$$
Amara Resort and Spa
An Uptown Sedona resort offering red rock patio views, a full-service spa, and SaltRock Southwest Kitchen dining.
Exceptional · Deep coverage · read from 0 sources · 0 traveler insights
86
RoomExpert Score
Exceptional
The verdict
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Amara Resort and Spa sits in the heart of Uptown Sedona, offering red rock backdrops, a reviving spa, and walkable access to local galleries. Guests praise the attentive staff, comfortable pillow-top beds, and scenic views from the courtyard and patio firepits. However, reviewers frequently complain about added resort fees and extra charges for on-property extras. 2171719
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Balconies and outdoor patio firepits offer captivating views of the surrounding red rocks, especially at sunrise and sunset. 7310
- Bathrooms stand out with modern walk-in rain showers, sleek marble or porcelain tile, black finishes, and designer toiletries. 2123
- Service is consistently praised, from 24-hour valet parking and welcome champagne to attentive concierges booking local Jeep tours. 121
- Beds feature comfortable pillow-top mattresses dressed in Italian linens. 1914
The catch
- Guests disagree on dining at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen; several call it a trip highlight, while others consider the food merely average for the price. 193
- The Uptown Sedona location is ideal for tourists who want shops and galleries within walking distance, but others find the immediate area overly crowded and touristy. 81817
- Some guests consider the renovated rooms plush and bright, whereas others describe the spaces as tiny. 18
Who it's for
- — Walkable access to Uptown Sedona shops
- — Guests wanting red rock patio views
- — Travelers seeking full-service spa amenities
Skip it if
- — Travelers avoiding daily resort fees
- — Anyone seeking quiet seclusion away from crowds
Seen on camera
8 moments · 3 videos · Amara Resort and Spa
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“the seasonal menu has gotten even better since the last time I stayed thanks to Shi cord”
youtube.com0:26“and Salt Rock kitchen I love that restaurant I go there all the time the food is incredible”
youtube.com3:52“Tucked along the serene banks of Oak Creek, yet just steps from uptown Sedona's shops, galleries, and restaurants, the r…”
youtube.com0:11“Here's how visitors have described their time at this hotel. Beautiful hotel, great location, gorgeous resort, great res…”
youtube.com1:10“so let's look at the rooms with some of the comfiest Hotel Beds”
youtube.com0:11“the rooms here have always been beautiful and I assume they've gotten even better that's right Glenn the reimagining of…”
youtube.com1:06“you can choose to dine indoors and enjoy the Sleek simple Elegance of the dining room or you can have an outdoor meal wi…”
youtube.com1:47“it's really like a little Hidden Gem right off Oak Creek as you saw but steps away from everything you want to see and d…”
youtube.com3:41Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
Ways to book
Direct with the hotelRoomExpert pick
$236est. per night
Direct rate · King Guest Room
No loyalty program tracked at this property.
Expedia
$245est. per night
Public rate · King Guest Room
No loyalty program tracked at this property.
Hotel-program benefits may not apply.
RoomExpert read
No loyalty-earning direct rate was found for these dates, so the lowest cash rate is shown first.
Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
RoomExpert rate estimate
$236est. per night
Estimated range: $233–$339
Around our estimate
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 86/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
91read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “My favourite part of the room though was the bathroom. The sleek marble in the shower and the black finishes throughout made me feel like I was pretty fancy. Having a beautiful bathroom like this after a long day of hiking was so enjoyable.” 2
- “The refreshed bathroom takes on a modern and functional approach. With the beauty of the porcelain tile that reflects sandstone layer, Inside, the walk in shower features a rain shower and porcelain tile that reflects sandstone layer. Bath amenities include products by C.O. Bigelow.” 21
Location
95read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The location is a genuine asset: immediate access to world-class hiking, a short shuttle ride to Tlaquepaque and Uptown Sedona, and the kind of red rock scenery that photographs well and lives up to every photo.” 19
- “Amara Resort and Spa Review: The resort is in the best location in Sedona to walk to shops and has great amenities.” 12
Room
86read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The spacious 720-square-foot Creekside One Bedroom Suite is the largest suite at Amara Resort and Spa. The corner room features a lighter-wash wooden floor in the corridor that leads you from the entry, past the Illy coffee and Fellow tea kettle station, and into a living room with one balcony that offers an enchanting view of the creek.” 21
- “Each beautiful guest room contains a large king-sized bed or two, depending on your choice, comfortable lounge chairs, and balconies that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks nearby.” 3
Service
90read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “For all of Amara's upscale accommodations and amenities, the resort has the service to match. From guest services (at the ready to loan you a charger if, like me, you forget yours at home) to the SaltRock and Spa team, the service is impeccable.” 7
- “This might not sound like the best start to a vacation, but we pulled right up and were greeted with an umbrella and complimentary valet parking. We checked into our room, which was impeccably clean and tastefully decorated.” 17
Bed & Sleep
88read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The linens are Italian and the pillow-top beds were so comfortable.” 19
Value
80read from 1 source · Deep coverage
Where it is, how to reach it
100 Amara Lane
Sedona, Arizona
86336-5174 USA
Details checked 2026-08-30
Where it sits
Amara Resort and Spa and the 1 other hotel we cover in Sedona. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Right in line
On par with what $$ usually buys
Scores 2 points below the mid-range median of 88, across 581 hotels in the same bracket.
Price bracket
$$
Mid-range
- This hotel
- 86
- Bracket median
- 88
- Index median
- 90
Based on 581 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
Ask for
- 1 mention
Avoid
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
Value
69
Food
23
Room
7
Location
7
Service
6
Bathroom
5
Noise
5
View the 81 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
Value9 mentions
- “The valet guys were great. Valet parking is mandatory (included in the fees) and is super convenient.” 8
- “One reason I chose The Wilde was because they were the only "resort/spa" that actually offered a AAA or AARP discount. That savings allowed me to be able to book one of their nicer rooms and still have the price be reasonable.” 8
- “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.” 18
- “IMO it was not great. The rooms are tiny and they up-charge for everything.” 8
- “The rooms are tiny and they up-charge for everything.” 8
- “The recent renovation has elevated an already-strong product, and the resort fee structure, which bundles valet, Wi-Fi, yoga, coffee service, spa room access, and bikes, represents genuine value that's easy to communicate to clients.” 19
- “The restaurant was OK. We were there for 4 days and it was our least favorite dinner. It was good but not outstanding for the price.” 8
- “Valet parking is complimentary (included in the resort fee), and the check-in was genuinely warm, not scripted warm, but the kind that makes you feel like you were actually expected.” 19
- “I felt like it was overpriced for what it was but I guess that is typical Sedona.” 8
Food18 mentions · 3 filmed
- “the seasonal menu has gotten even better since the last time I stayed thanks to Shi cord” On camera90:26
- “and Salt Rock kitchen I love that restaurant I go there all the time the food is incredible” On camera103:52
- “I can attest that the food is fantastic and the drinks maybe even better. You do NOT want to miss a meal and a drink when you're staying here.” 5
- “SaltRock Southwest Kitchen is the restaurant located in the hotel and serves Southwestern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's great that there is a restaurant on site and that it is open for any meal you could want, but it isn't inexpensive, especially for the cuisine.” 12
