Sedona Pines Resort

The resort has the feel of a modern Southwestern neighborhood, with pinkish stucco cottages arranged on quiet streets. Red rocks and various trees give the property a natural feel, and fountains and faux creeks create the pleasant sound of running water in certain spots. The small lobby features dark-red Southwestern-patten couches arranged around a flat-screen TV. Native American-style carvings decorate the front desk, and the walls are hung with paintings of local scenery. Postcards, T-shirts, and sunglasses are for sale in a small corner. The large outdoor heated pool is the gathering place for guests, though there are some quiet spots -- like a wooden swing seat beside a fountain -- where couples can relax and enjoy the quiet setting. Families with children are frequent guests, as well, in part because of features like mini-golf and a playground. Keep in mind that this humble property is a time-share community, and while regular rentals are available, sales pitches will be offered. 

Busy Highway 89A runs past the entrance of the resort, which is a community unto itself. There's nothing within an easy walk of the hotel. There are several trailheads only a two-minute drive down the road, and it’s a 15-minute drive into downtown Sedona for restaurants and shopping. Red Rock State Park is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and the Chapel of the Holy Cross will take about 20 minutes to reach by car -- the church is a popular landmark and offers incredible panoramic and sunset views. The Grand Canyon is about a two-hour drive from the property and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport can be reached in about one hour and 45 minutes by car. 

The Cottages are clean and bright, with white walls, gray and aqua fabrics, and dark-wood furniture. Sharp bedding, modern fabrics, and black Corian details all give them a touch of class. Unfortunately, though, style is uneven from room to room. For instance, the Casita that we saw on our visit was dated, with older-looking beige furniture and green carpeting, as well as old-school maroon fabrics and bedspreads. Light streams in from tall and narrow arched windows in all units, keeping things bright. Every unit includes a full kitchen with a stove or range, full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and coffeemaker, as well as dishes and cooking utensils. Kitchens in the Cottages have wood cabinets, dark stone counters, and stainless steel appliances, while in the Casitas kitchens have beige cabinets, salmon-colored Formica countertops, and white appliances. Some Cottages have espresso machines, and some units offer barbecue grills, and/or outdoor decks. Cottage bathrooms have glass-walled stone-tile showers while Casita bathrooms have small shower/tub combos. Some of the spaces, particularly the bedrooms, are compact, and Casita kitchens can feel narrow, though living rooms are fairly spacious with couches and small flat-screen TVs. Laundry facilities are available in the Cottages or in a building shared between the units. 

The resort complex has a large, heated freeform pool surrounded by lounge chairs, open seasonally. The hotel calls it's adult-only pool area a spa, though it's really just a complex that includes a pool and hot tub, and there are two additional hot tubs on the property that are open to all guests. Family-friendly features include an 18-hole mini-golf course, a children’s playground near the pool area, and an outdoor basketball court. The on-site Bella Vita Ristorante serves Italian food for dinner and gets high marks from guests. The hotel organizes daily activities, including yoga classes, mini-golf tournaments, and arts-and-crafts workshops; some are free while some require a small fee. A small carpeted gym has a collection of cardio and weight machines, as well as some free weights. Two desktop computers and a printer are available for guests, while Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The small seating area with a fire pit is another draw here. The front desk can arrange local excursions and activities such as hot air balloon rides and tee times at nearby golf courses. Pets are not allowed.