We are having trouble deciding where to stay for 4 nights in October. We have really enjoyed luxury B & Bs in other locations in the past and there appear to be several really nice, upscale B & Bs in Sedona but we have also read great things about Enchantment and L'Auberge de Sedona. We normally like to stay somewhere centrally located within walking distance of sites and shopping. We also want to be able to go on moderate hikes. However, we know that Sedona is spread out and that we'll definitely need to use our car, wherever we stay. Some people insist we stay at Enchantment while others say Enchantment is in too remote of a location. Any suggestions or recommendations for a great B& B or hotel or inn would be appreciated.

I don't know anything about the QUALITY of this hotel, but we were in Sedona a couple of weeks ago, and decided that if we ever go back, we'll stay at the Best Western in uptown Sedona. Although we didn't like uptown Sedona at all (too many souvenir shops), the views from the rooms at that hotel (you must have a red rocks view room, others face the street) are spectacular, and I think it would be nice just to sit on the balcony and enjoy the view. If there are any other hotels with red rocks views and beautiful grounds, that would be my first choice.

We so enjoyed Enchantment Resort for all it had to offer. The views are outstanding. But you also have hiking trails outside your door. And several others that are in between town and the resort. It's really not a big imposition to stay there. I much prefer it after visiting and seeing the congestion at the "y" intersection in town.

If you choose lodging in town, Auberge is very nice. We toured and felt it was lovely and serene. Everything is near by -- restaurants, galleries, junk shops. But for hiking you will drive to your choices.

El Portal is a favorite of many. I would put it ahead of Auberge but it isn't next to restaurants. Also, Sedona Rouge. I've heard good things about it as well.

I never felt like Enchantment was too remote but then I was so blown away by the scenery there that it wouldn't have mattered anyway! Having a drink on the patio at Yavapai and taking in the surrounding red rocks of Boynton Canyon was the perfect end to a day of hiking and exploring. And if you're up for a gourmet meal Yavapai restaurant will not disappoint.

Also vote for Enchantment. My husband and I have been there several times and love the peacefulness. Restaurant was very good. B&B we tried one time that we liked too was Canyon Villa which is closer to Oak Creek. If you want more than one room, the Hyatt at Pinon Point is also very nice - it's a timeshare property normally but also rents out directly.

Another vote for Canyon Villa -- great views, lovely pool, and beautiful rooms. Hiking out the back door too!

We were there 2 years ago and stayed at the Best Western Red Rock. I think it was the one dmlove mentions. It was great! Very affordable and georgious views! We ordered take out and sat on the balcony to eat in style!

http://www.innofsedona.com/

Enchantment is a standout.

But we also really enjoyed our stay at Inn on Oak Creek. The rooms facing the creek are quiet and private. Concierge service.

I think many will agree that the town of Sedona is not the reason you've gone there.

The shopping mostly consists of t-shirt shops and art galleries.

The great attraction is the surrounding setting and the views.

I stayed very close to the "Y" intersection at the Best Western Inn of Sedona.

It has a great setting and spectacular views. I'd definitely stay there again.

I guess staying at Enchantment of somewhere else is a matter of the type of experience your looking for.

And the budget.

Note that there is more than one Best Western in Sedona.

I have to respectfully disagree about the town of Sedona. It is not Santa Fe, it doesn't have that cohesive historic area like Santa Fe. But it has a lot of cultural draw of its own- the Jazz on the Rocks festival every fall w/world class Jazz artists, a good Chamber Music program that has live music concerts year round, a great bluegrass concert series in the spring, a world-class yearly film festival, live performances at Tlaquepaque, on and on. Canyon Moon Theater provides good theater also.

Sedona is even making light of the road construction on Hwy 179 out front by having a "street jam" on May 30. It starts at Tlaqupaque, moves to Garlands, then to Hillside, featuring a global stomp rhythm and blues dance band, a margarita garden at Javelina's, a beer garden at Oak Creek Brewery, etc. Sedona Trolley and Roadrunner will provide free transportation btwn the sites (whcih are farely close together to start with.)

The site says: "Decked out in construction overalls and hardhats, performers will rock Tlaquepaque, Gallery Row and Hillside in a heart-pounding tribute to road construction. Bringing together some of Arizona's best dancers, drummers, gymnasts and martial artists, Street Jam has performed at many corporate events, schools, parties and fundraisers. Coming from different backgrounds and disciplines, the performers improvise, combine and support each other's individuality to create a "jaw-dropping" jam."

The Santa Cruz River Band is playing free at Tlaqupaque on May 10. This is an internatl. "soutwestern folk" music touring group (Linda Ronstadt's brother is the vocalist) and they are excellent, I've seen them.

Although some people complain about the food not being great in Sedona, I have had very good and memorable meals there at numerous places.

Sedona has a lot to offer. Most tourists come for the outdoors. But there is a nice community there and numerous cultural offerings if one is interested. And some very good art in those galleries too, and some very good high quality shopping at Tlaqupaque and Hillside.

We make it a point to find out what is going on in the town before we go. We enjoy the community and cultural offerings after we get done enjoying the outdoors.

http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/article/id/1762/page/1

http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/article/id/1782/page/1

http://www.chambermusicsedona.org/concerts.htm

http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/article/id/1765/page/1

I think you would love L'Auberge as it is on the creek and beautiful. Can walk just about anywhere and is very, very romantic with a fabulous restaurant and service. But....all this does not come cheap. Another option could be Amara Resort, located uptown. I LOVE Enchantment but it is outside of town. I second El Portal, Inn on Oak Creek and look at the Lodge at Sedona. ENJOY....beautiful time of the year.

Enchantment!!!

Another vote for Enchantment - romantic, luxurious, spectacular views - and you do need a car anyway because Sedona is really spread out. There are lots of neat places, but you can't walk to them.... Wherever you stay, Sedona is probably my favorite place in the US, so really enjoy your visit. Those Red Rocks...... really stunning...

We stayed at the Lodge at Sedona <http://www.lodgeatsedona.com/> last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Their breakfasts are outstanding!