- “Later, we dined in the Salted Rock restaurant and had the most wonderful meal. This place specializes in margaritas and we treated ourselves to some fun flavors. Robin ordered the steak and I got the quail which was covered in mole and holy goodness it was amazing.” 20
- “No complimentary breakfast.” 8
- “Dinner at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip.” 19
- “Another reason you don't need to leave the resort is because they have an onsite restaurant called Salt Rock which features breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Our stay included daily breakfast and omg- it was certainly some of my favourite meals I had on our entire trip.” 2
- “My friend and I didn't stay there but ate breakfast there two days in a row. The burrito and the French toast were amazing. Especially the burrito. Get the burrito.” 8
- “The rooms are nice and the restaurant is good with beautiful views.” 8
- “I went there for breakfast and dinner; my friend and I preferred the breakfast offering to dinner. It was delicious and offered plenty of protein-rich options which is important if you will be having a long day of activities.” 12
- “Dishes I highly recommend: the Acai bowl, the Steel cut Oatmeal bowl, the Waffles and the Huevos Rancheros Breakfast. They also have a delicious smoothie menu which I indulged in each day.” 2
- “you can choose to dine indoors and enjoy the Sleek simple Elegance of the dining room or you can have an outdoor meal with the most beautiful views of Snoopy Rock and the surrounding red rock formations” On camera101:47
- “From tacos, regional favorites, satisfying dishes and small bites to craft margaritas and cocktails, the hotel's in-house restaurant impresses.” 14
- “Again, the food was fabulous and the setting looking out at Snoopy Rock was magnificent.” 19
- “With all the options available, the Saltrock Southwest Kitchen is the best place in Uptown Sedona for dining.” 3
- “From what we ordered, I especially enjoyed the Blue Crab Empanadas ($18). The empanadas were perfectly fried and the crab was excellent with the poblano and salsa macha. The Tiger Shrimp Tamal ($36) with the charred corn polenta was another delightful menu item, and is one of the resort's top-selling menu items!” 21
- “Whether taking a SaltRock meal or beverage on the patio, or cozying by the firepit, the views are absolutely captivating (especially during sunrise and sunset).” 7
Room13 mentions
- “The large, natural wood headboards (taken from fallen trees in the area) may harken to nature, but the updated decor provides a clean, modern style complete with contemporary fixtures and neutral hues.” 1
- “While not overwhelmingly large or plush, the rooms are clean and bright, with simple modern furniture and brightly colored accents.” 18
- “The spacious 720-square-foot Creekside One Bedroom Suite is the largest suite at Amara Resort and Spa. The corner room features a lighter-wash wooden floor in the corridor that leads you from the entry, past the Illy coffee and Fellow tea kettle station, and into a living room with one balcony that offers an enchanting view of the creek.” 21
- “The wooden headboards are made and crafted from local trees in the area while modern decor accents still give you that contemporary design element that the Amara has always been known for! It also featured leather dresser handles, eclectic artwork from Sedona itself and a HUGE closet ( pretty much like a walk in closet) for all your stuff.” 2
- “Had a nice view of the Red Rocks from my balcony.” 8
- “Each beautiful guest room contains a large king-sized bed or two, depending on your choice, comfortable lounge chairs, and balconies that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks nearby.” 3
- “Each room also contains spacious bathrooms equipped with designer toiletries and bathrobes.” 3
- “Inside, decor honors the area's Native American heritage, incorporating elements like grass-woven baskets, headboards crafted from local fallen trees, and desert flower hues against soothing neutrals.” 14
- “The two queen bed rooms have plenty of room and a large walk-in closet.” 12
- “I love that every single room has a patio or balcony. Depending on the room selection, the view might not be great, but at least having some outdoor space in a place as beautiful as Sedona is wonderful.” 12
- “They actually upgraded me to a suite, since I had mentioned in my emails I was coming out there to celebrate my birthday. Had a nice view of the Red Rocks from my balcony.” 8
- “The room also had a walk-in closet which as we all know is not common in a hotel but was a lovely feature.” 19
- “Hiking trails, restaurants with patios and even some shops welcome the furry friends inside their establishments! Our guest room was lovely and thoughtfully designed without seeming overdone.” 19
Service20 mentions · 1 filmed
