Boulders and Fairmont Princess Resorts
Aug 1st, 2003, 05:57 PM
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Boulders and Fairmont Princess Resorts
I am scheduled to spend 3 nites at the Boulders and 3 nites at the Princess at the end of August. I know my activities will be restricted by the heat but the time worked into my schedule and the prices I got were very attractive. Now I am getting nervous about just how much impact the heat will have on my vacation. Would also love some feedback on both these hotels. I picked them from the internet but would love to hear some personal experiences. I'm thinking I will probably spend most of my time right at the resorts so I want the most upscale hotels available. I can still make a change if there are better choices. Also looking for ideas of things to do that won't involve too much walking or sun exposure. Just how bad is the heat the end of August?
Aug 1st, 2003, 09:36 PM
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My opinions:
The Boulders was Arizona's premiere resort >10 years ago. Though it's still a very nice place, it needs some TLC at this point. The setting is still the same, of course, very unique and striking, lots of wildlife around. But the rooms are getting a bit tired. Still nice enough, just not quite as nice as they used to be. It's a great getaway destination. Wyndham took it over a couple years ago and prices have dropped significantly since then.
The Princess has many different categories of rooms, and some are very nice, while others are a lot like studio apartment rooms. Location is a little better than the Boulders since it's closer to restaurants and shops in Scottsdale. The Princess setting isn't as pretty as the Boulders', but overall it's a better resort IMO.
The rooms at the Phoenician are nicer than those at the Princess. The Ritz Carlton and Biltmore are also good options with low summer rates, and they're well located right by the Biltmore shopping/restaurant complex.
As for the heat, you have to keep in mind that millions of people live in Phoenix, summer as well as winter. Yes, it can be like an oven at 1 PM during August, but that need not affect your trip much. Don't plan outside activities for 11-4 other than walking to and from car and buildings etc. Evenings and mornings are still very nice as long as the humidity's low.
The Boulders was Arizona's premiere resort >10 years ago. Though it's still a very nice place, it needs some TLC at this point. The setting is still the same, of course, very unique and striking, lots of wildlife around. But the rooms are getting a bit tired. Still nice enough, just not quite as nice as they used to be. It's a great getaway destination. Wyndham took it over a couple years ago and prices have dropped significantly since then.
The Princess has many different categories of rooms, and some are very nice, while others are a lot like studio apartment rooms. Location is a little better than the Boulders since it's closer to restaurants and shops in Scottsdale. The Princess setting isn't as pretty as the Boulders', but overall it's a better resort IMO.
The rooms at the Phoenician are nicer than those at the Princess. The Ritz Carlton and Biltmore are also good options with low summer rates, and they're well located right by the Biltmore shopping/restaurant complex.
As for the heat, you have to keep in mind that millions of people live in Phoenix, summer as well as winter. Yes, it can be like an oven at 1 PM during August, but that need not affect your trip much. Don't plan outside activities for 11-4 other than walking to and from car and buildings etc. Evenings and mornings are still very nice as long as the humidity's low.
Aug 1st, 2003, 10:58 PM
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You've made two good choices. The heat is unbelievable in the summer, but you can get up very early (like 7 a.m. and spend a couple of hours at the pool); then in the afternoon, get a massage, take a nap; then go out for dinner in the evening. Can't think of any activities that don't involve being out in the sun and heat, except shopping or going to the movies.
Aug 2nd, 2003, 11:00 AM
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I spent four days at the Princess last August. The accomodations were excellent. Many supurb amenities such as spa, pool ("dive-in movies" shown poolside each night), tennis (early morning) and even fishing. Beautiful grounds and decent location. You will NOT be disappointed!
Aug 2nd, 2003, 12:34 PM
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I agree with Jeangail about the Boulders. I stayed there for several nights in 2002 and although the location is stunning, the rooms were showing their age. I thought the food was pretty mediocre and expensive. They had just opened a new Golden Door spa which is quite lovely to look at. The personnel needed some work, though!
I haven't been to the Fairmont or the Four Seasons or the Biltmore, and if I were to go back to Phoenix, I would probably try the relatively new Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. Look at their website - it sounds totally hedonistic and with good rates in the summer. I especially like that it is small, unlike the large scale resorts in the area.
About the heat - I was at Miraval in Tucson in June and it WAS hot, but only in the middle of the day.
I haven't been to the Fairmont or the Four Seasons or the Biltmore, and if I were to go back to Phoenix, I would probably try the relatively new Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. Look at their website - it sounds totally hedonistic and with good rates in the summer. I especially like that it is small, unlike the large scale resorts in the area.
About the heat - I was at Miraval in Tucson in June and it WAS hot, but only in the middle of the day.
