Sedona's Hidden Gem: Aiden by Best Western—Unbelievable Views & Deals!
Sedona's Secret Weapon: Aiden by Best Western - Views That'll Knock Your Socks Off (and Deals That'll Make You Dance!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (red rock) tea on Aiden by Best Western in Sedona. Forget those meticulously manicured, robotic reviews. This is the real deal. I'm talking honest opinions, the good, the…okay, and the “wish they’d fixed that lightbulb” bits. Ready? Let's go!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good Vibes)
Right off the bat, kudos to Aiden for trying. They do have facilities for disabled guests, and that's a HUGE plus. I didn't personally need them, but the elevator was a godsend after hiking Devil's Bridge! However, I'm not sure exactly what features are available, but the exterior corridor setup, you know, where you go in from the outside, is definitely a bonus for mobility.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for attempting to be fully accessible.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe (and Mostly Sanitized)
Look, my OCD tendencies are not exactly friends with the current global situation. So, I was thrilled to see Aiden going the extra mile (or five). They’re rocking the anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, and even individually-wrapped food options! Shared stationery removed? HELL YES! I'm all in. I’m also a huge fan of the rooms sanitized between stays. It gave me some peace of mind. The staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely knowledgeable. They also have a hand sanitizer station practically every two steps you make. And let’s not forget the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property.
The downside? The "room sanitization opt-out available" feels like a wasted opportunity. Why would anyone? Just clean the rooms!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars - they're taking it seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Views with Your Food (and a Few Quirks!)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The views from Aiden are – no exaggeration – breathtaking. Especially from the Pool with view, which also hosts the poolside bar. Sigh… Picture yourself sipping a cocktail, gazing at those iconic red rocks…perfection. The bar itself had a decent selection – enough to keep a weary hiker happy.
But now for the hiccups.
- Restaurants: They have restaurants, plural. Seems fancy eh? Not so much. I am not sure if it's a buffet or a regular restaurant. Details are missing. I did not try it, which is sad.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] looked OK, but my early-morning blood sugar demanded a coffee shop ASAP. I was also a bit late too so I couldn't get my usual breakfast.
- Room service [24-hour]: I have no clue.
Real-life anecdote (and a bit of a rant):
One morning, I craved a cappuccino. I walked through the hotel to find it, but there was no sign of even a coffee machine. This is when a hotel really fails, and I have to go through the hassle of driving somewhere else. (Grrrr!).
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (Views are a solid 5, food needs some love).
Services and Conveniences: Solid, with a Few Missing Pieces
They’ve got the basics covered, and then some. Daily housekeeping (woohoo!), concierge, luggage storage, a convenience store (perfect for grabbing snacks!), and a gift/souvenir shop. They also have business facilities. They also offer Complimentary tea. What? Amazing!
Okay fine, that's great.
However…
The ironing service was unavailable. I really needed to press my shirt! The elevator (mentioned before) was slow as molasses. A few essential things were missing, but the hotel is doing well.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (could be improved).
Rooms, Beds & All the Stuff: Home Away From Home (with a Few Quirks)
The rooms themselves…well, the views are the absolute selling point, especially if you get a high floor. They had Air conditioning, air cleaning, which is nice. Free wi-fi, and internet access [wireless] is a must. Free bottled water and I always like to have complimentary tea.
My room included a double bed. I had no choice. But I would rather have a extra long bed.
I did not use the bathrobes, the slippers and the safe box, but they're there. I loved the desk and lamp workspace
They also have interconnecting rooms available, but I don’t need them.
Okay, the quirks: The lighting in my room was a bit…dim. The soundproofing wasn’t perfect – I did hear a bit of hallway chatter late at night.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (views carry a lot of weight, but need a fix for the above mentioned issues).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Your Sedona Paradise!?!
This is where Aiden really shines. They have a sauna, steamroom, massage, and a spa. They don't have a body scrub or a body wrap, but they offer pretty much the exact thing.
