Bons

Planning long anniversary weekend in June. Flying into Phoenix, would prefer not to rent a car. Would like nice resort with spa, golf & great pool. Would like to be walking distance to shopping & restaurants so not stuck with resort meal choices. Will rent car if necessary. Looking at Camelback, 4 Seasons, Hyatt Regency, Phoenician, JWDesert Ridge & Westin Kierland. The more I look, the more confused I get. Any suggestions??? thanks

Dukey

Have you looked for any reviews on Tripadvisor.com?

mikesmom

If you want to be close to shopping and restaurants, I would choose Westin Kierland. I haven't stayed there myself, but it is in a great location.

I always rent a car when I'm in Scottsdale. I think it would be difficult to be in that area without a car.

Just my two cents, of course.

orangetravelcat

You can walk to shops and restaurants from the Westin Kierland.

giro

With the right location you won't need a car. The Westin, as mentioned above, is immediately next to Kierland Shoppin complex...upscale that goes with a spa weekend.
The Phoenician is a short distance from Camelback/Scottsdale Road intersection which includes Fashion Square Mall and other shopping/restaurant choices on the scottsdale"waterfront(not much water). A two minute cab ride. Easily walkable but need to factor in June heat.
The other locations are near shopping but would need a car.

Callaloo

I stayed at the Camelback Inn this past October for a sisters' weekend -- we had a wonderful time, and the property is beautiful. It meets all of your criteria other than being in walking distance of shopping and restaurants. But we did find it easy to use the resort's car service to take us places (at a price) -- they dropped off and picked up on demand.

CheBird

Hi - just returned from the Phoenician. DH golfed and I took advantage of the spa. We've also stayed at the Kierland and actually liked it better. The Kierland has more charm and personality and in my opinion is just as nice (and certainly a heck of a lot newer). Plus the Kierland Commons are so convenient with great shopping and restaurant choices. You don't need a car.

At the Phoenician, if you don't have a car, there are private cars/drivers that stage at the hotel and will take you just about anywhere for a fee. $13 to go down the road to the mall.

Next time, we're going back to the Kierland.

Kerry392

The Camelback Inn is amazing! We stayed there is December and will be going back next December. THe grounds are absolutely beautiful.
But, be aware that they will be undergoing renovation at the time you will be there. My understanding is that it will mostly affect the restaurant and the lobby area.

fairygemgirl

You need to realize that even in June, it will be hot so without a car, you are walking in summer heat. Having said that, we go to the Westin Kierland in July/Aug and walk everywhere. There is a wonderful spa, fun family pool and lazy river, quiet adult pool, great golf and the Kierland Commons with great restaurants and shopping all within a small area. So I vote Kierland if you want no car.

Bons

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I realize having a car would widen my choices and it will be hot, but we will only be there for 3 nights and we both spend so much time in our cars that we are mainly looking for a very relaxing weekend with the flexiblity of dining outside of a resort. My first choice is the Four Seasons but because of the loction, even if we had a car, I would not want to spend the time driving back & forth to town. I have made reservations at both Camelback Inn & Kierland but am still open to any other ideas!

orangetravelcat

I think the Camelback Inn will be doing renovations starting in March, so there could be construction going on in June. You might want to verify this before you finalize your plans.

Bons

Well, I am still trying to decide!! I have cancelled the reservation at Camelback Inn, way too much construction going on. I have decided to rent a car just for flexibility. I still have reservation at Westin Kierland but am concerned about how many kids will be around. Any one stay in the summer know how crowded it is? I am also considering Boulders (although they will be starting remodeling either in the summer or fall-they don't have start date yet), 4 Seasons (concered about reviews about bed quality) & Phoenician. Like southwest feel, so have ruled out Royal Palms because of mediterranean decor. Want nice room with great bathroom, patio, beautiful pools & spa. Please help me decide!!!

fairygemgirl

We've stayed at the Westin Kierland Villas (with access to the hotel stuff) for the last two years during July and the weekends are busier with families but not bad and the weekdays are not busy at all! My unsociable husband loves it despite the heat cuz he doesn't mind the heat and loves the lack of crowds. Never went to the spa so I can't help you there, but we spend all day at the pools, shopping or restaurants and we are still planning on going back cuz it is so relaxing and low pressure. Nice adult pool plus the kids pools, lazy river and wonderful poolside service, great Westin luxury beds, jet-spa bathroom - if you can take the heat, I'd vote for (and are going back to) the Westin Kierland Villas. JMHO!