Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Sedona Rouge takes many of its cues (and its name) from Sedona's famous surrounding red rocks. Built in 2005, the hotel’s modern Mediterranean-and-Spanish-inspired architecture also includes a rust red and cactus green facade. Inside, the atrium-style glass ceiling entrance lobby evolves into a big open-air courtyard with a Spanish fountain centerpiece.  The homey reception area, and Reds, a contemporary New American restaurant and bar, reside on either side of the entrance. The pool, hot tub, and spa (in a separate building) are located further in the property. In 2015, a brand new Almeria wing was added. While the exterior complements existing construction with a similar style and earthy tone, interiors take on a chic modern theme that includes a cathedral ceiling, geometric chandeliers, Persian rug wall art, and a handsome assortment of armchairs. Both wings back onto a huge open terrace area with big built-in fire pits, a lush green lawn, and red rocks in the background. Reds restaurant is a lively spot to dine or grab a drink. The non-tourist surrounds may be refreshing for some -- the hotel is north of Sedona’s main tourist stretch, though it remains in a busy commercial hub. There’s a Safeway grocery store right next door, for instance, that could be construed as both a convenience and a mood killer.

The Rouge fronts one of Sedona’s busiest streets (Highway 89A) in a bustling part of town. You won't get the area's famous nature experience, but the tradeoff is convenience: there is plenty of convenient shopping and dining nearby. Amenities surrounding the property include the Safeway grocery, a Walgreens, banks, gas stations, a cinema, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway, and Domino’s. It’s a 10-minute drive to Uptown Sedona (a.k.a. Main Street), a stretch of Highway 89A that's lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It's also home to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a lovely shopping area with cobblestones, a fountain, and art galleries. The red rock cliffs are farther from the Rouge than from some other hotels in Sedona, so the views can be ho-hum by comparison. Many hiking trails are within a five-minute drive, such as Thunder Mountain Trail. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Sedona Airport, and two hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. 

Sedona Rouge’s 72 original rooms are well-maintained and spotlessly clean, though they do feel dated due to aging decor. However, the 2015-constructed Almeria wings offers more contemporary lodgings. The expansion features 32 rooms and suites in a two-story building overlooking the outdoor garden area and red rocks in the distance. Decor in the older rooms is inspired by the Sedona landscape with splashes of red and green in otherwise neutral settings, and dark wood furniture that accents the earthy tones. Almeria room decor goes in a more timeless modern direction, blending neutral grays and beige with white upholstered headboards, dark wood accent pieces, and patterned fabrics. Handsome armchairs, European armoires, and decorative gas fireplaces add to the wow factor of these rooms. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and climate control. DVD players are available from the lobby. Irons, ironing boards, and Wi-Fi (included in the resort fee) are also provided. Higher categories feature Chromecast streaming on TVs. Some rooms have walk-in rain showers with dual showerheads, while others have glass-enclosed shower/tub combos and big granite vanities beneath large mirrors. All bathrooms come with Turkish towels and bathrobes, signature toiletries, and hairdryers. Ground floor rooms come with generous patios; higher level Sedona rooms open onto European step-out balconies, and higher level Almeria rooms have large covered balconies. Some views are impeded by neighboring Safeway, others observe the pool, and many take in beautiful garden and red rock views. The best views of the red rocks can be seen from north-facing rooms on the second and third floors. 

The spa is one of the hotel’s most prominent features. Extensive treatments range from Ayurveda to specialty bodywork. Many treatments are inspired by the Sedona desert and utilize native ingredients. While on the small side, there is an indoor steam room and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub along with some umbrella-shaded deck chairs. Reds Restaurant is a lively space serving American-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a choice of indoor, outdoor, and bar seating. The restaurant also provides poolside and room service. A maximum of two children under 12 receive free breakfast at Reds, if a minimum spend requirement is met, and guests receive a small credit (though this is covered by the resort fee).There is a small fitness room featuring a handful of cardio machines and some free weights. Morning yoga classes are available at extra cost. Sedona Rouge is a dog-friendly property. For a fee, up to two dogs (max 50 pounds per dog), are allowed in some of the ground floor Deluxe Rooms. DVD players can be borrowed from the lobby, and free daily newspapers are also available. The rooftop terrace takes in some pretty red rock views across Sedona Rouge rooftops, and comes with outdoor seating and a fire pit. Towards the rear of the property, an expansive patio with big built-in fire pits, and lush lawn with red rocks in the distance, provides both a tranquil place to chill, and a versatile event space. A daily resort fee covers things like Wi-Fi, daily newspapers, on-site parking, and use of the electric car charging station.