L'Auberge de Sedona Gets a $25 Million Makeover for Turning 25

October 29, 2009 at 2:24 PM | by Heidi Atwal | Comment (1)

The grounds at L'Auberge de Sedona

Time, energy, and millions of dollars are often fed into resort overhauls to prove that they are bigger, better, and more luxe than their swanky competitors. The $25 million dollars that L'Auberge de Sedona invested into Phase One of their expansion project was a symbolic expense, meant to coincide with the property's 25th anniversary. And here, we thought that a sterling silver plaque would suffice.

Previously honored by Wine Spectator and Cond� Nast Traveler, the message L'Auberge de Sedona seems to be sending with the renovation is, "The more frills, the better." Many of the lodgings are meant to be private mini-retreats, with 64 brand new cottages recently added to the grounds. At 1,200 square feet, with indoor and outdoor spaces, outdoor showers, and gas fireplaces, the phrase that comes to mind is "rental property," not weekend getaway.

With prices ranging in the $400-500 range for cottage accommodations, you're definitely paying a premium for all of those extras. However, there are rooms and Gardenside Cottages available at a comparatively more reasonable $200-300.

A significant part of the improvements include eco-friendly decor and construction, like natural fabrics and rugs in the Creekside and Garden Cottages, and bamboo flooring in Spa Cottages. Considering that one of the resort's main selling points is its location in the middle of Red Rock County, it's natural that they would want their interiors to mirror the outdoors, not to mention pay a respectful homage to their surroundings.

Likewise, the improvements were largely about breaking down the barriers between guests and nature. The layout of L'Auberge's on-site restaurant was totally redesigned to give guests better views of Oak Creek while dining. After dinner, you can retreat to the new Wanderlust Library to unwind with free refreshments and travel-related reading material.

Remember, all of this is only Phase One, making us wonder what another couple million of dollars and a few more months will bring to L'Auberge. More than gilded bathroom fixtures, hopefully.

[Photo: HH Studio]

Comment (1)

Return to » L'Auberge de Sedona Gets a $25 Million Makeover for Turning 25

While I love L'Auberge (cabins are great, the restaurant has a fantastic Sunday Brunch too), I really don't like how close it is to all of the hokey shops nearby... nothing like a fudge shop and rocky mountain chocolate shop to ruin a stunning location. If they had a direct path to Tlaquepaque it would be fantastic.

I also think that there are other properties in Sedona that get a lot of press but are totally undeserving. Enchantment looks and feels like a 1980s rendition of an apartment complex that should have been placed in Albuquerque.... a tragedy for such a gorgeous location.

If you can't afford L'Auberge, try out Sedona Rouge - I think it's overall the best hotel/spa experience in Sedona - the rooms are great, and new, and some have fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs.... the spa is fantastic, the restaurant is great, and the location is awesome as well. Every time I go up there with my dog, they always have a dog bed, treats, toys, etc. waiting - the service is spot-on.

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