My family (me, hubby & 16 year old son) are visiting Sedona this April. (We'll be flying into Phoenix, spending 2 nights in Sedona, 2 nights in Grand Canyon & 4 nights in Las Vegas... good itinerary?)
In any event, I'm torn between 3 or 4 hotels: HILTON SEDONA... is it too far from everything? Are the views great? SKY RANCH LODGE: I've read some reviews that it's a bit run down and seedy... That would not be good for us...We like well manicured, well maintained places. THE ORCHARDS... how is this place?
My 2 main concerns are: views of the red rocks and well maintained properties... What do you think? Any other suggestions to make me more confused?
Thanks,
Lisa

We always stay at The Orchards because of the superb location, quality of the rooms, marvelous views from the rooms or porch/pool/hot tub area. Really good restaurants are within easy walking distance, shops and jeep tours. Adequate parking is available. We could pay more at Enchantment or L'Auberge(directly below Orchards), but have always been more than satisfied with The Orchards.

I agree completely with desertduds. Hilton seems too far, and I always worried about driving up and down the road to Sky Ranch after having a few glasses of wine ;-). Orchard's is in a great ;ocation and I think the prices are reasonable. Judy

We stayed at Enchantment during our recent trip to Sedona and we couldn't have been more pleased with its location right in the Boynton Canyon surrounded by red rocks ... it was stunning. It's pricey but worth it for the location.

We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge last April and loved it. It is NOT run down or seedy in any way. It is a sprawling motel complex with some beautifully manicured and interesting grounds, and is about 500 feet from one of the most scenic lookouts in Sedona. On the other hand, it is not a 4* upscale resort, but it was very clean, comfortable and relaxing.

Family stayed at Hilton Sedona last March. I could sit on our balcony and see the red rocks. Our suite had a fireplace and kitchenette. Golfing was beautiful said hubby. Spa treatments were divine. Jacuzzi was marvelous on the chilly night. On site restaurant had extremely good food with view of golf course and mountain. I would definitely return to this property.

We did Phoenix, Sedona and Las Vegas on the same trip last year. We had planned to do Grand Canyon but the drive was so boring from Sedona to LV that we pooped out. There are now security checkpoints and it adds to the aggravation. We did stop at Hoover Dam and that was interesting.

Have a nice trip.

I agree with Zootsie. We enjoyed Sky Ranch. Views are fantastic, although Judyrem is correct that it is a narrow winding road to the top and if that makes you nervous or you like to have a cocktail or two this may not be the place for you. I can't say that I would spend a week at Sky Ranch, but for the two nights we did spend it was just what we were looking for.

Thanks for your responses so far, everyone!!

Today I'm leaning towards the Hilton because it seems so fresh and well maintained and has good views (so I've been told).
I'd love to stay at the Enchantment but the 2 nights we'll be there are considered peak, and the lowest rate was $395 per night... a bit too much for me... I'd spend up to $250 per night maximum.

We are going to Sedona in April and are booked at the Canyon Villa Inn. I have not stayed there, but the rooms and view look beautiful. http://www.canyonvilla.com/index.htm

The Hilton is a great choice for a family. It is nice to have the extra room. My children slept on the pull out couch in the living room and had their own television. At night the jacuzzi tub was right outside the room and there was a fire going. My husband and I could have a drink by the fire and watch the kids swimming. It is a ten minute drive to Town. I did not find it out of the way at all. In fact, it was very close to Bell rock, which we enjoyed climbing. Enjoy.

There is a brand new resort that opened up last summer in Sedona. The name is "Amara Resort." It is located just behind "Orchards" (down the lane, located along the creek) and right next door to "L'Auberge de Sedona" which is where we stayed.
Check out this resort on the 'net, if interested.
Good luck. Francie

Francie - The Amara does look like a lovely place, but they will not guarantee a view of the red rocks... Actually, several places I had called would not guarantee this! I have a problem when a hotel will not guarantee things. The Orchards, for instance would guarantee a view of the red rocks, but not a room with a fireplace! I find that ridiculous if they have availability at the time I'm booking... and I'm willing to pay for it. The Hilton will guarantee a red rock view (higher rate, but that's what I want)and a room with specific ammenities.... that's the way it should be... agree on a specific price for a specific type of room.
Lisa