My family of five adults will be at Junipine in December. I don't know much but the resort looks really nice. We have a creekview creekhouse reserved with no hot tub as of yet. Any recommendations on which creekhouse to request?

I know Junipine very well. A close friend owns two units there. THere are a few different sections of creekhouses. Some (the ones behind the office and grill) are much closer to Oak Creek. You can hear the water and get down to it w/a short walk, and there is a bridge you can sit on w/the creek going under you. Other creekhouses are pitched up above the creek on steeper sections and there is no creek access from them- you have to walk all the way across the complex to get to the creek behind the office area if you stay in those. My friend owns one in each of the two areas I have described, and I have stayed in them both with her, and at other times w/my family. I prefer the ones closer to the creek (and coincidentally closer to the office, grill, and laundry room). Personally I would want the hot tub in Dec., esp. if you will be hiking. The views of the stars from the decks of the units is amazing, because you are outside Sedona in the canyon where there are very few lights. All the units are nicely decorated, a "lodge" kind of feeling about them, with those great huge stone fireplaces. One of hers has a kiva fireplace in the master bedroom also- I'm not sure that they all do though. The kitchens are all well equipped but rather small considering they are two bedrooms.

Thanks for the awesome info, EMD. I agree, I so want a hot tub for December, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that one will become available. So, if I want to put in some requests, you would suggest near the creek, right? I love the idea of being close to the running water, and I can hardly wait to see those stars! We do plan to cook at least breakfast on two mornings and maybe dinner once.

ONe really nice thing is that one bedroom is on main floor, off the living area, w/large bath and double sinks and big extra vanity area outside the bathrm (usually a king here), and other bedrm is upstairs w/separate full bath (usually 2 double beds). This is a nice set up for privacy. 5th person sleeps on pull out sofa in LRm.
You'll really like Junipine. The grill is only open certain times in Dec., but try it, it is good, and you can get room service when they are open.
I have a house rented for the wk btwn Christmas and New Yrs in Sedona.

Oh, and check out Dennis Young's astronomy photos in the GRill. I bought one of the Leonidis comet last year- Junipine sells them. He was a professional astronomer and now lives in Sedona- his photos are amazing. His Halle Bop photos from when it went over Sedona are great too- time lapse at night, somehow he got the comets and the red rocks show up- very very cool.
GEt the trout at the grill.

http://sedonastarlight.com/

This is what the stars will look like from that hot tub!! Although you'll be in the canyon, with red rock cliffs around, not the wide open spaces of red rocks like in sedona proper. Stars are MUCH better at Junipine.

ONe more thing- get groceries before you head up to Junipine. It is about 10 miles up the canyon, windy two lane road w/steep drops on the side. You don't want to drive it at night your first night there when you realize you should have gotten the groceries. Get the groceries first and then head up to Junipine to check in.

OH MY GOODNESS! I can't wait to show my family the beauty awaiting us! Those stars are unbelievable. As you might imagine, we don't get views like that around Dallas!

Thanks again for your gracious suggestions. We'll be in the area the same time as our arrival is on December 28!