A First Look at Hilton Sedona Resort

For years, I've heard how everyone should visit Sedona, Arizona at least once in their lifetime. It took me 20 years of marriage and two teenagers later, but we finally got there. So is it worth all the hype? With a resounding...YES! 

Since this was our first experience, I wanted to stay in the perfect area. We were visiting Arizona in the heat of the summer so I knew it would be hot. Although, one thing I was happy to learn is that Sedona is typically slightly cooler than the Phoenix/Scottsdale area we would be driving in from. 

I carefully researched location, resort amenities, luxury accommodations, and availability of activities. Once I discovered Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock had two large swimming pools, spacious rooms and suites all with a kitchenette, a full-service restaurant, and activity planning on-site, I was sold. Then I discovered they had complimentary laundry facilities - bonus! ​

Enter in the elegant and warm lobby.

But it was the location that truly wooed me. It's in a quieter area, although not remote either. You can walk to some fabulous restaurants behind the resort. I highly recommend Cucina Rustica or stop in for prickly pear sorbet at Rocky RD Ice Cream. However, you will have a short drive to many attractions and shopping. But trust me, it's all worth it once you see the view! Bell Rock is not only a fantastic place to hike but with it's beautiful bell shape and deep red color, I was mesmerized with seeing it outside of my window and balcony.  

View of Bell Rock from our balcony.

We stayed in a very spacious two queen bed suite. With a roomy parlor area, including a sleeper sofa and fireplace, along with a private bedroom with two queen-sized beds, plus a separate living and dining area, it was amazingly comfortable for our family of four. I really appreciated that the parking is free and you can park by an entrance staircase close to your room. This is extremely handy when returning from a strenuous excursion or if you are caught in a monsoon. Yes, I'm speaking from experience! But don't let the monsoon season detour you. Instead, embrace it! The rain brings out the gorgeous red hue of the rocks and the lightning against the dark sky is absolutely incredible.   

Amazing views right outside our bedroom window.

Parlor area with sleeper sofa, fireplace, dining table, and TV.

Wet bar with coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator.

Separate bedroom with two queen beds in the suite.

It's handy to have bathroom entrances from the bedroom and parlor.

I love a fully-stocked room. From their website, all suites include:

• Private bedroom with king bed or 2 queen beds
• Separate living area with queen-sized sofa sleeper
• Two HDTVs
• Large private balcony or patio
• Separate vanity area
• Hilton Serenity Collection 
• Designer bath amenities
• Small refrigerator, microwave and wet bar
• Room service available

​Want to bring your pooch? No problem! They are dog-friendly, too.

Take a video tour...

If you are looking for a delicious authentic Southwest breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just incredible cocktails, ShadowRock Tap + Table has you covered. They serve all of the main dining in the hotel and no wonder, it's fabulous, After a recent multi-million dollar renovation, it's a brilliant seamless indoor and outdoor space covers everything from a welcoming breakfast to outside dining, or an inside romantic dinner. Executive Chef Jason Flores has developed unique and mouthwatering specialties on the menu. From the flower topped "Hikers Benedict" for breakfast to ending a meal with "Deep-Fried PB&J" topped with bacon, every meal is impressive. 

The lively ShadowRock Bar always has something cooking.

Prickly Pear Lemonade for the kids and Margarita for adults.

Head down to ShadowRock for a delicious breakfast each morning. You can choose from a hot buffet, which includes hot meats, omelette station and more. Or go lighter with the standard buffet that includes fresh fruit, cereal and pastries. There's also a fantastic selection of plated items that are unique and SO delicious.

Hot Items on the Breakfast Buffet

Hiker's Benedict

S'mores Stuffed French Toast

Cold Items on the Breakfast Buffet

Salmon Avocado Toast

Blueberry Cheesecake Pancakes

Lunch and dinner selections are locally inspired and always presented beautifully. Whether you want a hearty meal or lighter fare, they offer it all.

Cast Iron Chili Pot

Filet with Crispy Potato Cake

South of the Border Wedge Salad

Caprese Flatbread

With all of the activities we did during the day, I don't think I skipped dessert one night. Everything we tried was amazing. I love the unique twist at ShadowRock to incorporate not just a Southwest flair, but fun too! ​

Kool-Aid Drop Donut Bites (fantastic combination of sweet and tart!)

Deep-Fried PB&J Uncrustable, Bourbon Peanut Butter Caramel

And...if you are visiting over a Sunday, don't miss the phenomenal build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Available every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm at ShadowRock, they have a variety of mixers, alcohols, and toppings. From spicy chicken wings to traditional celery, go crazy with the condiments. 

Everyone will want to make a splash! The pools at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock are fantastic. In the family pool, you can stretch out next to the poolside bar or grab a lounger under a large umbrella. With a multi-tier swimming pool, the waterfall is fun for kids of ALL ages. Or head over to the beautiful spa and swim laps in the adult pool. 

The extra large umbrellas are perfect for staying out of the hot sun.

It's a tropical oasis in the desert.

This is a terrific shallow area for kid's to play.

The multi-level pool gives everyone a place to swim.

Part of the appeal of staying at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is the fantastic proximity to adventure. They have an Adventure Concierge Desk in the lobby and they are ready to fill your days with activities. Even if you think you know what activities you want to do, make sure to stop by the desk when you first arrive. Mike was a tremendous help in pointing us in the right direction. He loaded us up with maps, made our reservations, and had personalized suggestions. Hearing that we loved photography, he recommended a sunset Pink Jeep Tour for us and it was fantastic!

Stop by the Adventure Concierge Desk for suggestions, tips, and maps to plan your Sedona adventures.

One of our favorite adventures was a Pink Jeep Tour that we booked at the Adventure Concierge Desk.

Plan to come back and relax. Fire pits on the Porch Lawn are always ready for s'mores (you can purchase the kits in the restaurant.)  

You'll find numerous fire pits and upright fireplaces as focal points for intimate conversation spots.

Or make an appointment for a relaxing spa service or treatment at luxurious Eforea Spa. Even if you don't get a treatment, visit the spa to have a peek in their gift shop. They have a fantastic variety of items for the pool, clothing, souvenirs, and more. 

This is where I'm heading for a treatment on my next visit. I heard it's heaven.

The night vibe here is fantastic! Sip a delicious cocktail under the twinkly lights. Take a peek at the stars and planets through high powered telescopes with an astronomer. Play table tennis, foosball or have a swim. There always seems to be something going on outside. ​

The fire against the twinkling stars at night is perfect for relaxing.

The lights highlight the Arizona landscaping.

It's true! You need to see and experience the magic of Sedona. If you are wondering how to get to there, we found it easiest to fly into Phoenix airport, rent a car, and drive. It's under a two hour drive with breathtaking scenic views along the way. The cacti are fantastic as they lined the mountains. ​​Fun Fact: I learned from our Twitter friends @RoadtripCouple that Saguaro cactus won't grow above 3,000 feet. And they were right! You can tell your elevation as you see the tall cacti disappear. ​

With it's stunning red rocks, great adventure, fabulous shopping, delicious dining, and mystical vortexes, we can't wait to plan another visit back to Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock for our second look.

​Disclaimer: I was graciously provided a discounted rate by Hilton Sedona Resort for accommodations during our stay. As always, all opinions are completely my own based on our experiences.  ​​

Hilton Sedona Resort for Family Travel in Sedona, Arizona