THE POOL! This is the centerpiece. It is so good.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is where they kill it.
For the Kids: Kid-Friendly, but Bring Your Own Babysitter
They're family/child friendly. They provide Babysitting service/kids meal, what's not to like?
Rating: 4 out of 5 (More information needed!)
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (If You Have a Car)
Car park [free of charge]? YES! Airport transfer? Yes. Taxi service, absolutely. Valet parking, of course. Car power charging station? No.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (car is essential in Sedona).
Final Verdict: Aiden by Best Western - A Sedona Steal!
Look, Aiden by Best Western isn't perfect. It has its quirks, its little imperfections. But those views? They are, to quote a friend of mine, “mind-blowingly awesome.” The staff were generally lovely, the safety protocols made me feel comfortable, and the location is prime.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. For the price, the views, and the overall experience, Aiden is a major win. Just pack a good book, your sense of humor, and prepare to be amazed. And maybe bring your own lights.
Escape to Comfort: Microtel Inn & Suites Eagan/St. Paul - Your MN Getaway!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we’re about to dive headfirst into my potential Sedona adventure at the Aiden by Best Western. This isn’t your perfectly-curated Instagram post; this is real life, Sedona-style. Prepare for emotional whiplash, questionable choices, and a whole lot of "wait, what was I doing again?" vibes.
Sedona Shenanigans Itinerary: Aka, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Red Rocks… Maybe.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (But, Like, with Beautiful Views)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Oh, the joy of airports. Smell of stale coffee, the hurried shuffle of humanity, the quiet desperation in everyone's eyes… My flight was delayed, naturally. This is where the trip REALLY began, at the airport, with a cup of black coffee, on the way somewhere else.
- 1:30 PM - Rental Car Rendezvous. Pray for my sanity and the poor rental car agent. I'm notorious for getting lost, even with a GPS. Pray I don't get the tiny car.
- 3:00 PM - Drive to Aiden by Best Western Sedona. The drive should be scenic, but odds are, I'll be glued to the GPS, muttering about "left turns" and "why does everything look the same?!" And let's be real, stopping for the perfect picture? Not happening on the first day.
- 4:00 PM - Check-in. (Hopefully smooth.) Pray the room is clean, the AC is working, and there isn't a rogue gecko residing in the shower. I have irrational fears. Ask for a room away from the road. I don't want to feel like I'm sleeping in a truck stop.
- 4:30 PM - Explore the Hotel. (Or Collapse on the Bed, Depending on My Mood). Okay, so I say I'll explore. But let's be real, after the plane ride, the rental car fiasco, and the potential for a long check-in line, I'll probably just collapse on the bed. Then, I get a glimpse of those red rocks from the window and I get a burst of energy, "I have to see them"! I have been known to do both.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at Elote Cafe or nearby establishment. Okay, this is THE legendary Elote. I've heard the hype. Pray there's a wait? Probably. Will I be hangry? Absolutely. Will the food be worth the wait? Crossing my fingers!
- 7:30 PM - Sunset Viewing? (Attempt). The plan is to find a spot to watch the sunset over the red rocks. Realistically, I'll probably be scrambling, lost, and then finding a spot, and finding the perfect spot on the second try. Regardless, that vibrant red rock sunset is sure to fill your heart with existential questioning, the kind that makes you ponder your life choices.
Day 2: Hiking Horror – And Maybe Some Redemption
- 7:00 AM - Sunrise Yoga (or, you know, sleeping in). I intend to do early morning yoga. I promise myself I will. But let's just say, this is more of a "maybe" than a "definitely."
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast. I am not prepared to choose one, so I'll throw a coin with two sides. I want to grab a coffee and pastry from a local shop, or the hotel breakfast, or both. Maybe I even forgot to plan!
