The hype
Travelers love the 'hidden oasis' feel just steps from the tourist trap of Uptown, but many find the price tag steep for the room size.
Amara Resort & Spa
$350-600/ night
Book this if You want the social energy of a boutique hotel with red rock views, but refuse to sacrifice walking access to Uptown's shops and margaritas.
Why People Love It
- Infinity pool with a killer view of Snoopy Rock
- Direct access to Oak Creek for a nature fix without leaving the property
- SaltRock Kitchen's craft margaritas and street corn are legitimate local hits
Quick Take: It's an 'outdoor-loving extrovert's paradise' that feels like a chic treehouse, but you're paying a premium for the vibe and location rather than sprawling square footage.
Reviewed by @WorldlyRoamer: I stayed here for a weekend recharge and it was exactly what I needed. The infinity pool looking right out at the Red Rocks is even better in person, and the spa is world-class. If you need to disconnect in style, this is the spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'infinity pool' is the social heart of the hotel, meaning it gets crowded and loud—if you want zen silence, this isn't it during peak hours.
- You want to hike all day and have a lively social scene to come back to
- You are traveling with a dog (they are aggressively pet-friendly)
- You want to walk to dinner/shopping without fighting for parking in Uptown
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable. Staff is responsive to requests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling. Occasional reports of loose fixtures or slow drains, but no major hygiene red flags.
- Maintenance: Renovated in 2021, so finishes are fresh. Minor wear and tear reported (e.g., broken safe, loose handle).
- Linens & towels: High quality, plush, and clean.
- Odors & scents: Fresh. No lingering smoke or musty smells reported in recent audits.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Pool deck chatter (for Courtyard rooms)
- Hallway foot traffic
- Hum from neighboring hotel's industrial A/C units (specific rooms)
Before you book
Good to know
- Resort fee is ~$40/night and covers valet, wifi, and gym access.
- Pet fee is $50 per pet, per night (limit 2 pets).
- The hotel offers a complimentary golf cart shuttle to Uptown if you don't want to walk the hill.
What to pack
- Hiking boots (trails are everywhere)
- Swimsuit (heated infinity pool is open year-round)
- Casual-chic dinner outfits (Sedona is relaxed but Amara is stylish)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Creekside King Suites (quietest, face the creek, nature sounds)
- Red Rock View rooms on the 2nd floor (better privacy, iconic views)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Courtyard rooms (zero privacy, everyone walks by your window)
- Rooms facing the parking garage/driveway (lesser views, more noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a 2nd-floor room facing the Creek or Red Rocks to maximize privacy. Please avoid ground-floor Courtyard rooms directly adjacent to the pool deck if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the infinity pool is heated year-round and offers stunning red rock views.
Can I walk to town?
Yes, there is a path/staircase that leads directly up to Uptown Sedona. It's a short but steep walk (or take the golf cart).
Is it pet-friendly?
Extremely. They provide bowls, beds, and treats. Fee is $50/pet/night.
Is parking free?
Valet parking is included in the daily resort fee. Self-parking is technically available but limited and less convenient.
Do rooms have balconies?
Most rooms have a patio or balcony, but ground-floor patios in the courtyard are very exposed to public areas.
Is there a spa?
Yes, the Amara Spa offers locally inspired treatments like the 'Rain Dance' massage.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the 'secret' path to bypass the main road traffic when walking into Uptown.
- ✨
The 'Creekside' area has hammocks and chairs that are often empty even when the pool is packed—go there to read.
- ✨
Ask for a room *away* from the neighboring Best Western to avoid the drone of their industrial A/C units at night.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Courtyard' rooms are basically fishbowls; if you leave your curtains open, the whole pool deck sees you.
💡The walk to Uptown is short but involves a steep hill/stairs—not great for mobility issues (use the golf cart).
💡You can hear the creek from the Creekside rooms, which is a natural white noise machine.
💡The headboards are made from local fallen trees, which is a cool authentic touch often missed.
💡Room service and pool food can be slow during peak times due to the small kitchen size.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Amara Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.