100 Amara Lane, Sedona, Arizona, United States | (618) 248-8274
Infinity pool and hot tub with beautiful red rock views
Contemporary rooms, some with balconies
Convenient Uptown location within walking distance of restaurants and shops
Free access to steam room and relaxation room in spa
Morning coffee and tea, and free daily happy hour
Morning yoga class and in-room yoga mats
Free shuttle within a one-mile radius
Pet friendly -- all kinds and sizes welcome without charge
Daily resort fee
Fee for Wi-Fi (unless a rewards member -- though it's free to join)
No business center
The 100-room Amara Resort and Spa is a moderately sized hotel along Oak Creek in uptown Sedona. The contemporary design can feel a little overdone, but the grounds are beautiful, with an infinity pool overlooking the red rock pillars for which the area is known. Rooms are contemporary and pleasant. With free morning yoga and a spa with body treatments and facials, the hotel is a restful and picturesque getaway. Amid shops and galleries in Uptown Sedona, the location is ideal for tourists.
Scene
Contemporary interior meets understated exterior
The grounds of the Amara are simple and inviting. Just beyond the restaurant’s outdoor seating, there is a small garden patio with cushioned seating and gas fire pits, an ideal place to read, chat, and enjoy a drink. Scattered along the grassy center of the courtyard are Adirondack chairs that look out on the ruddy red Sedona rocks. Along the back of the property is the burbling Oak Creek.Inside, the Amara is bright and contemporary. The design choices -- like the multi-patterned carpets and pillows, or the eggplant-colored, high-backed chairs with strange hourglass shapes -- are bold, quirky approach, but the natural wood walls bring things down a notch and give the lobby a serener air.The Amara was renovated in 2014, and opened a rebranded restaurant.
Location
In the heart of uptown Sedona with free shuttle
Lounging by the infinity pool, guests may feel secluded among the greenery and rock formations, but in actuality, the Amara is conveniently located in Uptown Sedona. A high-tourist area, visitors can stroll to numerous shops, restaurants, and galleries within a few minutes. For those disinclined to walk, the Amara has a few bikes on hand for free usage and also provides a free shuttle that travels within a one-mile radius.
Rooms
Simple, modern, and average in size; some rooms have small balconies
The standard rooms at the Amara are moderately sized. While not overwhelmingly large or plush, the rooms are clean and bright, with simple modern furniture and brightly colored accents. Some units have small balconies overlooking the grounds. Upgrading to a suite will get you a separate seating area and a deep-seated tub. Bathrooms are stocked with soap, shampoo, conditioner, and robes. All rooms have large flat-screen TVs, but Wi-Fi comes at an extra cost.
Features
A beautiful pool, a restaurant and bar with a view, and a lovely spa
While the hotel tacks on a pesky daily resort fee, it does offer some thoughtful perks, such as morning coffee and tea, morning yoga, and free evening happy hours. The fitness center is neither large nor glamorous, but everything is clean and functional; there are cardio machines with personal TVs, a few weight machines, and free weights. The eatery SaltRock Southwest Kitchen was overhauled in 2014 and includes regional fare, a number of craft margaritas, and a beautiful view of the red rock pillars extending up beyond the grounds. The infinity pool is picturesque and the Amara Spa has an understated atmosphere. It offers body treatments, facials, and makeup consultations. All guests have access to the spa’s relaxation room and steam room.