Back from Sedona (Arroyo Roble)

[BILL_B Member Find all posts View Profile Close BILL_B]

Returned last Thursday from a great vacation. The weather was ideal (80-85 and down into the 50's at night). Our second time at AR and it was just as nice as B-4. Had a number of excellent meals including Redstone Cabin, The Silversaddle at the Cowboy Club, Creekside at Amaro, and Garlands.

Went to Palatki, Slide Rock, Montezumas Castle, and took a Grand Canyon sunset trip with Great Ventures - all first time things for us - and enjoyed them all. Plus we did some hiking and driving to see all the scenery again.

Katiemack,

Thanks for all your helpful advice. The only thing we did that was less than perfect was going to Enchantment for the sunset. The drinks and appetizers were good and not too expensive when the setting was considered. The problem was that we were made to feel like second class citizens because we were not registered guests. It started with the hostess who said "Oh, you're not staying here - just go out and find a seat." When our waitress brought our drinks out (the frozen margueritas were half melted) she told us our appetizers would be out in a few minutes. At this time it started to cool off and the busboys started handing out blankets to whomever wanted them but never came to our table to inquire if we would like them. 25 minutes later when we had not seen her or our appetizers we asked another waitress if she could help us. A few minutes later the hostess came out and we told her of the lack of service, she went inside and within a minute a busboy brought them out. A few minutes later our waitress finally appeared and offered the lame excuse that the kitchen was busy. The manager then came to our table and said that he would discuss the matter with the waitress but never made an effort to make amends. He simply said they would try to do better the next time we visit. With a bill of $66 for 4 drinks and 2 appetizers for the four of us he could have offered a cup of coffee or something. I don't want to come across as whining but wanted you to know so you may reconsider recommending them in the future. I know that when I recommend someplace to someone I want to do it with confidence that they will be as satisfied as I have been. Again thanks for all the good advice you give everyone about Sedona.

Bill

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Wow, I'm surprised by your experience at the Enchantment. It's too bad you were made to feel like a second class citizen. I've only had lunch there (twice) and maybe it's because we were there for lunch and not for sunset, but I've always had great service. And I still think the lunches I've had there have been about the best meals I've had while visiting Sedona.

[BILL_B Member Find all posts View Profile Close BILL_B]

It surprised me too as we've always had good friendly service in Sedona (5 visits). We were well dressed and didn't feel that we were out of place in being there.We could have certainly been potential guests for the future. Everything else on our trip was great and I wouldn't have even mentioned this except that katiemack made a recommendation in an earlier post I made and I felt I owed her a report (good or bad).

Bill

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Bill B,

If you only had 2 days in Sedona (in December), what would you do and where would you recommend eating?

[BILL_B Member Find all posts View Profile Close BILL_B]

First I would cry because it was only two days Sedona is supposedly quite beautiful in December with all the holiday lights.

Seriously for fine food and service I would recommend the first three places I mentioned (Garlands is closed by then for the season). They are all located in uptown so were within walking distance of AR and we didn't have to worry about drinking and driving. Actually Creekside at Amara is next door to AR but you have to walk all the way uphill to the road and then a good distance back down to the creek. When we mentioned to the host that the walk was much longer and steeper than we anticipated he immediately said "No problem, when you are ready to leave we'll have the valet drive you back in the tram." We sat outside and before our entree was brought out the wind picked up and when we asked our waitress if we could move inside she immediately said that would be fine. Admittedly it was a Tuesday night off season and there was a table available but it was still extra work for them and a complete extra set of linens and dishes to clean.Then when we left the host said if we wanted to come again to just call and he would have the tram pick us up. That is the kind of good service we have come to appreciate in Sedona. Unfortunately it was our next to last night and we couldn't go back.

Bill

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Bill,
I am glad you had a good week in Sedona, and I am truly sorry to hear that you were treated so badly at Enchantment....that is most unfortunate, and I will keep your experience in mind before I ever recommend them again. We have never been treated as "second class" nor told "you are not guests"....anyone who goes to the resort, either as an overnight or not, should be treated as a guest. This is just not nice....very poor CS.

I am surprised re the "blankets" from the busboys...they usually have heaters on the patio, and they throw off plenty of heat when it cools down. Again, thanks for letting me know about the poor service.

As for Amara, yes, I had forgotten to mention them , I am so glad you enjoyed that place...great food too.

All I can say, Bill, is I am really shocked at how badly Enchantment personnel treated you, and that you are an extremely patient and kind person to have put up with it at all. Shame on them.

[BILL_B Member Find all posts View Profile Close BILL_B]

Katiemack,

I try not to let things upset me on vacation (not always successful). All in all it wasn't that bad and as I stated earlier I wouldn't have even mentioned it except that since you made the recommendation in the forum and since other people would see it I felt a report was needed.

Mike,

I failed to answer all of your question. With only two days in the area I think that trying to do too much would be self-defeating. Perhaps the trolley tour or a Pink Jeep trip or equivalent would allow you to see the beauty of the area. Definitely a drive up Oak Creek Canyon would be a must. Also if you enjoy art and fine jewelry a 'shopping" trip to Tlaquepaque is in order. It's a beautiful place and even if you don't buy anything an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. If you're into hiking at all there are some shorter easy trails that wouldn't take too much time (in particular those at the foot of the bridge just north of town).

Bill

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Thanks Bill,

I appreciate all of the information you have given me and the rest of the gang here.