The hype
The creekside setting is world-class and the staff are generally lovely, but the prices set a bar that the aging hard product sometimes misses.
L'auberge De Sedona
$400-1200+/ night
Book this if You want the only true creekside luxury experience in Sedona and don't mind paying a premium for the sound of rushing water.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right on Oak Creek with duck feedings and calming water sounds
- Outdoor cedar showers in the cottages that make you feel one with nature
- The 'House Car' service that whisks you to Uptown dining without the parking headache
Quick Take: It’s a tale of two resorts: magical, expensive creekside bliss or a slightly less-special hillside stay that feels detached from the main attraction.
Reviewed by @wheres.kam: My stay at L'auberge De Sedona was a dream. The outdoor shower was incredibly refreshing, and having a private fire pit on the terrace made the evenings so romantic. Definitely book a creekside table for dinner—the sound of the water is amazing.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Recent reports (late 2025) of persistent 'skunk' or 'musty' odors in some Vista cottages and slow service at the pool.
- You book a Creekside Cottage and plan to spend 80% of your time on your private deck
- You are traveling with a dog (they get a welcome bag and bed, though the fee is $100/night)
- You want a romantic, secluded vibe but need to be close to shops and galleries
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally strong daily service with turndown, though recent reviews mention missed dust in high corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are usually spotless, but watch out for 'musty' smells in older Vista cottages.
- Maintenance: Grounds are manicured to perfection; some wear and tear on cottage exteriors (peeling paint) reported.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, plush towels and robes, though a few reports of 'damp' feeling linens due to the creek humidity.
- Odors & scents: Fresh cedar and lavender in most areas; occasional skunk/sewer whiffs near the road/hillside units.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rushing water (Creekside units - positive)
- Highway 89A traffic (Vista/Lodge units - negative)
- Thin walls in attached cottage suites
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Duck Beach' is a real thing—you can feed ducks by the creek every morning.
- The free house car (Mercedes Sprinter) runs 24/7 within a 1.5-mile radius—use it to skip Uptown parking.
- Dining at Cress on Oak Creek is freezing at night even in summer—bring layers.
What to pack
- Water shoes or Tevas (if you want to actually step into the creek)
- A warm jacket for dinner (creekside microclimate is significantly cooler)
- Hiking boots (trails like Brins Mesa are nearby)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Vista Cottages #87 or #88 (end of the row, most private, best Red Rock views)
- Creekside Cottages (any standalone unit away from the restaurant/reception for maximum quiet)
- The Cliffs (newest renovated rooms, best for modern luxury if you don't mind being up the hill)
Rooms to avoid
- Lodge Rooms (feel like a standard hotel, lack the 'resort' magic)
- Vista Cottages near the entrance (less privacy, more road noise)
- Garden Cottages if you specifically want a view (you'll stare at greenery, which is nice but not 'Sedona' epic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love to request a standalone Creekside Cottage as far from the restaurant as possible for quiet. If that is not available, Vista Cottage #87 or #88 would be our second choice for privacy.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the creek loud?
Yes, in the best way possible. In Creekside Cottages, it's a roaring white noise. In Vista/Lodge rooms, you won't hear it.
Can I walk to Uptown Sedona?
Technically yes, but it involves a very steep driveway climb. Most guests take the free shuttle up and walk back down.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated to ~82°F year-round and is open 24 hours.
Are the 'Cliffs' rooms worth it?
They are the newest and most modern rooms with great Red Rock views, but they are a hike (or shuttle ride) from the creek and main lodge.
Do I need a car?
Not really. The Groome Transportation shuttle can get you from PHX, and the hotel's house car handles local trips. A car is only needed for further hikes like Devil's Bridge.
Is it adults-only?
No, it is family-friendly, but the vibe is definitely geared towards romance and quiet couples.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast at least once and head to 'Indian Gardens Cafe & Market' in Oak Creek Canyon (4 min drive north) for a better, cheaper meal in a garden setting.
- ✨
You can order food from 89Agave (their casual Uptown sister restaurant) to your room if you want something cheaper than Cress.
- ✨
Ask for a 'star map' from the concierge; the stargazing here is legit.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'skunk' smell in some hillside cottages is a recurring complaint—ask to move immediately if you detect it.
💡The 'resort fee' is a percentage (10%), meaning if your room is $1000, you pay $100/night just in fees.
💡There is no elevator or funicular to get you up the hill to Uptown anymore.
💡Cell service can be spotty in the canyon bottom (Creekside units)—rely on Wi-Fi calling.
💡The 'outdoor showers' are seasonal—they might be winterized/shut off if you visit Dec-Feb.
Local Playbook
Map
See where L'auberge De Sedona is located and what's nearby.