- “For all of Amara's upscale accommodations and amenities, the resort has the service to match. From guest services (at the ready to loan you a charger if, like me, you forget yours at home) to the SaltRock and Spa team, the service is impeccable.” 7
- “After the trail, we cleaned up and grabbed the resort's complimentary golf cart shuttle into town, a thoughtful detail that removes the parking headache entirely.” 19
- “Unfortunately, my three active boys kept me busy enough that I didn't have time for a spa day, but I am already fantasizing about coming back for a girl's trip! We knew we wanted to explore the beautiful outdoors and the concierge was very helpful with recommendations.” 17
- “Amara is proud of their dedicated concierge program, and rightfully so, as the concierge on hand can book everything from tours to dinner reservations. Perhaps more importantly, they can also provide critical local knowledge to enhance your stay.” 1
- “Here's how visitors have described their time at this hotel. Beautiful hotel, great location, gorgeous resort, great restaurant, view from pool is epic, great location, beautiful property, friendly and professional staff.” On camera221:10
- “Want to find the best shopping stops downtown? Take a Jeep Tour? The Amara concierge services are on point for any and all activities in Sedona.” 7
- “Service - the staff is all wonderful and very helpful. If you don't have much planned out, simply ask at the front desk. They are a wealth of information on the area, hikes, things to do etc.” 5
- “Pet-friendly rooms also feature luxurious touches like Italian linens, modern art, and Atelier Bloem toiletries, while suites up the ante with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the desert.” 14
- “The evening ended at the lounge where we enjoyed some light appetizers and some delicious wine. The bar staff was so friendly and engaged us in some fun conversation sharing their love of all that is Sedona.” 19
- “Amenities we took advantage of: the daily valet service as we were often in and out for some hikes. One morning I set out at 5AM and was shocked that they even had someone at that hour!” 2
- “Or the valet staff will take you up in the golf cart. The valet guys were great.” 8
- “Sedona's trail network ranges from gentle creekside walks to more demanding climbs, and the concierge team is genuinely good at matching guests to the right experience.” 19
- “At Amara Resort, guests enjoy complimentary valet services, with the added convenience of a golf cart escort to the top of the driveway. The golf cart service enables you to easily explore Uptown Sedona's restaurants, shops, and art galleries. This insider tip was shared by the friendly valet.” 21
- “From the warm and welcoming lobby area to the inviting, cozy guest rooms, the indoor spaces of Amara offer ultimate comfort.” 7
- “The staff was great. The location was great - you won't have to deal with parking in the uptown area.” 8
- “Concierge aside, the service here from all staff members is excellent and appreciated.” 1
- “This might not sound like the best start to a vacation, but we pulled right up and were greeted with an umbrella and complimentary valet parking. We checked into our room, which was impeccably clean and tastefully decorated.” 17
- “Kudos to the entire staff in the kitchen and the wait staff. The service was fantastic and the kitchen takes seasonal ingredients seriously.” 19
- “I highly, highly recommend working with the Concierge at the hotel. Not only did they give us a ton of recommendations, they booked our dinner reservations and our jeep tour which picked us up directly in front of the hotel.” 12
- “From welcoming you with a glass of champagne to arranging anything you could need before you even arrive, the service is wonderful.” 12
Location15 mentions · 2 filmed
- “The resort offers a complimentary shuttle within a mile of the property, but we enjoyed walking under the stars in the warm summer air. It's so convenient that the resort is situated right in the heart of uptown Sedona and within walking distance of so many shops and restaurants.” 17
- “With stunning views of the region's Red Rocks and a stone's throw from Downtown Sedona, the resort provides easy access to local activities and recreational opportunities.” 7
- “It's a great little hotel that used to be a kimpton (not sure if it still is). Its appeal is that it's small, boutique, and is right on the creek. It's tranquil, but within very close vicinity to downtown.” 8
- “Amara Resort and Spa Review: The resort is in the best location in Sedona to walk to shops and has great amenities.” 12
- “The location is a genuine asset: immediate access to world-class hiking, a short shuttle ride to Tlaquepaque and Uptown Sedona, and the kind of red rock scenery that photographs well and lives up to every photo.” 19
- “Tucked along the serene banks of Oak Creek, yet just steps from uptown Sedona's shops, galleries, and restaurants, the resort offers a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.” On camera220:11
- “The location was great - you won't have to deal with parking in the uptown area.” 8
