Was it Worth It?

Okay, so I finally made it to L'Auberge de Sedona, a place I've seen all over Instagram and heard so much about. For a night of luxury, my expectations were sky-high, especially considering the price tag! I was genuinely asking myself, "Was it worth it?" when we booked. I wanted to share my honest thoughts, because reviews really helped me when I was planning. Let's start with the positives, because there certainly were some highlights. The location by Oak Creek is absolutely magical. Waking up to the sound of the creek and having private access for a morning stroll was incredibly serene. The views of the red rocks are stunning, of course, and the cottages themselves felt very private and cozy. Our room had a lovely fireplace and a huge soaking tub, which was perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The staff we interacted with were generally very friendly and attentive, especially at check-in. The grounds are beautifully maintained, making it a truly picturesque setting for a romantic getaway or a peaceful escape. However, now... why we won't be returning, and this is where things get a bit tricky for me. One of the biggest disappointments was finding out that Cress on Oak Creek is closed for the season??? This was a huge blow! Part of the allure of L'Auberge is that renowned dining experience right on the creek. Having it unavailable really took away from the overall luxury feel and left us scrambling for dinner plans, which isn't what you want when you're paying premium rates. This detail wasn't highlighted prominently when we booked, and it felt like a significant omission. Beyond the restaurant, we didn't feel it was worth the price tag for the overall experience. While the room was nice, some aspects felt a little dated for what you're paying. For such a high-end resort, I expected every detail to be meticulously perfect, and there were a few small things that just felt... off. Perhaps it was due to terrible timing with the restaurant closure, but the value just wasn't there for us. It felt like we were paying for the reputation and the prime location more than the complete, flawless luxury experience we anticipated. If you're still considering L'Auberge de Sedona, here are a few things I'd recommend: Always check the dining situation: Make sure Cress on Oak Creek or any other amenities you're looking forward to are actually open during your stay. This is crucial! Consider the season: Sedona is beautiful year-round, but off-peak seasons might offer better rates or a quieter experience. Set realistic expectations: While it's beautiful, understand that some aspects might not meet the absolute pinnacle of luxury you'd expect for the price. Focus on the nature and tranquility it offers. Explore other dining options: Sedona has incredible restaurants, so don't feel limited to the hotel. In conclusion, while L'Auberge de Sedona offers undeniable beauty and a serene setting, our personal experience left us feeling that it didn't quite live up to its reputation or the hefty cost. It was a beautiful night, but for us, the overall package just wasn't worth the price tag this time around. I hope my honest insights help you make an informed decision for your own Sedona adventure!