I am deciding to either stay at the Best Western Arroyo or the Sky Ranch Lodge. We have teenagers that like to shop and sightsee and also a husband that likes to relax around a pool, we all love to swim and relax by the pool. Help!
Larosy

We liked the view and location of the Best Western, but we were there in the winter and didn't use the pool. The pool area looks great, but, as I recall, when we went on our balcony we heard machinery humming which I suppose can be heard in the pool area.

I just returned from the Best Western Sedona Inn.

The place must have been renovated because it has the look and feel of a new place. The included breakfast was excellent.

They have a pool but I don't think it was very big.

I'm not sure what you mean by shop and sightsee but there's a big difference between the Sedona setting and the town of Sedona.

Other than many art galleries and t-shirt stores, I didn't see much in the way of shopping. Then again, I don't consider shopping an activity and all I did was hike for 2 days.

I've stayed at a few places in Sedona but now that I've stayed at Sky Ranch Lodge, I know it's where I'll stay from now on. I found it very friendly, relaxing, reasonable pricewise, and the view is unmatched!

Sky Ranch Lodge for sure. Great pool, great views, relaxing,only a few minutes drive to the madness below.

If the teenagers are into 'new age' there is supposed to be a 'vortex' on the road down.

We had a unit with a small kitchenette, which would be great for your own continental breakfasts and to pack picnic lunches.

I would never stay down "there" after staying "up here".

There is very good high quality (and a lot of handmade goods too) shopping in Sedona at Tlaquepaque. I love the hand-woven good store there (Isadora) and jewelry, and galleries too, and of ocurse Oak Creek Brwery and lots of other restaurants. It is liek a little spanish village.

http://www.tlaq.com/

Oh, I love the T place. I can't pronounce it, so we started calling it "Take-your-pocket(book)". It's been guilty of it EVERY time I've been to Sedona!

We stayed at the Best Western Arroyo last summer for 3 nights with older kids (teens)and were so glad we did. Its right there in the middle of all the stuff that many people want to avoid but is so helpful for older kids

Ask for an upper floor as they all overlook a nice pool and the red cliffs. An indoor pool, pool table and computers are in another building set a bit behind the hotel near the creek. Its a nice setting and our kids loved walking around town by themselves.

Of course we drove other places (for hikes, to jerome, for my run ect) but for teens, you can't beat the location for shopping ect.

Try the cowboy club for a fun, tasty dinner, esp. the cactus fries!

I think star is talking about talaquepaque, which is a wonderful little "village" of arts & craft stores and specialty shops in Sedona. I like the translation Starr! LOL

Bit Devine

Yep, emd had the link above my post. I probably should have referenced it.

I'm not much of a shopper but I ALWAYS find something I want (usually jewelry) at Take-my-pocket(book)

We have stayed at Sky Ranch Lodge --- twice. And will definitely stay there again.

http://www.skyranchlodge.com/

As a recent guest at the Sky Ranch Lodge - I would have to concur with those advocating the place. It's definitely an unique place to stay at, towering above all the other motels down there. Another benefit: every evening when the sun sets - you MUST go down to the cliff overlooking the town and watch the sun hit the red rocks. It's simply gorgeous and during my stay there many many cars came up just for the view. Lucky for us - we just walked (its just down the road).

Another thing... if you're looking for a breakfast place - do go down to the airport which is past the Sky Ranch Lodge. Also within walkable distance and enjoy your meals while you watch these little planes take off and land. And often times the pilots who land these planes come in the restaurant for a meal.