- 9:00 AM - Hike Devil's Bridge. I know, the most popular hike. I am not necessarily a hiker. But, well, Devil's Bridge is a must-see. It is something I can't turn down. I'm fully expecting it to be crowded and I'll probably regret it halfway there. Hopefully, I don't have a panic attack on the bridge. This will make me more in-tune with the world.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch. (At a place with AC). Seriously, the Arizona sun is no joke. I'll need something cool and refreshing to offset the hiking misery.
- 1:00 PM - Boynton Canyon. The vortex energy I want. After the crowds, this is going to feel like a vacation. More walking. The feeling of being one with nature.
- 4:00 PM - Relaxation. Okay, I really need a break because I'll be exhausted at this point. After the hike, the sun, the crowds, I need a break. A quiet rest at the hotel and take it easy is what my mind says.
- 7:00 PM - Another attempt at the perfect sunset. I'll find a better spot, and I'll make sure it's not too busy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
Day 3: Art, Aliens and Leaving (Sob!)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (Again). The key to a good trip, I believe.
- 10:00 AM - Chapel of the Holy Cross. I may not be the most religious person, but this is a true must-see. It is something I can't get myself to miss.
- 11:00 AM - Downtown Sedona Exploration. I will get lost and find a quaint little shop.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch. Just a bite. Not much.
- 1:00 PM - The Vortex Tour. Yeah, I may go on a vortex tour. I'm open to anything. If not, I'll just do what I want.
- 3:00 PM - Last Sunset. After the vortex tour (or not), a final try at watching the sunset.
- 7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner (Maybe in Sedona). There has to be a grand finale.
- 8:30 PM - Pack. Sigh. The worst part of travel.
- 9:00 PM - Drinks and Reflection. I might be at the hotel lounge, to reminisce. I might be at a bar. I might be at the front steps of the hotel.
Day 4: Departure
- Wakeup and check-out.
- Depart from PHX.
Important Notes and Ramblings:
- Flexibility is Key. This is more of a suggestion than a rigid schedule. If I want to spend 3 hours staring at a particularly interesting rock, I will. If I decide to sleep in until noon, that's life!
- Food is Important. I will eat all the Mexican food and drink all the prickly pear margaritas.
- Embrace the Imperfections. I will get lost. I will make questionable decisions. That's the fun of it!
- My Mood is a Rollercoaster. One moment, I'll be overwhelmed with the beauty of it all. The next, I'll be grumbling about the crowds.
- Pictures or It Didn't Happen. (But I won't try too hard to get the perfect shot).
- Remember to breathe. Sedona is supposed to be relaxing, right? (Famous last words.)
So there you have it. My Sedona adventure, in all its gloriously messy glory. Wish me luck (I'll need it). And maybe, just maybe, I'll come back a changed person. Or at the very least, with some good stories to tell.
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Sedona & Aiden: The Unfiltered FAQ (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, seriously, is the view *really* as good as they say?
Ugh, the view. Right? Listen, I'm a notoriously cynical travel blogger. I've seen 'panoramic views' that looked suspiciously like a parking lot. But the view from Aiden? Okay, fine, I'll admit it - it's breathtaking. Seriously. It's not just a pretty backdrop; it’s a full-on, jaw-dropping, "I need to sit down and contemplate my life choices" kind of view. You know, the kind that actually makes you *feel* something? Like, the red rocks are *right there*, practically begging you to climb them (which, by the way, don't do without a permit, I learned the hard way...).
There was this one morning… I was half-asleep, fumbling for coffee, and then BAM! Sunlight exploding on those rocks. I actually gasped. My partner, rolled over, mumbled something about "sunrises and marketing hype," but even *he* had to admit it was pretty spectacular. Okay, maybe *spectacular* is an understatement. It was ridiculously gorgeous. Yeah, worth it. 100% worth it.
What's the deal with these "deals" they keep talking about? Are they scams?
