Have you ever sat down just to look at a sunset without any thought or desire to do anything beyond taking in the glorious sight before you? There’s no expectation, no waiting for anything more than what you see directly ahead.
That was actually one of the primary reasons I wanted to visit the city of Sedona, Arizona. It would be my quiet respite where I could sit and stare at the red rocks and commune with nature. So, since I had heard such tempting tidbits about Sedona…..how it was a nature lover’s dream, a spiritual epicenter, a cultural cornucopia…..I wanted to go and see what all the fuss was about. Was it simply hype? Or did the rumors have any truth to it?
I had the great fortune of staying at two wonderful hotels during my stay there. The first was the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas (Arroyo Roble translates into Oakbrook; my limited Spanish would have had me guessing that it meant Red Arrow!) and it is such a beautiful and inviting hotel.
I arrived very late at 9:30 PM but I was quickly and efficiently checked-in. The desk clerk told me where breakfast would be served and gave me my room keys. As I turned to face the rest of the lobby, I had to smile because it reminded me of the ranch on Big Valley, like it was owned by very rich ranchers from the old west. It was the perfect rustic setting that I had counted on.
I was quite impressed as I stepped in to drop my now heavy backpack and my carry-on luggage. The spacious and spotless bathroom was to your immediate right with the granite sink console right beyond it. The room was massive and was decorated with a rich, earthy color palette of orange, green, brown and adobe red. The room had a comfy looking King bed with a Simmons Beautyrest mattress, pull out sofa, large desk and chair and a huge hutch that hid an equally large flat screen TV.
Upon arriving the night before, it was late so I didn’t bother to try to check out my surroundings because what would be the point? It was too dark! But imagine my surprise when I woke up the next morning, swung open my patio curtains and was treated to this sight as I stepped out onto the private balcony…..yeah, I could get used to this:
Though the hotel was located in the very busy Uptown Sedona area, it was so quiet; you could scarcely hear the wind blow. But once you left that quiet cocoon and stepped outside, it was quite busy. Uptown Sedona boasts high end galleries, fine dining, lots of souvenir shops where you can purchase native trinkets and tour companies poised to take you on a whirlwind tour of the city.
It was early June, but the streets were packed with couples and families milling about from one store to the next. I finally made my way to their breakfast room which was across the parking lot in a detached building that was still a part of the vast complex. It was very inviting and the food….delish!
Usually, hotels (if they serve it at all) will serve a continental breakfast consisting of bagels/toast/Danish, coffee, and juice. This breakfast was exceptional. You had your choice of unlimited servings of fresh fruit, cold cereal, Danish, bagels, toast, waffles that you could make yourself with various syrups, scrambled & boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, oatmeal, coffee, milk, orange, apple and grape juices!
The grounds, amenities, and rooms were immaculate, stylish and so special. The hotel offers air-conditioned racquetball and a lighted tennis court for a nominal fee. But there existed that dichotomy where you felt comfortable enough to feel as if you were at home and at the same time that you were visiting someone’s nice digs that you didn’t want to mess up…but you never felt ill at ease.
The environment could easily be mistaken for a country club lodge, it was that inviting. The beautifully landscaped pool area was a relaxing area where you could sit and read a good book or just soak up the sun on the sidelines. As hot as it was, not many used it as they were all out sightseeing until the wee hours of the evening, undoubtedly to catch a glimpse of a Sedona sunset.
Luckily, the rack rates are pretty darn reasonable. Their internet only rate starts at $169.00 per night for two queen beds. Be sure to join their rewards program too. I have a confession to make. I’ve never stayed in a Best Western before, mostly because my perception was that it was an outdated brand. Don’t get me wrong, I love older chains because you can usually find your best deals with them.
But my perception was that their hotels were probably not as updated as it should be and that’s being kind. I really got “schooled” during this trip. I learned that my preconceived notions were way off base because they really delivered. Best Western lived up to its name in every way, so excuse me while I go get lashed by a noodle.
Here are the amenities that you can expect to enjoy during your stay at the Arroyo Roble:
- All non-smoking rooms
- Free High Speed/Wireless Internet
- Arroyo Roble Resort Health Club Included
- Complimentary FULL hot breakfast
- Complimentary USA Today Newspaper
- In-room refrigerators, coffee maker, hairdryer and alarm clock with iPod dock
- In-room safe
- Free local calls
- 32″ LCD T.V., DVD player, satellite TV and HBO
- State of the art meeting room
- Enjoy 600′ feet of frontage on Oak Creek
- Free use of indoor/outdoor pools and sauna
- Free use of our Billiards Room
More info about my hotel:
Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
400 N. Highway 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
For reservations call – 800-7SEDONA
www.bestwesternsedona.com
email:[email protected]
eva hamori says
June 20, 2011 at 11:42 pmSedona sunsets sound simple sensational!
Renee says
June 21, 2011 at 8:18 amYes, Eva….absolute heaven!
Gray says
June 21, 2011 at 7:10 amOMG, that landscape is beautiful! I’m so glad you liked your hotel. Did you rent a car, or were you able to get around using public transportation?
Renee says
June 21, 2011 at 8:24 amHi Gray,
I flew into Phoenix and drove the two hours to Sedona. I will admit, the roads were challenging for me because the drive is all uphill (Sedona is at a 4500 elevation) but it was so worth it. I rented a sedan, but the garage guy let me take the Jeep Compass since he could tell I was concerned about trying to navigate the mountains. I’m pretty proud of myself because it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be….however….next time, I will fly direct to Sedona (I think that an American Airlines commuter plane flies in from Phoenix)!
Jozef says
June 21, 2011 at 3:26 pmThis looks like a great place to visit. Some of the scenery around is stunning!
Laurel says
June 21, 2011 at 3:53 pmI’ve always wanted to go to Sedona. Glad that you had such a wonderful experience. A great hotel really does make a difference.
Jeremy Branham says
June 21, 2011 at 4:19 pmSedona is a great place to visit. My wife went to school in the area in Flagstaff and I had a chance to visit there a few years ago. Kinda like a hippie place but a very interesting place to visit!
Grace says
June 22, 2011 at 9:45 pmRenee you have been busy! From NOLA to Sedona I can’t keep up.
Renee says
June 24, 2011 at 8:41 amHa! I have and it’s been a lot of fun!
Christy says
June 22, 2011 at 9:49 pmWe spent a few days in Sedona (camped in a parking lot in our motorhome, lol) and loved it! Unfortunately we had to leave earlier than expected, but I can’t wait to go back. It’s such a beautiful area. 🙂
Renee says
June 24, 2011 at 8:42 amOh, I can imagine Christy….you really got a chance to bond with your surroundings….nice!
Tina Travels to Bali says
August 19, 2011 at 1:09 amSeveral years ago (before I had my kids) my husband and I traveled to Sedona. That has to be one of our most memorable trips. It love the pace and the colors. Now we are a young family of 4 and would love to return.
Henry says
October 20, 2011 at 12:44 amReview about two hotels Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas is really great.. and the pictures you are posted here are really nice..
Renee says
October 26, 2011 at 9:08 amThanks, Henry!
Mark says
February 10, 2013 at 6:29 pmRenee, that was a great review and wonderful pictures! I am heading down that way in May, and the Best Western definitely looks like a place to checkout. Looks like I can indulge both my art and fitness fetishes, LOL ….
Renee King says
February 10, 2013 at 7:36 pmMark,
May is a great time to visit! I know that you will have a wonderful time while you are there. Thanks for stopping by!