L'Auberge de Sedona

L'Auberge de Sedona, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely regarded as a luxurious and enchanting retreat nestled in the heart of Arizona's stunning Red Rock Country. It's often celebrated for its breathtaking natural setting along Oak Creek, offering a serene escape with impeccable service and world-class amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for L'Auberge de Sedona is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing it as a memorable and exceptional experience. It is consistently recognized as a top luxury destination, attracting couples for romantic getaways, families seeking outdoor adventures, and those looking for a rejuvenating retreat. The property boasts a "Wonderful" rating of 9.2 based on over 1,000 reviews on Hotels.com, and an 8.6 rating on Booking.com which reflects its standing against industry standards.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of L'Auberge de Sedona:

• Location & Views: The resort's unparalleled location where the Red Rocks meet the lush Oak Creek is a standout feature, providing stunning views and a tranquil ambiance. The ability to enjoy both creekside serenity and dramatic red rock vistas is frequently highlighted.
• Design & Ambiance: The aesthetic is described as a pleasing mix of provincial country and contemporary design, with spacious green lawns, shade trees, and outdoor decks contributing to the magical atmosphere. The resort's commitment to bringing the outdoors inside is appreciated.
• Amenities: L'Auberge offers a full roster of activities including tarot readings, meditation, sunrise yoga, and stargazing. The spa, with options for creekside massages, and the newly renovated pool area are also significant draws. Complimentary services like coffee, tea, baked goods in the lobby, and a free shuttle service to Uptown Sedona are also valued. The property is also dog-friendly.

3. Room Quality

L'Auberge de Sedona offers a variety of accommodations, including luxury cottages, suites, and traditional lodge-style guest rooms, totaling 88 units. These accommodations are designed to provide warm modern luxury and a serene ambiance.

• Cottages: The private cottages, particularly those along Oak Creek, are considered the resort's crowning glory. Many feature wood-burning fireplaces, private decks, and luxurious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and unique outdoor cedar showers. Vista Cottages offer panoramic views of Sedona's topography, while Creekside Cottages provide the soothing sounds of the water.
• The Cliffs (Newer Accommodations): A recent $30-million renovation introduced 70 new accommodations in "The Cliffs" area, boasting floor-to-ceiling views of Red Rock State Park, fireplaces, and spacious patios or balconies. The design here incorporates earthy rust tones and deep blues, reflecting the surrounding landscape.
• Comfort: Guests frequently praise the comfort of the rooms, mentioning plush beds and well-appointed spaces.

4. Dining Experience

The culinary offerings at L'Auberge de Sedona are a significant part of the guest experience.

• Cress on Oak Creek: This is the resort's culinary centerpiece and a popular fine-dining spot, often cited as one of the best restaurants in Sedona. It offers French-influenced, locally sourced cuisine with a seasonally changing menu, including three-, four-, or six-course chef's menus for dinner. Dining alfresco on the creekside patio, accompanied by the sounds of flowing water, is a highly recommended experience.
• Breakfast: Breakfasts at Cress on Oak Creek are described as delicious, with options like crab-and-artichoke blintzes, eggs Benedict, and chilaquiles. However, some past reviews have criticized breakfast service.
• Cress Bar: This offers a more casual dining experience with a curated beverage list and enticing menu.
• 89Agave Cantina: Located in Uptown Sedona, this is highlighted as a top choice for authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Ambiance: The ambiance of the restaurants, particularly Cress, is often praised for being amazing and romantic.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests highlighting friendly, attentive, and helpful staff. Guests have appreciated the responsiveness of the text-based front desk/concierge services. The resort strives to deliver exceptional and memorable guest experiences.

However, there have been some criticisms regarding service. Some guests reported slow and unhelpful concierge staff, and issues with room service taking over an hour for simple requests or delivering cold food. There have also been isolated reports of inexperienced staff and a lack of management presence during issues. A very serious complaint involved staff entering guest rooms without knocking, leading to privacy concerns.

6. Location & Accessibility

L'Auberge de Sedona boasts a prime location.

• Neighborhood: It is nestled along Oak Creek, offering a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, yet is conveniently located in Uptown Sedona.
• Attractions: The resort is within walking distance to Uptown Sedona's shops, art galleries, restaurants, and metaphysical practitioners. It's also a short drive from Sedona Airport and offers private shuttles to local attractions like Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. The resort's proximity to Sedona's famous vortexes is also noted.
• Transport: Free shuttle service to Uptown Sedona is provided. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately a 2-hour drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

L'Auberge de Sedona is recognized as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that.

• Price Range: Room rates can vary significantly by room type and season. While some deals can be found starting from around $69, the average price per night is often much higher, with recent averages around $651 per night. Weeknight stays average around $583, while weekend nights can average $719. October is typically the most expensive month, with prices rising by an average of 76%, while January sees an average 10% drop, making it the cheapest month to stay.
• Value: Many guests feel that the indulgent experience, stunning views, and impeccable service justify the higher cost, making it "worth every penny" for a truly luxurious and memorable stay. However, some past reviews have expressed dissatisfaction that the overall experience did not justify the price.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Cleanliness and Odors: Some guests have reported dissatisfaction with cleanliness, including unpleasant odors like skunk smell in cottages and musty towels/pillows.
• Service Inconsistencies: Despite generally positive service, there have been instances of slow and unhelpful concierge staff, delayed room service, and issues with breakfast service.
• Room Issues: Occasional complaints include non-functioning air conditioning and issues with in-room technology like QR codes. There were also reports of dated accommodations and poor training of some staff.
• Privacy Concerns: A significant concern raised by some guests involved hotel staff entering rooms without knocking.
• Construction: Some guests have noted construction on the property, which can impact the experience.
• High Cost: While many find it worthwhile, the high price point is a factor for some, especially when combined with perceived service shortcomings.

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