Amara Resort and Spa, Sedona

Garbage don't do it, rooms nice but very noisy service very slow to non existence, I have stayed at nicer Motel 6's. I killed a black widow in my room, way to pricey for what you get. Much better spa's in Phx.

Nice location if you don't mind the steep driveway. Great patio/pool and view. Front desk professional and helpful. The decor reminded us of 1980's bachellor pad. Dark slate floors and black leather furniture in the lobby. The room had old/ unclean carpet, one red wall and black and white decor. A very cheap (Home depot put together) piece of furniture housing the tv/closets. The bathroom had gray and black granite and a pedestal sink. It was a very awkward layout with no vanity (ladies you know what I'm talking about). We did use the large spa tub. Unfortunately, there were no instructions and we could only find the highest speed which felt like you were getting beat with a bat. (ask for details before you're naked in the tub;) If you use the heater be prepared to wake up every time it kicks on.

The service was always helpful and welcoming. The restaurant fare was delicious. The garden setting was a perfect size and attractively framed the red rocks. The creekside was fun to walk along. Our particular room had a small and adequate balcony which did have a green leafy tree partially in front of it, but I was grateful for the break from looking at the red rocks- a view available from everywhere else. The pool was a perfect temperature and size (I'm not fond of olympic & lanes), but most of the lounge chairs could be repaired or replaced. The room itself had an angled entry that avoided the cube box feeling, and the bed was ultra comfortable. My advice is to check the noise level of the air-conditioner when you ask to see a room. While this resort is located down a somewhat steep driveway, we found it a comfortable walk. Plus, immediate transportation was provided leaving and returning. All we had to do was request it.

I did like the restaurant staff they were very attentive and professional. The view over breakfast was good as well. However, when I checked in I found that the Creekside Room I had signed up for, was actually parking lot side. The Aveda products they promised were not here! Good thing I brought my own. When I complained about the problems they didn't care. The front desk girl is not good at her job. I do not feel welcomed here and I would never come back.

The hotel was nice with a convenient location but DON'T eat at the restaurant! We had the worst service I've ever had in a restaurant. We were seated outside where we were promptly ignored by all the waiters. We waited for 10 minutes with no menus, no drinks, and they didn't even turn on the heater! Cold and annoyed, I finally got the attention of a passing waiter who wasn't very friendly. He did drop off a couple menus but after waiting another 10 minutes he didn't come back to take our order so we left. That experience pretty much ruined our experience at Amara.

I booked the hotel based on reviews by other recent travelers. It really did exceed expectations. The staff without exception were there to assist and make our stay the best experience. Lisa at he concierge desk set up our spa time and our jeep tour arranging pick up and return. Charlie and Vulma at the spa helped us to find the exact treatment for relaxation. I can say this is one of the best spa treatments I have experienced. My daughter, sister and I stayed in the Creekside suite which was more than ample for three people. The suite is high in the trees overlooking the Oakcreek river. I would suggest this room for anyone looking for a stay with friends or a lovers retreat. The balcony is a perfect place for a glass of wine and tray of cheeses sent by the hotel. As it was my 65th birthday I had alerted everyone that it was a special day. The patio is perfect for lunch or dinner but was full by the time we went for dinner. The inside dining was great. Service again was exceptional featuring a unique menu. I look forward to returning to this hotel often. The room rate is a little higher but well worth the price for the amenities and exceptional service.

The actual spa was good and relaxing. The service at the hotel was only moderate quality. Wine and cheese was supposed to be there by check-in but didn't get there until 45 minutes later, and then the guy took another 15-minutes to go back and get the wine opening he forgot. Dinner was really good (try the filet mignon) but again the room-service waiter had to go back for water he forgot. The room is rather spartan and if you like the euro-retro feel from the '70's, you'll like the room. It seems they pinched their pennies on decorating the rooms... cheap furniture and not worth the $336 a night. If you get Suite 226, the balcony is fantastic! Large balcony with beautiful views. We had dinner on our private balcony and I would recommend that to anyone. Bottom-line, stay out of your room and you'll enjoy most everything else if you're willing to over-pay for moderate service and get hit for "required" tips they automatically charge for EVERYTHING.

Yes, the rooms seem a little smaller than some other resorts but very clean and stocked with robes, towels, linens. Staff, especially the bellmen, were extremely helpful in directions, where to go, ect. Spa if first class and very well kept and staffed. Amara is right in Sedona down a rather steep drive and might be hard for some to walk but Amara runs a shuttle to the top (Main Street) all the time. Mike Rock the general manager was very cordial and pleasant to talk to. Small video library next to the front desk and movies are free. We ate in the restaurant one evening and had the chefs sampler plate which was very unique and tasty. I might add that the head chef is very well known in gourmet circles throughout the world. Our room had a view of the Giants Thumb rock formation. The creek flows at the one end of the resort and is absolutely awesome. The hot tub stays open until 10 or 11 and just next to the hot tub was a fireplace that added to the beauty of the grounds. I actually liked the resort because of all the nice features and location and the staff.

They wouldn't honor their published price in the AAA guide. They ran my credit card 3 times for a one night stay. They slipped an invoice under the door with additional charges. Very nice restaurants shouldn't charge a $5 SPLIT fee (especially without informing the customer). Very nice place.

It's always interesting to see hotel reviews that are "at one end of the scale or the other" - as are the ones on this site - as it usually means that folks who really can't afford to stay in a hotel think that they were somehow taken advantage of, and experienced travellers realize just what the Amara is....and are satisfied. We were very satisfied! The rooms are what you would expect in a 3-4 star hotel [although the bathroom does need a "vanity" to put things on while shaving etc]....pleasant,clean and comfortable....if you want the best view you pay a little more and if you pay a little less there may be trees outside the window instead of "red rocks" or a pool. For the real complainers, you should realize that "it's a hotel"....the spa services are a bit of an afterthought or an add on. The dining room is pricey, but so is any similar eating establishment in "pricey" Sedona - try Deluca's Italian restaurant for a comparison....at the Amera "wine to unwind" in the late afternoon, delivery service to virtually place in Sedona [pick up too for us drinkers], a concierge that can't do enough for you, car jocks that move as fast and pleasantly as in any hotel in North America, and desk clerks [three different ones] who are as well trained and polite/friendly as any I've ever seen, all make the Amera a good place to stay....the only complaint that we had was the fact that some previous guest had thoughtlessly adjusted the time on the in-room clock to two hours later, than actual, and when we set the alarm to rise for a drive to the Phoenix Airport, we were in fact getting underway two hours earlier than needed....at 5:00 AM!