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

Where: 301 L'Auberge Lane [map], Sedona, AZ, United States, 86336

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 Condé 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.

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Tags: Summer Cocktails / Hotel Cocktails / Hilton Hotels / Sedona Hotels / Tequila / → All Tags

The Hilton Sedona's Prickly Pear Magarita

Where: 90 Ridge Trail Drive [map], Sedona, AZ, United States, 86351

We've kicked off our Summer Cocktails series where we profile fun new summer drinks that hotels are making. Got one we should know about? Send us the recipe with a photo of the drink. Otherwise, enjoy and @reply us when you're wasted!

Summer is sadly winding down and this weekend is probably your last weekend to indulge in Summer Cocktails at hotels. But while folks at the Jersey Shore and The Hamptons will be mourning this unofficial end of Summer, we prefer to mark the passing of summer by the Autumnal equinox which means we have about three more weeks left to down some drinks.

At the Hilton Sedona in Arizona, they've been celebrating the desert heat with their Prickly Pear Margarita. The drink can be (probably should be) enjoyed poolside where you can admire the famous Red Rock formations of Sedona. The drink usually costs $10.37 but sometimes the hotel makes it their special Drink of the Day for $6.75 so you can splurge for a few.

Just make sure you don't drink and drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Save your margs for after the road trip. Room rates here begin at $189 a night.

Recipe is after the jump.

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Tags: Hotel Video Tours / HotelChatter Reviews / Arizona Hotels / Sedona Hotels / → All Tags

Inside The La Vista Motel: Decor Needs A Facelift, But Lovely Staff

Where: 500 N Highway 89A [map], Sedona, AZ, United States, 86336

Getting your aura cleansed can be expensive, as we found out in Sedona this weekend. We arrived on Thursday, looking for a motel on spec – except everywhere seemed to be full up or over $100 for a room.

Finally, a guy in the tourist office suggested we try the La Vista Motel on the edge of town in North Sedona (actually it’s pretty much in the centre of town, just a few minutes walk from the shops). Our room cost $65. Was it half as good as the ones that cost twice as much? Well the lady at check-in (Kate) was positively angelic and made us feel completely at home. So that was a good start.

Room Reaction:
There are two levels to the motel – rooms on the top are level with the road and have views out over the famous Sedona red rocks. Those on the lower level don’t get the views because of some trees in the way, but they do get their own little seating areas, and a bit more privacy, because they’re tucked away under the main road.

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Tags: Hotel Renovations / Sedona Hotels / TripAdvisor / → All Tags

Sedona's Orchards Inn Gets Seemingly Long-Overdue Renovation

Where: 254 Highway 89A [map], Sedona, AZ, United States, 86336

Sedona, Arizona, has recently seen a swirl of activity — and for once it’s not related to vortexes or even the New Agey doings of the hippy-trippy guests the town attracts. Hilltop hotel Orchards Inn got a facelift! And from the sounds of more than a few painful-to-read TA reviews, it sounds like the update might have been long overdue.

The official word from Orchards Inn is that the hotel has been “updated inside and out to truly give this classic property an upscale contemporary feel.” The one aspect that even the mean TA reviewers admit is pretty amazing — Red Rock views — got centerpiece treatment, with new oversized framed mirrors placed just so to reflect the ahh-inducing views.

But, you know, new mirrors do not a renovation make. Guestrooms have also been “fully upgraded, from the custom designed dark oak furniture and beds with leather upholstered headboards to new carpeting and bathroom fixtures.” Also new: flat-screen TVs, nicer bedding, new lounge chairs on the sundeck, and individual climate controls in each room (hmm, OK, we’re not sure we’d be bragging that one as a “perk;” seems pretty standard).

Overall, the renovation doesn’t exactly sound earth-shattering (leave that to the vortexes!) but hopefully it means the place is less, uh, "disgusting.”

Tags: Arizona Hotels / Hotel Spas / Sedona Hotels / Desert Retreats / → All Tags

Take Your Pick: Guided Hikes or Golf Cart Rides at the Enchantment Resort's Mii Amo Spa

Where: 525 Boynton Canyon Road [map], Sedona, AZ, United States, 86336

The majestic red rocks and canyons of Sedona, Arizona lure millions of visitors every year seeking desert solitude and inspiration. And late winter is the perfect time to visit Sedona -- temperatures are still cool but the crush of holiday visitors are starting to thin out. And if your one who craves luxury and a little culture with your desert solitude, Mii Amo Spa at the Enchantment Resort is for you.

The setting is in a word, spectacular. Don't be surprised if you find yourself muttering "awesome" even if you're not the kind who says "awesome."

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Tags: Sedona Hotels / Hotel Deals / → All Tags

Get Your Fanny Packs at the Sedona Real Inn

Where: Highway 89A at Dry Creek Road [map], Sedona, AZ, United States, 86340

Hotels offering shopping packages is not such a new thing. Often, what gets news about these spend, spend, spend packages is just how luxe they can be (shoes anyone?)

But at the Sedona Real Inn in Sedona, Ariz., they keep their shopping package, well, real.

Seemingly geared only toward the severe tourist the package includes a fanny pack and coupon book among other things like breakfast and a bottle of Merlot. We are wondering why they stopped there? Why not also provide a plaid shirt, oversized, white tube socks, and too small khaki shorts?

Although Sedona is not exactly a trendsetting mecca like L.A. or New York, there is no reason to provide a fanny pack. Plus, can you imagine all the people stepping out of the room for their free breakfast only to notice that everyone is in the same fanny pack?

After doing some further research however, we have concluded that the fanny pack is probably just right for the clientele. One past disappointed guest of the hotel had this to say about the area shopping:

The shopping was either cheap souvenier crap or weird, over the top and overpriced artwork. We were expecting a charming 'village", but found a over- commericial sprawl. No charm or warmth.

In this case, we hate to say it, but if the fanny pack fits....And don't go to Sedona for shopping, go instead for red rocks or something.

Image via Dustinf/Flickr

Related Stories:
· Sedona Real Inn Reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Package Pushers Taking Your Money [HotelChatter]