Sedona's Hidden Gem: Poco Diablo Resort's Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Sedona's Secret Sauce: Poco Diablo Resort - Prepare to Be Spoiled (But Maybe Not Perfect!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona and I’m still trying to process the sheer… relaxation. Forget the slick brochures; this is a real, honest, slightly-imperfect review for the rest of us who actually live in the real world. Prepare for a rambling, honest, and slightly-obsessed take on this “Hidden Gem” because, well, it kinda is.
SEO & Metadata Blitz (because Google wants it):
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- Metadata Description: A comprehensive, honest, and slightly-obsessive review of Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona, Arizona. Covering everything from accessibility and cleanliness to dining options and spa experiences. Get ready for quirks, opinions, and the raw truth about whether Poco Diablo truly delivers on its promise of unbelievable luxury.
First Impressions (and a Few Stumbles)
Let's be real, the drive into Sedona is breathtaking enough to bring a tear to a seasoned traveler's eye. Red rocks everywhere! But Poco Diablo? Well, it's subtly tucked away, not screaming for attention like some of the more ostentatious resorts. That's a good start – a touch of privacy, yesss. The entrance is pleasant, but I noticed a little… hmm… a slightly dated feel. Not a bad thing, necessarily! It has a certain charm, a cozy, comfortable vibe. I got the vibe of a place that's been around a while and knows its business.
Accessibility: Getting Around with Ease (Mostly)
Okay, important shout-out right off the bat: Poco Diablo gets accessibility. The website clearly outlines facilities for disabled guests, and the reality mostly mirrors the promise. Wheelchair accessible throughout much of the property, including the pool (with a ramp!), restaurant, and some of the rooms. I only had a quick look around, but ramps and accessible pathways are available. The elevators are a welcome addition, especially after a long day hiking. They seemed to have everything covered that I could see, and that's a BIG win in my book. Access to the spa was easy, and you had good access paths around the resort.
A Whirlwind of Wellness: Pools, Spas, and Steam (Oh My!)
Alright, confession time. I LOVE a good spa. And honestly, Poco Diablo's spa is… well, it’s pretty darn good.
- The Pool with a View: The outdoor swimming pool is fantastic! You can soak up some sun and stare at those red rocks while you’re at it. It’s a treat. I was able to relax by the pool with a drink and enjoy all the views. I felt relaxed and comfortable the whole time!
- Spa/Sauna: Didn't use it, because I was too busy being lazy by the pool. But it's there, and the reviews are decent!
- Body Wrap/Body Scrub: You get the whole shebang here. I didn’t personally experience it, but my friend raved about her body scrub, and I definitely saw a glow when she emerged. It's a very luxurious offering.
- Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: Decent gym! I saw people using it, and it seems to be well-equipped and clean.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (Mostly)
This is HUGE right now, and Poco Diablo does a decent job. This is one place where having all the cleaning info in a list is truly useful. They're definitely prioritizing safety, which is comforting.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check.
- Room sanitization between stays? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Everyone was masked up and friendly.
- Safe dining setup? Yes, they were taking it seriously.
- What Wasn't Perfect?: The outside seating areas weren't as meticulously cleaned as I'd hope.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Good, The Okay, and the… Well, Let's Just Say It Exists
This is where things get interesting. Poco Diablo has multiple dining options, which is great.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant, I tried the breakfast buffet ( Breakfast [buffet]). It was… fine. Not the greatest breakfast of my life, but certainly not the worst. They had a decent variety, it was on the basic side, so not a Michelin star experience. The coffee/tea situation was good, and the servers were very nice!
- Poolside Bar: Very good! Cocktails and snacks are available, and the atmosphere is relaxed. I spent a lot of time there!
- Snack Bar: Standard snack fare. Useful for grabbing a quick bite between activities.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a HUGE plus. Late-night cravings? Sorted!
- The Quirkiest Bit: I did try the Asian cuisine in restaurant once. It felt… a little out of place. But hey, variety is the spice of life, right?
Rooms & Amenities: Comfort & Convenience
My room? Comfortable. Clean. And yes, the Wi-Fi [free] actually worked! Thank the heavens. Here's the lowdown:
- Air conditioning? Yes, and it works well.
- Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: all of them.
- Coffee/tea maker?: Absolutely! Essential for a good morning.
- Desk? Yep, if you need to get some work done.
- In-room safe box? Secure your valuables.
