Sedona is weird. It’s a place where people pay $400 a night to sleep in a glorified tent just to feel "aligned" with a vortex. But tucked right behind the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a place that’s been there forever, and honestly, people can't seem to agree on it. Los Abrigados Resort and Spa isn't your typical ultra-modern, glass-and-steel desert retreat. It’s sprawling. It’s green. It feels like a Spanish hacienda that’s seen a lot of history—because it has.
If you’re looking for that sterile, "everything is beige" Marriott vibe, you’re going to be disappointed. Los Abrigados is quirky. It’s the kind of place where you might get lost looking for the creek, or find yourself playing mini-golf next to a 100-year-old sycamore tree. Some travelers swear by it as the only authentic family spot in Sedona, while others complain that the "vintage" charm is just a polite word for "old."
But here’s the thing: in a town that’s becoming increasingly unaffordable and pretentious, this resort actually offers something different.
What Los Abrigados Resort and Spa Actually Feels Like
Walking onto the grounds, the first thing you notice isn't the red rocks—though they’re there, looming in the distance. It’s the shade. Sedona is hot. The sun can be brutal. But Los Abrigados is built into this lush, creek-side pocket of the canyon that feels ten degrees cooler than the rest of the strip.
The resort is part of the Diamond Resorts family (now Hilton Grand Vacations), which means it has that "timeshare" DNA. Don't let that scare you off. You don't have to sit through a sales pitch to stay here. What it does mean is that the rooms are mostly suites. We’re talking kitchenettes, separate living areas, and actual space to breathe. It’s a massive relief if you’re traveling with kids who have reached that "I need my own room or I’m going to lose it" age.
The architecture is heavy on the stucco and tile. It’s got these winding paths that lead you past fountains and hidden gardens. It feels like a village within a village. Honestly, the proximity to Tlaquepaque is the biggest selling point. You can just walk out the back gate and you’re suddenly in this cobblestone world of art galleries and expensive sweaters. No fighting for parking in Sedona’s notorious traffic. That’s a win.
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The Room Situation: Hit or Miss?
Let’s be real. Some of the rooms at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa have been updated recently, and some... well, they haven't. You might walk into a suite with modern flooring and sleek finishes, or you might get the one with the popcorn ceiling and the 90s-era cabinets.
- The "Historic" Units: These have character. Think wood beams and kiva-style fireplaces. They’re cozy, but they can feel a bit dark because of how the buildings are situated under the trees.
- The Renovated Suites: Much brighter. If you’re picky about aesthetics, call ahead and ask which buildings have seen the most recent love.
- The Creek-side Studios: These are smaller but offer that sound of rushing water that people pay thousands for at places like L'Auberge de Sedona just down the road.
The Sedona Spa Experience That Doesn't Cost a Kidney
Everyone comes to Sedona for "wellness." Usually, that means a $300 massage in a room that smells like expensive dirt. The Sedona Spa at Los Abrigados is a bit more down-to-earth.
It’s a full-service facility. They’ve got the massages, the facials, and the body wraps, but the vibe is less "silent retreat" and more "neighborhood club." Locals actually have memberships here because the fitness center is legit. We aren't talking about two treadmills and a broken elliptical. It’s a full gym.
They also have a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub that actually fits more than four people. If you’ve spent the day hiking Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock, your legs are going to be screaming. Spending an hour in the eucalyptus steam room here is basically a religious experience. Is it the fanciest spa in the world? No. Is it effective and reasonably priced for Sedona? Absolutely.
Eating at the Resort: Spoke & Wheel vs. Timo
Food is where Los Abrigados gets interesting. You’ve got two main options on-site.
Spoke & Wheel is a tavern-style spot. It’s got a bicycle theme, which feels a bit "Portland," but it works. They do burgers, salads, and some decent craft beer. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in your hiking boots covered in red dust and nobody gives you a side-eye.
Then there’s Timo Gourmet Kitchen. This is the "date night" spot. It’s centered around a wood-fired oven. The wine list is surprisingly deep, and the atmosphere is much more intimate. If you get the chance, sit outside. The patio at Timo is one of those spots where the lighting is just right and the air smells like cedar smoke. It’s arguably one of the better dining secrets in the Tlaquepaque area.
The "Vortex" Factor and Why Location Matters
People talk about Sedona’s energy like it’s a physical thing you can grab. Whether you believe in vortexes or not, the location of Los Abrigados Resort and Spa puts you in a very specific geographic sweet spot.
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You’re right on Oak Creek. This isn't just a tiny trickle of water; it’s the lifeblood of the canyon. Access to the creek is private for guests, which is a huge deal. During the summer, the public swimming holes like Slide Rock become a total zoo. Having a quiet spot to sit by the water without a thousand strangers is worth the price of admission alone.
