Help with hotel?

Question

Looking to stay in Sedona.

Originally I thought about Scottsdale but looks like there is more to do in Sedona. Possible looking at a 5 or 6 night stay.

Could possibly horse a car if we need to as would like to go onto the Grand Canyon and stay for a couple of nights before heading to the California coast.

Like a nice hotel but one with a good pool as well as we do like a nice pool.

And a hotel centrally located so in the evening can walk to a restaurant or bar.

Couple on our own in our 50’s and prefer busier places.

This would be at the beginning of September.

Answer

Sedona is an excellent choice if you want scenery, outdoor activities, and a walkable environment with restaurants, bars, and galleries. For a couple in your 50s who prefer busier, lively areas and want a nice hotel with a good pool, you’ll find several strong options—especially if you base yourself in Uptown Sedona or the Gallery District. Early September is still warm, so a great pool is worth prioritizing.

Since you’re also considering continuing on to the Grand Canyon, renting a car will give you full flexibility. Sedona → Grand Canyon South Rim is about 2 hours 15 minutes, making it a perfect next stop. For Sedona itself, walkability depends heavily on where you stay, and Uptown is by far the most walkable for evening dining and nightlife.

Below are recommended hotels that fit your preferences, along with notes on walkability, vibe, and pool quality.

Amara Resort & Spa (Uptown Sedona) – A boutique, stylish, and lively resort with one of Sedona’s best pool settings overlooking red rock views. A short, easy walk to Uptown shops, bars, and restaurants. Modern design, good on-site bar, and excellent customer service. Best option if walkability is your highest priority.
L’Auberge de Sedona (Uptown Sedona) – Luxury creekside property with high-end rooms and cottages. The pool isn’t the biggest but the setting and facilities are top-tier. You can walk to Uptown dining in about 5 minutes. More serene than lively, but still close to the action.
Arroyo Pinion Hotel / Andante Inn area (West Sedona) – Less walkable than Uptown, but sits in a busier district with shops and restaurants spread along 89A. Pools vary by property; West Sedona usually offers more value. Better if you prefer a livelier non-tourist neighborhood.
Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock (Village of Oak Creek) – Large resort-style pools, great views, and a classic resort vibe. However, it’s not highly walkable in the evening. Restaurants are nearby but still require short driving. Excellent if the pool is the top priority.
Arabella Hotel Sedona (Between Uptown & Gallery District) – Mid-range, good pool, and you can walk to several restaurants in the area. Not as upscale as Amara or L’Auberge, but a strong choice for convenience and ease of access.

If walkability to evening restaurants is your top requirement, you should focus on Uptown Sedona. This is where you can park the car and enjoy evenings on foot, with plenty of dining and shops open late by Sedona standards.

If the pool is the most important amenity and you don’t mind driving to dinner, resorts in the Village of Oak Creek or West Sedona offer larger and more resort-like pool areas, plus quieter settings and more space.

Best area for walkability: Uptown Sedona.
Best area for a classic resort pool experience: Village of Oak Creek.
Best balance of amenities and local feel: West Sedona.

Given your preferences—lively, walkable, nice pool, central location—your strongest overall match is Amara Resort. It gives you luxury, a beautiful pool, walkability, and an energetic but still relaxing atmosphere.

September is a popular month, so booking early is essential. With 5–6 nights, you’ll have time for pool days, scenic drives, short hikes, and a smooth continuation to the Grand Canyon before heading west toward California.

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