My husband and I are booked in a deluxe casita at the Royal Palms Resort mid-June, but I just found an unbelievable AAA rate for a casita at the Camelback Inn. Which resort is more luxurious, and which has the best location? Thanks, everyone!

Traveler22....I have not stayed at Royal Palms.I have had mixed experiences at Camelback Inn.Not exactly the good the bad and the ugly.Camelback Inn is the original Marriott "resort".The two original buildings are still in tact, with the main lodge building housing the check in and restaurant facilities.The original accomodations building houses the administrative offices.So it is interesting to feel like you are stepping back, way back into a bit of hospitality history.The resort is spread out, several buildings all 2 story, very "southwest" architecure and motif.The "bad" as far as I am/was concerned:we just happened to be there on a weekend when they had a huge meeting.We may very weel have been the only non-conventioneers so to speak.We were asked to leave the pool area one afternoon about 4pm because there was to be an "event" and we were at the pool by the large mostly open air meeting area.So we went over to the other pool, not far away.I guess that whole time I felt like I was imposing on this group.Sunday we stayed at the hotel, hoping to have brunch about 10.30.No one had informed us that the dining room was closed, guess who, the meeting.So there we were starving and no reservations anywhere else.It woudlhave been nice if someone had said upon ouyr check in, BTW there is a huge meeting and you might experience some inconvenience.The golf: it is NOT on property,as advertised, but 15 minutes away.The rooms are very nice, not sure if we had a "casita".There were 4 rooms in our building, 2 up 2 down.We had up, with a huge balcony, more like a roof top terrace.The whole setting is very peaceful.The main restaurant, I think it was Chapparal or something like that, was great, tho I thought a tad overpriced.The Chateaubriand was exquisite,what little seafood we tried fresh out of the sea.Excellent service.I would , will go back but next time I will inquire if there is a large meeting.Oh, best cheesburgers and onion rings ever.Hope this helps.

I had breakfast at the Royal Palms a few years ago and I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I LOVE the hotel. It is very charming and would recommend it highly. Im not sure of the time frame, but I did hear that they are undergoing renovations, so I would inquire about that.
I have never stayed or been to Camelback but I have heard mixed things about this hotel.
If Royal Palms is undergoing renovations and you are hesitant about staying there, you should consider the Sanctuary.

Thanks for your help We just booked the Royal Palms!

You will be very glad you stayed at the Royal Palms. I think it is much better than Camelback. The attention to detail, the restuarant is to die for, and it is not so HUGE. The staff was helpful and courteous too.

I spent my 40th bday there 3 years ago and loved it!!