You’re also at the base of the "Y." In Sedona terms, that means you’re at the intersection of Highway 179 and 89A.
- Heading South: You’re minutes away from the Village of Oak Creek and the iconic Bell Rock.
- Heading West: You’re on the main drag for West Sedona’s grocery stores and local hangouts.
- Heading North: You’re shooting straight into Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff.
It’s the most central location you can get without being stuck in the middle of the "Uptown" tourist trap, which, let’s be honest, is mostly just shops selling plastic crystals and "I Survived the Vortex" t-shirts.
Common Complaints (and How to Avoid Them)
Look, no resort is perfect. If you read reviews for Los Abrigados, you’ll see some patterns.
The most common gripe is the "resort fee." Like almost everywhere in Arizona now, they tack on a daily fee for things like the pool, the gym, and the "activities." It’s annoying. Just bake that into your budget so you aren't surprised at checkout.
Another thing is the layout. This place is a maze. If you have mobility issues, make sure you request a room near the lobby or the main parking areas. Some of the buildings require a bit of a trek up stairs or down long winding paths.
And then there’s the timeshare thing. You might be asked to attend a presentation. "No" is a complete sentence. Use it. Unless you really want those extra vouchers for a Jeep tour, just tell them you’re here for the hiking and move on. They aren't as aggressive as some places in Vegas or Mexico, but they are persistent.
Is It Good for Kids?
Actually, yeah. This is probably the most kid-friendly resort in Sedona. Most Sedona hotels are geared toward couples looking for "silence and serenity" (which is code for: "your toddler's tantrum is ruining my meditation").
Los Abrigados has:
- A playground (a rarity in Sedona).
- Mini-golf (it’s a bit dated, but kids love it).
- A huge pool that actually gets sun.
- Basketball and tennis courts.
It’s a place where kids can actually be kids without the staff hovering over them. Plus, being able to walk to get gelato in Tlaquepaque is a major parenting win.
The "Hidden" History of the Property
Before it was a resort, this land was an apple orchard. That’s why the trees are so huge and the soil is so rich compared to the rocky desert just a mile away. The resort’s founder, Pappy Fry, wanted it to feel like a sanctuary.
There’s a specific energy here that’s different from the high-altitude vibe of the red rocks. It’s grounded. It’s "low-vibe" in the best way possible—cool, damp, and quiet. There are still parts of the property that feel like they haven't changed since the 1980s, which gives it a nostalgic, Dirty Dancing kind of feel, just with more cacti and fewer watermelons.
Navigating Your Stay: Expert Tips
If you’re going to book Los Abrigados Resort and Spa, do it right. Don't just grab the cheapest room on a discount site and hope for the best.
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Ask for Building 7. It’s often cited as one of the better-located buildings for a mix of quiet and accessibility.
Bring your own coffee. The in-room coffee is... fine. But there’s a kitchen. Use it. Stop at the Safeway or Whole Foods in West Sedona on your way in. Buying breakfast supplies will save you $100 over a three-day weekend, easy.
Check the activity calendar. They do things like stargazing nights or craft hours for kids. Since you’re paying that resort fee anyway, you might as well get your money’s worth.
The Park at Los Abrigados. This is a separate grassy area often used for weddings or events. If there’s nothing scheduled, it’s the best place on the property to just lie in the grass and look up at the stars. Because there aren't many streetlights in Sedona (it’s a Dark Sky City), the view is incredible.
The Reality Check
Is Los Abrigados a five-star luxury resort? No. If you want white-glove service and 1,000-thread-count sheets, you should go to Enchantment Resort and prepare to pay $1,200 a night.
Los Abrigados is a solid, mid-range choice that excels because of its location and its "lived-in" feel. It’s for the traveler who wants a kitchen, a patio, and a place to wash their hiking socks. It’s for the family that doesn't want to be hushed every time they walk through the lobby.
It’s a piece of "old Sedona" that is stubbornly hanging on while the rest of the town turns into a luxury mall. There’s something respectably honest about that.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book Direct if Possible: While Expedia has deals, booking through the Hilton/Diamond portal often gives you better leverage if you need to request a room change or upgrade.
- Pack Water Shoes: If you plan on utilizing the private creek access, the rocks are slippery and sharp. Don't ruin your trip with a sliced foot.
- Dinner Reservations: If you want to eat at Timo on a Friday or Saturday, book it at least two weeks in advance. It’s small and fills up with locals.
- Download Offline Maps: Sedona’s red rocks do weird things to cell signals. Don't rely on your GPS to find the resort entrance the first time; it’s tucked away off Portal Lane and can be easy to miss at night.
- The "Secret" Exit: Use the pedestrian gate near the Spoke & Wheel tavern to get into Tlaquepaque. It saves you a massive walk around the perimeter of the property.