- “The Amara Resort & Spa is located just 3 miles away from the center of Sedona, Arizona, making it a convenient location to venture from to enjoy many of Sedona's scenic hotspots.” 3
- “Amid shops and galleries in Uptown Sedona, the location is ideal for tourists.” 18
- “it's really like a little Hidden Gem right off Oak Creek as you saw but steps away from everything you want to see and do in uptown Sedona it's so convenient location location location” On camera103:41
- “In addition, the resort is perfectly located just above Oak Creek (with a pathway to walk down and explore the creek) and a simple walk up the hill to great shopping and activities, not to mention all the fantastic hiking and outdoor adventures in the area.” 5
- “We stayed at Amara Resort and Spa. Not only is it located close to so many great hikes and outdoor activities, but there is so much to do at the resort!” 17
- “The location was great - you won't have to deal with parking in the uptown area. If you're up for a workout you can walk up the hill and you're there.” 8
- “My second favorite is the Amara , which is right next door to L"Auberge. It's a great little hotel that used to be a kimpton (not sure if it still is). Its appeal is that it's small, boutique, and is right on the creek. It's tranquil, but within very close vicinity to downtown.” 8
- “Amara is smack-dab in the heart of Uptown Sedona, an ideal location for those who haven't been to the city before and want to be in the thick of things.” 1
Noise2 mentions
- “I just got back from a week in Sedona - but I stayed in West Sedona at The Wilde Resort & Spa. It is on the main drag, so you hear some traffic noise, but it's not too bad.” 8
- “TiggersTeacher • 9mo ago I just got back from a week in Sedona - but I stayed in West Sedona at The Wilde Resort & Spa. It is on the main drag, so you hear some traffic noise, but it's not too bad.” 8
Bathroom2 mentions
- “The refreshed bathroom takes on a modern and functional approach. With the beauty of the porcelain tile that reflects sandstone layer, Inside, the walk in shower features a rain shower and porcelain tile that reflects sandstone layer. Bath amenities include products by C.O. Bigelow.” 21
- “My favourite part of the room though was the bathroom. The sleek marble in the shower and the black finishes throughout made me feel like I was pretty fancy. Having a beautiful bathroom like this after a long day of hiking was so enjoyable.” 2
View1 mention
- “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.” 18
Bed & Sleep1 mention
- “The linens are Italian and the pillow-top beds were so comfortable.” 19
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about floor level.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about view.
- 11 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Amara Resort and Spa
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 19/100We read 0 sources for this property, covering 0 traveler mentions, boiled down to 0 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-30.
0
Editorial
0
Blogs & sites
0
Video reviews
0
Podcast segments
Breadth
0
Depth
0
Freshness
96
Watch this hotel
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
7 of 7 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 22 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 19Red Rocks, Real Magic: Amara Resort & Spatravelprofessionalnews.comReview site2026-03-11Current16 quotes used
“We were welcomed by Stella, a lovely young lady who offered us a glass of champagne and shared all that we needed to know and expect while staying at the resort.”
Read originaltravelprofessionalnews.com - 8Amara Resort & Spa : r/Sedonareddit.comForum thread2025-11-18Recent33 quotes used
“The valet guys were great. Valet parking is mandatory (included in the fees) and is super convenient.”
Read originalreddit.com - 710 things we love about Amara Resort and Spa in Sedonathebestofthesouthwest.comReview site2025-02-23Recent6 quotes used
“For all of Amara's upscale accommodations and amenities, the resort has the service to match. From guest services (at the ready to loan you a charger if, like me, you forget yours at home) to the SaltRock and Spa team, t…”
Read originalthebestofthesouthwest.com - 18Amara Resort & Spa Review - Sedonaoyster.comReview site2024-08-07Ageing6 quotes used
“While not overwhelmingly large or plush, the rooms are clean and bright, with simple modern furniture and brightly colored accents.”
Read originaloyster.com - 12Amara Resort and Spa Review : Sedona, Arizonaveryobsessed.comReview site2023-05-24Ageing8 quotes used
“Amara Resort and Spa Review: The resort is in the best location in Sedona to walk to shops and has great amenities.”
Read originalveryobsessed.com - 21Where to Stay in Sedona: Amara Resort and Spahappilypink.comReview site2023-05-16Ageing4 quotes used
“The spacious 720-square-foot Creekside One Bedroom Suite is the largest suite at Amara Resort and Spa. The corner room features a lighter-wash wooden floor in the corridor that leads you from the entry, past the Illy cof…”
Read originalhappilypink.com
Showing 6 of 22 cited · 0 read
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