First time in Sedona in April

Question

Hi . My family and I ( husband and 9 year old ) are going to Sedona the first week of April .we will be coming from Williams , Az ( doing Grand Canyon train first). We are torn between several hotels to stay at. I wanted to see if anyone had any input as to a which hotel/resort might be best based on location, traffic, beautiful view, amenities. We will be doing the verde canyon train and pink jeep tour . Not much hiking but would like a hotel that is beautiful with great views and wonderful view. These are the hotels we were thinking of : Amara, Hilton bellrock, Arabella . We are open to any other recommendations but we need to book soon because a lot of the hotels we looked at are sold out. I appreciate any input or suggestions. I apologize in advance if someone else asked this question . I was attacked at a Sedona Reddit thread by just not knowing there was a FAQ ( which didn’t even answer my question). Thanks in advance.

Answer

Visiting Sedona for the first time in April is a great choice. The weather is usually mild, wildflowers may be blooming, and the red rocks look spectacular with the spring light. Since you’re looking for a hotel with beautiful views, convenient location, and family-friendly amenities, here’s a detailed comparison of the hotels you mentioned and some additional suggestions.

Hotel Options:

Amara Resort & Spa: Located in Uptown Sedona, Amara has stunning views of the red rocks, a modern and stylish design, and an excellent outdoor pool area. It’s within walking distance of shops and restaurants in Uptown Sedona, which can be convenient if you prefer not to drive much. The spa is a bonus if you want some relaxation time. Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak times.
Hilton Sedona Bell Rock: Located near the Village of Oak Creek, this resort has spacious rooms and is ideal if you prefer a quieter setting a bit away from the main traffic in Uptown Sedona. Views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are spectacular from many rooms. It has a large outdoor pool, family-friendly amenities, and on-site dining. This location is good if you’re planning day trips to the Verde Canyon train or Pink Jeep tours since it’s slightly closer to the southern part of Sedona.
Arabella Hotel Sedona: Centrally located near Uptown, Arabella offers decent views, comfortable rooms, and convenient access to local restaurants and attractions. It’s not as luxurious as Amara or Hilton Bell Rock, but it can be more budget-friendly. It’s a good option if you prioritize location over high-end amenities or expansive views.

Other Recommendations:

L’Auberge de Sedona: If you want a luxury option with creekside views and a highly scenic property, L’Auberge is beautiful. It’s ideal for relaxation and photo opportunities, though more expensive.
Enchantment Resort: Located in Boynton Canyon, this resort offers dramatic canyon views and is highly regarded for its location and amenities. It is more upscale and excellent for families who want a “resort experience” with on-site activities and hiking nearby, though minimal hiking is needed for your plans.

Tips for Choosing:

If you want to be close to shops, restaurants, and tour departure points, Amara or Arabella are more central.
If your priority is views and a resort feel, away from busy Uptown traffic, Hilton Bell Rock or Enchantment Resort are excellent choices.
For family convenience with minimal driving to your tours (Verde Canyon train, Pink Jeep tours), a hotel in southern Sedona or near Oak Creek can save some travel time.
Book soon, as April is a popular time for Sedona and many hotels fill up quickly, especially those with the best views.

In summary, for a balance of view, location, and family-friendly amenities, Amara Resort & Spa is likely the top choice, especially if you prefer walking distance to Uptown attractions. If you prefer a quieter, more resort-like experience with sweeping red rock vistas, Hilton Bell Rock is excellent. Arabella is good for convenience and budget, while L’Auberge or Enchantment provide luxury options with exceptional scenery.

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