First and foremost, I have been in the hospitality industry – either with hotels, convention bureau, or as a meeting planner – since 1980. And I don’t believe I have ever had such a flawless, seamless, and totally enjoyable experience with a hotel or resort! From the beginning, when Lisa and I started our conversations with you, through our trials with the economic situation, to our discussions regarding the final bill, sales, services, and the entire staff have exceeded any expectations I had.

Thank you for working with the Council of Educational Facility Planners and our challenges with the conference and the impact the economy has had on the school building industry. Your willingness to accommodate us, allowed us to change our program, honor our contract with you, and actually have people attend!

Let me name a few names:

1. Karla Lewis – Not only a top notch sales person, but also an excellent on-site services person, who helped us stay within our tight budget! You are funny, professional, and…just plain GOOD, nay, you are the BEST! Thank you for recycling the wedding flowers and finding us a ‘walk-in’ to store our food for Red Rocks! And thank you for the innumerable other small things you did for us!

2. Elizabeth Ray – Thanks for working with us on our budget and giving us an excellent breakdown, in advance, of our expenses so we could manage everything without a hitch.

3. Heather Pederson – Thank you for staying on top of the rooms! And thank you for helping me spot those “outside of the block sneakers!”

4. Scott – L’Auberge (I think he’s the FOM…Spanish accent). I love this man, and if he weren’t married to the adorable Patricia and much, much younger than I, well, I’d have to give it a shot. Seriously, Scott, thank you for coming to my rescue, being totally responsive to all of CEFPI’s needs, and always maintaining a smile and real sense of hospitality.

5. Thank you to the entire bell staff…you all most likely lost a pound or two with our demands. Particular thanks to Wade.

6. Thank you King Bill of Banquets! Everything was absolutely perfect!

7. Thank you Jay and Jaime of banquets…nothing was too much for you to do!

8. Thank you Marcos for making a superb Mexican Margarita for me! (Ok, TWO Margaritas!)

9. Thank you to the concierges at both Amara and L’Auberge. They were wonderful, responsive and helpful!

10. Thank you for a clean cottage, great mattress, and the attention to detail in all the rooms.

And, although I just can’t remember everyone’s names, they are included. Please feel free to pass this on to your GM and owner…they may never fire any of you because you are all exceptional people.

You can be sure we will return when the opportunity presents itself!


Lee
Lee Bauer, director of training & development
Planning & More, LLC

We have been staying at L'Auberge for many, many years, and have always found it to be one of the most charming places in the country. The location is just magical, the rooms are cozy and comfortable, the food is great, the service is exemplary, and not one thing about the place is mundane. Those who seem to worry about rooms being smaller than they expected or who want a pool or fitness center are missing the boat. You can have all that at a Holiday Inn -- please do so. Ditto for those who complain about either the room price or the very reasonable $25 per day service charge in lieu of tipping. The service is so good that we often tip some of the employees over and above the daily fee.
Yes, there is construction going on as they enlarge and improve the hotel. The price is reduced during this period, and the staff does everything possible to alleviate any inconveniences the mess causes. For us, it's like visiting a friend whose house is being repaired -- it certainly does not spoil the visit. A good guest tries to make things easier for everyone involved. My one concern is that enlarging the hotel will harm the intimate, personal character that is unique to L'Auberge and an important part of its charm.

My wife and I were somewhat nervous after reading reviews that ranged from one to five stars. There is no doubt that the hotel has a significant expansion underway and the sights and sounds of that expansion certainly do not add to the experience.

That said, my wife and I had a delightful stay at L'Auberge. We had a creekside cottage and sitting on the porch in the mornings and evenings was so peaceful! The construction noise was not a distraction for the creekside units and the room lived up to our high expectations.

The service was very attentive. Unlike a previous reviewer, I liked the $25 a day resort fee in lieu of tipping. We took a number of electric cart rides and would have been out a lot more for tips were it not for the inclusive fee.
I would agree with another previous reviewer that the overall price is a bit high given the construction activity. That said, I am happy that we stayed at L'Auberge and look forward to coming back with the expansion is complete.

This is the second time I have stayed at L'Auberge and I had a wonderful time again.
I stayed 2 nights in a Creekside cottage and I cannot think of a nicer place. The peace and tranquility I experienced every morning I opened the doors and every evening I sat on the porch was priceless. Walking down to the creek in the morning and watching how they feed the ducks, sit down with a cup of coffee and read the paper was the most calming thing you can do.
The cottages have been remodeled and they are even nicer than before. They added a big glass sliding door which made the room much brighter and bigger. They also installed outside showers, which is very cool. Taking a shower on a fresh spring morning outdoors and looking up in the bright blue skies is absolutely amazing. The patios have been enlarged and it was great having friends over at night, sitting outside and having a glass of wine. They still have the wood burning fireplaces and they restock the firewood and prepare the fireplace for you.
Even though there was a lot of construction going on next to the main building it didn't bother me at all. First of all I didn't hear or see it at all from my cottage and secondly the staff is going out of their way to accommodate any requests you may have. They drive you to your car (which had to be parked at the sister property next door) or to uptown Sedona in their electric GEM cars whenever needed.
The complimentary receptions at night with beverages and food offerings are a great way to meet other people and to chat with the staff. BTW it is nice to see that some of the great staff they have is still here after my last visit two years ago (Graham, Eric and Wade). And the new staff is just as great (Ryan and a new girl at the desk).
The complimentary coffee and tea in the morning with pastries and very yummie scones with English marmelade is outstanding.
I don't understand why people whine about the $25 service fee. First of all you don't have to worry about when, who and how much to tip. Secondly the staff is amazing. From the Concierge to the Bellmen and Housekeeping. Whatever you need, they will take care of it. They are very knowledgeable, friendly and fast. First class. Tips are a big part of their income, that's just how hotels work. If you are not willing to tip, then just stay at a Holiday Inn and don't complain about the lack of service. At L'Auberge you get every service expected from a high end property. AND with a smile! Not to mention the complimentary internet access, when other places charge you $10 per day.
They also have a star gazer on Friday night. I first thought how good can that be? I am glad the staff almost forced me during the reception to go and check it out. I am glad I did. It was amazing seeing Saturn and the ring as big as a Quarter! The guy doing this is also very cool. He explains very detailed what you see, all the stars and star clusters that are millions of light years away.
I didn't get a chance to eat in the restaurant this time, but talking to other guests I heard it is great. I am disappointed I missed it this time.
Again, I had a great stay and cannot wait to come back and see all the changes after they are done with the build-out.
Thank you and keep up the great work.