- Mini bar: Stocked, but not necessarily with your dream selection.
- Non-smoking: Mostly, even the areas I wanted to smoke in, unfortunately.
- Blackout curtains: Yes!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Poco Diablo excels in the "little things."
- Concierge?: Helpful and knowledgeable.
- Daily housekeeping?: Spotless.
- Free Car park [on-site]?: Easy parking.
- Luggage storage?: Convenient.
For the Kiddos: Family-Friendly Vibes
Family/child friendly? Yes, lots of kids around!
- Babysitting service?: They have it!
Getting Around: Ease of Movement
- Airport transfer?: They can arrange it.
- Car park [free of charge]?: Easy parking.
- Taxi service?: Readily available.
My Final Thoughts (and Maybe a Tiny Complaint)
Poco Diablo is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it's definitely a "Hidden Gem" in the sense that it offers genuine relaxation and enjoyment without being overly pretentious.
The Good: The spa, the pool, the accessibility features, the generally relaxed atmosphere.
The "Could Be Better": the food (especially the buffet), the slightly dated aesthetic in places.
The One Obsession: THE POOL. I'm still dreaming of lounging by that pool, staring at the red rocks, sipping a cocktail. That alone makes it a winner for me.
Overall Verdict: Go. Relax. Enjoy. Just don't expect perfection, and you'll have a fantastic time. And bring your swimsuit – you won't want to miss that pool!
Chino Valley Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Extended Stay America!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your perfectly-polished travel brochure. This is real life, Sedona edition. Here’s my potentially-disastrous, totally-unprofessional Poco Diablo Resort itinerary – and I'm already having second thoughts…
The Poco Diablo Pilgrimage: A Sedona Soul-Search… or Just a Really Long Weekend?
Day 1: Arrival & (Probably Dramatic) Expectations
- 1:00 PM - Arrival and the Great Parking Debacle: Okay, first impressions. The resort is pretty… sprawling. Finding the check-in desk was a bit of a scavenger hunt. I nearly ran over a rogue tumbleweed (probably not, but the wind was intense). And then, the parking… The system is a bit of chaotic, I swear I saw three different golf carts doing laps, looking bewildered like I was, it made me wonder if they were supposed to be navigating this maze or if they were just stuck on a never-ending loop. Anyway, somehow I snagged a spot. Feeling like a winner already!
- 1:30 PM - Check-in & Room Revelation: The front desk lady (she had a vibe, like she'd seen a thousand tourists try to hug a cactus) was perfectly pleasant. Room key in hand! I'm praying the room isn't a dungeon.
- Room Reaction: Okay, the room is… fine. It’s not bad, but the floral wallpaper gives me flashbacks to my grandma’s house. And the balcony? Yes! Views are nice. The sun is setting already, the whole vibe is promising.
- 3:00 PM - The Poolside Panic Attack… (aka Brief Sunbathing Session): I'm still getting my bearings. Maybe I'll hit the pool. Swimwear… CHECK. Sunscreen… CHECK. But… the idea of being photographed in a swimsuit and just… existing poolside is giving me a minor existential crisis. I may just stare at it from afar.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner at the Resort Restaurant: Hoping for something beyond the standard tourist fare. My expectations might be too high. Feeling hungry, so that's a good sign, right?
- The Verdict: Okay the food wasn't the best, but it was edible and the sunset views from the patio? Absolutely worth it. The wine list was better. Slightly tipsy, contemplating the vortex. More like, trying to figure out where to spot them.
- 7:00 PM - Vortex Hunting (Wishful Thinking): Okay, I need to find a vortex. I'm a believer…sort of. I've heard the red rocks call to you, or maybe it's the wind, or the gin and tonic… who knows. I heard a hike into Cathedral Rock is the way to go. Probably going to get lost, but hey, that's half the fun, maybe!
Day 2: Hiking & Humbling Experiences
- 8:00 AM: Awkward Breakfast Buffet: It. Was. A. Buffet. Enough said. The scrambled eggs were suspiciously yellow, but the coffee was decent. Needed caffeine for my day of adventure.
- 9:00 AM - Hiking… or Trying to Hike (Devil's Bridge Trail): Alright, time to tackle a trail. Devil's Bridge is supposedly the "must-do" hike. I'm already regretting not bringing more water. And a better sense of direction. I got lost, almost passed out from dehydration, and questioned all my life choices halfway up. Then, about 3 hours later, I realized I had followed a trail to a dead end and had to start all over.
