I will be traveling to the Phoenix area in October and can't decide between the Phoenician hotel or the Scottsdale Princess. They both have gotten great reviews but does one stand out in terms of the rooms, pools, grounds, service, activities,etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Phoenician, no question.
Pools are much better and prettier, grounds are much nicer, location is better, food is better, rooms (standard ones) are nicer.
Drawbacks to the Phoenician are that it caters to a lot of conventions (more than Princess).
Some people complain it feels stuffy. I don't see that at all. I've stayed there many times since 1989 (and a couple at the Princess) and it's become more casual each year. But, to each his/her own.

The Phoenician is wonderful in every way. And I am picky at those prices. Not at all stuffy and we are pretty casual. Huge rooms. Breakfast on the patio. Flowers everywhere outside. Great spa which we used. Great dining. Great service. A few nice shops. We were on the Canyon pool, which had the mountain in the background, and we had it to ourselves at night. Great poolside service at that pool. The big main pool is fun, we hung out there also, has a water slide, water vollyball set up, dining area and drinks by the pool- also great service there. Service not overpowering, but they always showed up at the right time. We never left the place for 4 days (except my husband and son went to a baseball game once)- I had no desire to go outside the gates. Bring lots of credit cards and cash. I have travelled quite a bit at high end places for business, and this was one of the top 3 places in which I have ever stayed.
I don't know the Princess.

I would suggest looking into The Boulders, or the Four Seasons. Both are located a little further north than the Princess, but are both outstanding properties, plus they offer a more Southwest feel and experience.
These both offer everything you wanted, and so much more. However, out of the two you mentioned, the Phoenician is much better.
All things considered I would recommend the 4S or The Boulders.

Thank so much for your replies. I believe I will be going with the Phoenician. I had considered the Boulders and the Four Seasons but I think, for this particular vacation, my wife and I were looking for a larger resort atmosphere. Thanks again for your help.