Just back from Sedona Summit

We stayed in building 34 upstairs and had a very nice, new, clean unit. When I called earlier this month, I was told by the front desk that the Mesa units were better, but later in the month, I finally got the real scoop from reservations...Sunset one- bedrooms are the newest and nicest. While they have queen beds instead of kings and slightly smaller square footage, they are nicer and in the newest buildings. We had a huge bathroom with jacuzzi tub and separate walk-in shower, 2 flat screen TVs in bedroom and living room, washer/dryer and full kitchen with the ever popular granite countertops. Balcony overlooked the pool and hot tub and had a good view of the red rocks. My only complaint is the ';pleather couch'; - very slippery. (Our family is Diamond Resort members, maybe members get the newer units.)

Brace yourself for the HARD SELL upon check-in. Ridiculously deceiving and time consuming process. JUST SAY NO (about 5 times), unless you truly are interested in buying a timeshare.

I liked the location of the Summit - away from the construction and congestion of the Y area. If you can wait a year to go to Sedona, I would. The road work is supposed to be complete this year and should make a huge difference in your experience.

Weather was beautiful - needed a jacket and layers the first few days and at night, but sunny skies prevailed.

Restaurants:Had a nice lunch at Rene at Tlaquepaque(which really is a lovely shopping experience),a boisterous and typical mexican food meal at Javelina Cantina, delicious pizza and quiet atmosphere at Apizza Heaven. Drinks at Enchantment was enjoyable on the patio at sunset. We had no trouble getting past the security at the resort. Also had dinner at El Tovar at the Grand Canyon. Loved the historic lodge atmosphere, the fires in the lobby and dining room were a welcome sight after a very cold day at the park. Food was fine, but not wonderful. We had a room in the eastern end of Kachina%26#39;s east bldg. so we felt like we were practicallly staying at El Tovar - a 60 second walk. Beautiful Native American items at the Hopi House - old pawn jewelry, pottery,sandpaintings,etc. We took RedRox advice and entered through the east gate and worked our way over to the village. We had no trouble finding parking at each of the lookouts. Sunset at Yavapai Point wasn%26#39;t crowded, either. This time of year the position of the sun isn%26#39;t perfect for sunsets, but the Canyon is absolutely breathtaking any time.

Back to Sedona...Pink Jeeps - I liked the tour much more than I thought I would - incredible suspension on those jeeps, so you don%26#39;t feel jostled or rattled to death. Guide was informative and fun. We learned a lot about the natural history and geology of the area. Took the Broken Arrow tour - exclusive to Pink Jeeps and not too long.

Hikes: Brin%26#39;s mesa from the west off Dry Creek Road -need a high clearance vehicle to get to trailhead from that direction. Burn on top of mesa is still very apparent -but great views from top of mesa and down Soldier%26#39;s pass a few hundred feet. Couthouse Butte - easy,scenic loop hike.

Sunsets: Sunset from lower Red Rocks loop was beautiful. We parked on the side of the road and walked up a hill side of a vacant lot for a great view of Cathedral Rock, et al. Earlier we enjoyed walking along Oak Creek at the Red Rocks Crossing area and catching an early sunset there.

All in all, we loved our time in beautiful Sedona. Great easy day hikes. lovely drives up Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rocks loop, Dry Creek/Boynton Canyon, plenty of restaurant choices, great weather, beautiful fruit trees and manzanita in bloom and sunset heaven!

Just back from Sedona Summit

Thanks for the detailed report. And glad that you enjoyed your stay in Sedona. Not surprising, but it%26#39;s hard to imagine or understand until you visit for yourself. The same for the jeep tours. So many people resist beforehand, thinking it%26#39;s a touristy, gimmick. Not so, as you discovered. In fact, doing a jeep tour here in Sedona is generally the highlight of the vacation for many, and at the very least, it%26#39;s an educational and entertaining way to get introduced and oriented to the spirit of Sedona.

Hope you%26#39;ll return again soon.

Just back from Sedona Summit

Thanks for all your help, RedRox, in planning our trip. You are a wonderful ambassador for Sedona. My only regret is not eating at Elote and not staying longer!

Yeah, the difference between Javelina Cantina and Elote Cafe is like night and day. So you have a reason to come back.

Sounds like you got to do a lot on your visit to AZ and enjoyed it. That is what it is all about. Glad you had a good time. Yeah, that RedRox can give some good advice...lol.