- Observation: The views from the top (eventually) were spectacular. Okay, yeah, maybe Sedona's a bit impressive. But seriously, why did nobody tell me about the sheer drop-offs? I swear, I saw a whole group of people posing right at the edge like they were in a magazine. I need a drink.
- 2:00 PM - The Post-Hike Slump & Spa Dreams: My legs are screaming. My soul is questioning the wisdom of my choices. This resort has a spa, right? Pretty sure my masseuse is going to need to perform some serious reconstruction.
- Spa Report: Omg. Heaven. The massage therapist was a godsend. Those knots I didn't even know existed? Gone. I think I may have fallen asleep and snored, which would be embarrassing, but frankly, I don't care.
- 5:00 PM - Shopping (and Emotional Release): Time to get some souvenirs and blow off the rest of my stress. I'm not going to make it a big thing, but maybe a little something to commemorate the trip.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & Stargazing (If I Can Figure It Out): The local restaurants offer some good-looking desert cuisine, which I'm excited about. I got a telescope for my birthday, I want to star gaze. Just need to locate the stars. Will I even find them? Probably not.
Day 3: More Adventures & (Probably) More Self-Doubt
- 9:00 AM: Yoga & Regret (Because I'm Not a Yoga Person): They have yoga at the resort. This is going to be hilarious. I'm going to be the stiffest person there, guaranteed. "Namaste," they'll say. I'll probably just say "Ow."
- Yoga Verdict: Oh. My. God. I'm more flexible than I thought. Still awkward, but the views were amazing. Maybe I'm not so bad at this "zen" thing after all. For exactly one hour.
- 11:00 AM - The Big Red Rock Tour: Okay, I've heard that a guided tour is the best way to see the main sights. I'm going to let someone else be in charge of the directions for once.
- Tour Thoughts: The views of the red rocks are mind-blowing. I feel like I'm on another planet. The guide was full of cheesy jokes, but I couldn't help but laugh when his jokes were terrible.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch & Journaling: I can't go home without a journal entry. Time to reflect on the trip.
- Journal Excerpts: "Sedona is… complicated. Beautiful, yes. But exhausting. I thought I'd come here and have some sort of epiphany, but mostly, I've just felt sweaty and lost… I do feel lighter, somehow. I could get used to this, the lack of pressure, the beauty of the red rocks.
- 5:00 PM: Pre-Departure Meltdown: I'm leaving tomorrow already? Where did the time go?
Day 4: Departure & Unrealistic Promises
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast & Goodbyes: Okay, I am absolutely going to miss this view.
- 10:00 AM - Final Souvenir Shopping & Last-Minute Panic: I still haven't gotten the proper souvenir. What do I even get?
- 12:00 PM - Departure: Goodbye, Sedona! I promise I will be back! But this time, I'll probably just sleep the first day. And learn how to pack better hiking shoes.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: I have no idea if I found my soul. I may have lost it, but I feel… different. Okay, I’m still tired. But also, grateful. And planning my next trip. Maybe.
Poco Diablo Resort: The Good, the Bad, and the Seriously Stunning (Frequently Asked Questions, Because Seriously, You'll Have Them)
Is Poco Diablo REALLY all that? I mean, the pictures… they're practically *staged*, right?
Okay, listen. I'm a cynical *human being*, alright? I see those glossy resort brochures and I immediately reach for the tiny print, the "Terms and Conditions" that probably involve a blood sacrifice. But… Poco Diablo? Dude. They're not lying. The pools *actually* sparkle emerald green, not some Photoshopped mess. The red rocks? Even more breathtaking in REAL life. And the air? So crisp, I swear I felt my lungs thank me. I'll admit it, I went expecting a bit of a letdown, anticipating the usual "looks better online" scenario. But… I was *wrong*. Completely, ridiculously wrong. My jaw actually dropped. Twice. Once at the view from my ridiculously comfortable balcony, and again when I saw the size of the margarita at the pool bar. Don't get me started on the fluffy robes... pure, unadulterated bliss!
Tell me about the rooms. Are they… room-like? Or more like, you know, a prison cell with a view?
