Just off Red Rock Scenic Byway at the first roundabout leading north into town, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock lies a quiet distance from the bustle of Uptown Sedona, yet is close enough to easily get in on the action, all with an unbeatable view. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, two of the distinct red-rock formations in this beauty spot in Northern Arizona, stand just to the north, visible from balconies, bedrooms and patios of many of the guestrooms.

Unlike some of Sedona’s top-end resorts, where rates can soar past $1,000 a night, this three-diamond property is both affordable and comfortable, enhanced by a $7 million renovation in 2015 that touched each of its 221 guestrooms. All guestrooms have a gas fireplace, wet bar and balcony or patio. Suites range from two bedrooms to a junior suite equipped with a Murphy bed, feeling like a studio apartment. Rates usually vary from $300 to $500, plus a $20 daily resort fee that includes WiFi, athletic club access, select fitness classes, 15 percent off some spa services and 10 percent off at the golf pro shop.

Renovations also touched on the lobby, including an inviting 6,480-square-foot gathering space dubbed The Living Room. A fireplace, comfy couches and a community table encourage mingling. Its VorTech Den, designed to capture the spiritual essence of Sedona’s energy vortexes, has workstations, a TV and plush leather chairs. A concierge is on hand to offer advice on hiking trails amid the red rocks and to book local activities such as the popular Pink Jeep off-road excursions. Abstract paintings, sculpture and ceramics from Arizona artists brighten the entire lobby area.

The Sedona Athletic Club and Eforea are the resort’s fitness center and spa with nine treatment rooms, steam, sauna and whirlpool, three lighted tennis courts, a gym and fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, Zumba and tai chi. New in 2016, the Warrior Pit functions as an outdoor boot camp playground with sledge hammers, tires and ropes, the only cross-training resort facility in the Southwest. Guests can join a class or work out on their own.

In addition to a heated, outdoor 25-meter lap pool at the fitness center, guests have access to Cascades Pool with a kid’s play area and seasonal café. Next door, the 18-hole, par-71 Sedona Golf Resort ranks as one of Arizona’s most popular public courses.

The newest improvement to the property concluded in 2018 with a $2.4 million restaurant transformation. ShadowRock Tap + Table spans 11,500 square feet with indoor and outdoor seating, 27-seat rectangular bar, four fire pits and games such as corn hole and Ping-Pong. Chef Jason Flores, an Oklahoma native, brings his love for barbecue and smoked meats to an inventive menu featuring locally sourced fare. His butcher block bacon and bison meatloaf is a specialty that brings locals in weekly, said my server, and a favorite under the shares & smalls heading is the family-style cast iron chili pot with smoked short rib, chorizo, local corn, poblano, onion, cotija, avocado and house crackers.

The resort offers meeting planners convention and catering services and 14,000 square feet of meeting space.

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

90 Ridge Trail Drive
Sedona, AZ 86351
tel 928 284 4040