Alright, alright, I get it. "Deals" always make you suspicious. I am, too! Look, I do my Googling. Websites, social media, all of it. They're not a *scam*, per se. I mean, I didn't end up sleeping in a ditch (always a win). They seem to genuinely offer good rates, *especially* if you're flexible with your dates. And, I swear, I found a better rate on their website than on those third-party booking sites. That’s always a good sign.
However, read the fine print. As with any deal, there might be some restrictions. Maybe not available on weekends? Or perhaps the REALLY super cheap rooms are smaller (which, honestly, I'm cool with. I spend most of my time staring at the view anyway). But yeah, do your homework, comparing prices. Booking in advance is always smart. And if the price seems *too* good to be true, well, you know the drill.
Here's a secret: I stayed there during their "off-season" (which, in Sedona, is still beautiful) and got a steal. Boom.
Is the hotel clean? I'm kind of a germaphobe. (Shhh, don't tell anyone.)
Okay, look. I get it. Hotels. Germs. Ugh. As far as I could tell, Aiden was pretty darn clean. My bathroom was definitely cleaner than mine at home (sorry, Mom!). I always give the "white glove test" and nothing major jumped out at me. The housekeeping staff seemed to take things seriously. It's not the Ritz, people, but it's not a roach motel either.
Pro Tip: Pack some sanitizing wipes anyway. Just in case. I’m a big fan. No shame.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Do they look like the pictures?
The rooms… hmm. Okay, so the pictures? They're *mostly* accurate. They're not some super-luxurious suites, but they're clean, modern, and functional. Think comfortable, not ostentatious. They are *nicer* than the budget hotels for sure. The bed was comfy (important!), the TV worked (I binged a whole season of something pointless), and the bathroom was… fine. My room had a mini-fridge, which is always a win for leftover pizza and those ridiculously overpriced water bottles from the gift shop. But the view, *that's* the star. Your room might not be the biggest, but you’ll be spending most of your time on the balcony (if you get one, of course!).
The only real "issue" I had? The lack of a power outlet near the bed. I'm chained to my phone, okay? But I survived. Barely.
Is the location any good? Is it close to things?
Location, location, location, am I right? Aiden's a decent spot. You're not *right* in the thick of the tourist craziness (thank goodness), but you're a quick drive to all the main attractions. Red Rock Crossing, the vortex sites, downtown… all within easy reach. There are restaurants and shops nearby too.
The only thing I'd say is it's not *super* walkable. You'll probably need a car (or be prepared to use ride-sharing). But hey, you’re in Sedona. Embrace the driving. The scenery is gorgeous. I spent a good hour once *just* driving around, getting lost, and staring at the rocks. Worth it.
The pool. Is it nice?
The pool? It's fine. Okay, it's not the giant, Instagram-worthy infinity pool you see at some resorts. It's a perfectly serviceable pool. Clean, decent size. Perfect for a quick dip after a hike. I saw kids having fun, couples lounging, and a few people just…floating. It's a pool. It serves its purpose.
I, however, was too busy staring at the view to use it. Honestly, I'm a bit of a pool snob. I'd prefer a jacuzzi, but hey, I can't have everything. Maybe next time!
What about breakfast? Free breakfast is a big deal!
Ah, yes, the elusive free breakfast. Aiden *does* offer one. It's a standard continental breakfast. Nothing fancy. Think: muffins, bagels, cereal, juice, and coffee. (Coffee! Thank God for coffee!). Don’t expect gourmet. But it gets the job done. It's convenient, saves you a few bucks, and lets you fuel up before hitting the trails or getting lost in the vortex vibes.
If you're a breakfast snob (like me), bring your own yogurt. Or, you know, hit up the local coffee shop. There are tons of amazing options in Sedona.
Parking? Is that a nightmare?
Okay, so parking. It's Sedona. Parking *anywhere* can be a nightmare. Aiden, thankfully, has parking. It's not *always* abundant, and sometimes you might have to walk a littleBook Hotels Now
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