Okay, real talk. I've stayed in some *shady* hotel rooms in my time. You know, the kind where you're almost afraid to touch the light switches. NOT Poco Diablo. The rooms are… genuinely lovely. They're spacious. They're clean (and, believe me, I *look*). They have these… *things*… called balconies (mentioned earlier, I know, but they're important!). I got one with a fireplace. A *fireplace*! In a hotel room! I basically spent an hour just staring at it, imagining I was some kind of sophisticated desert hermit. It was glorious. My only minor quibble (and this is me being *picky*, alright?) the Wi-Fi *sometimes* lagged. But honestly? Who cares? You're in Sedona! Disconnect! Breathe! Drink margaritas by the pool!
The pools. *Everyone* raves about the pools. Are they really *that* special? And what about the dreaded "Resort Fee"?
Alright, the pools. The pools are… a *vibe*. I'm not a big pool person, usually. I'm more of a "read a book in the shade" kind of gal. But these pools… I was *converted*. One is heated. One is… I think it's supposed to be a bit more natural, with rocks and stuff. And they're strategically placed, so you can soak up the sun while also taking in the insane views of the red rocks. The whole scene is just… perfect. And the *smell*! Apparently, they use some kind of fancy aromatherapy thing in the air, and it's this amazing blend of citrus and… well, happiness. It’s bordering on addictive.
Now, the resort fee. Ugh, the resort fee. We all hate it, right? It's like the tax man of your vacation. But, I'll be honest, at Poco Diablo, I didn't mind it *as much*. Because it covered some genuinely nice things: the access to all the pools and the fitness center, the yoga classes, the parking. It wasn't some sneaky little money grab, it was more like, a... a necessary evil that gets you to the good stuff. Still, I'd prefer they be upfront with the price, so you don't get the "sticker shock" feeling. But on balance, I didn't feel cheated. And hey, the free water bottles helped with the sting!
Okay, but what about the food? Is it overpriced and bland, like most resort food, or are there actually some good options?
Alright, food. The crucial question. Look, I'm a foodie. And I'm also perpetually hangry. So, if the food sucks, I'm probably going to write a strongly worded email. Happily, I didn't have to.
You've got two main options: The Tii Gavo Restaurant and the pool bar, and I love both. Tii Gavo, it's got a gorgeous setting, and the food? *Delicious*. The Southwest-inspired cuisine is seriously good, and the portions are generous. The service was top-notch, too. I’m a sucker for a good steak, and theirs was cooked perfectly. Now the pool bar, that's where the serious relaxation happens. Yes, the prices are a little… elevated, but come on, you're on vacation! The margaritas are strong (a crucial detail!), and the snacks are perfect for lounging poolside. I highly recommend the fish tacos. Seriously. Run, don't walk, and get the fish tacos. I'm still dreaming about them. I almost wish I'd spent my entire trip just parked at the bar! It might have actually improved my life.
Is there anything *bad* about Poco Diablo? Because this is starting to sound like an advertisement.
Okay, fine. Here’s the truth. There were a couple of minor annoyances. As I mentioned, the Wi-Fi could be a little dodgy, and the spa treatments? Ah, they looked *amazing*, but frankly the prices made my wallet weep. And the parking, on busy days, could be a bit of a free-for-all. I may or may not have engaged in a brief, passive-aggressive battle for a prime parking spot with a woman in a yoga pants. (I won.) And, the coffee in the room was... not the best. Bring your own. Seriously.
Is it good for families? Or is it all yoga and couples' massages?
Hmm... good question. I didn't bring my kids, but I saw plenty of families there, and they seemed to be having a blast. There are activities for children like tennis or the pool ( which, again, is amazing). But I also felt there were plenty of spaces where you could chill and escape the kid chaos if needed. It’s not a rowdy, all-out kid zone, but it’s definitely welcoming and not overly formal. So, good, yes. Will they enjoy it? Probably. Would I put my kids in the pool and then head for a margarita at the pool bar? Absolutely.
The location… how far is it from downtown Sedona and the hiking trails? Do I need a car?
Location, location, location! Poco Diablo is perfectly situated. It's a short drive – like, *really* short, minutes – to all the main attractions. Downtown Sedona, with its art galleries and quirky shops, is right there. And the hiking trails? You're practically tripping over them! I highly recommend Devil's Bridge, but prepare for a crowd, if you can't get there early.
Yes, you absolutely need a car. Sedona is spread out, and while some tours and shuttles are available, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore. You *could* walk… but trust me, you'll beEasy Hotel Hunt
Poco Diablo Resort Sedona (AZ) United States
Poco Diablo Resort Sedona (AZ) United States
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