We have read plenty of threads, but we are more confused than ever. We (2 adults, no children) are looking for a great resort for fun and relaxation (swimming, hiking, dining) in late September.
Which is best? Four Seasons, Fairmont Princess, Phoenician, Wild Horse Pass?
We don't want any place stuffy or pretentious, but we do like to experience luxurious surroundings.
Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts!

All similar. The Wild Horse Pass is out in the middle of nowhere on Native American land. You will have to drive a distance for anything.

The Four Seasons is very close to the Biltmore Shopping Center. It is very upscale shopping center. If your tastes run near to Britney Spears she always does the Four Seasons when in town.

The Phoenician is upscale and has the reputation. Probably a little more pretentious than the others.

If it were me, I would flip a coin between the Fairmont Princess and the Phoenician. Otherwise, I'd pick the Phoenician.

The Four Seasons is easily a 45 minute drive from the Biltmore area (during the day). Not exactly what I'd call close by.
The Four Seasons' biggest drawbacks are its remote location and ugly landscaping (my opinion). The rooms there are the best of the 4 places mentioned.
For some reason people here stick this 'stuffy' label on the Phoenician and I just don't get it. The place has been run by Starwood for several years now. It's not the high end hotel it was when it was built. It's still my favorite overall resort in the metro area, but I can't see why people label it stuffy unless they've a) not been there in years or b) only stay at Fairfield Inns otherwise.
The Ritz Carlton is across from the Biltmore, but is not a resort. Very bland pool, very small (miniscule) grounds.
The Princess is a very good 4 star quality hotel (on a scale of 5) in my book. Rooms are good, not great (of the 3 different categories I've sampled).

the four seasons is well located for hiking; as it is out in the desert (landscaping IMO is quite nice and desert-appropriate). There is the pinnacle peak trail right next to the grounds. The Phoenician is next to the Camelback mtn. trail so that is good hing also. You might want to consider the Scottsdale Hyatt as that has a very lively fun atmosphere and great pools.

Can only offer opinions on the Four Seasons and the Princess and they are both great hotels. The rooms are probably slightly better at the FS, but the pools are really disappointingly small. You get really personal service at the FS, they insist on knowing your name and using it whenever possible, this is amazing at first but can get irritating after a while.

The Princess is enormous so has several large pools and a really wonderful spa with a roof top pool.

The FS feels more luxurious but IMO the Princess is more relaxing and much closer to Scottsdale's restaurants and shops.

It's a pretty confusing choice because there are so many great hotels in the area, but the next time we're in Scottsdale we will probably stay at the Princess in a Casita room.

Several years ago our daughter was married at the Biltmore. We were all from all over the country and most of the guests were pretty sophisticated travelers and they loved the service and the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture. We had a villa around a lovely pool we shared with just a few other villas. The restaurant, Wrights was great. To sum up,classic elegance!

During the tours around the valley, our houseguests from all over, always pick Arizona Biltmore and Camelback Inn as the ones that appeal to them representing Arizona atmosphere. They do not stay there, so I don't know about the rooms, but just from driving them around the grounds, walking inside the lobbies, restaurants, bars, by the pools and casual areas. Both are in wonderful locations for getting around the valley and very near hiking.

Defintely the Phoenician. We stayed there in June and it was fabulous. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. The rooms are great, the food is divine and I just can't say enough nice things. We still talk about our trip and how much we loved this hotel.

Lynda

I have to chime in here.

I had the same trouble picking a place last year when my husband and I decided to go to AZ for the first time. I considered most of the same places you are considering.

I chose the FS. Partly from personal suggestions from friends, and partly from knowing FS reputation. I had read the reviews telling me that the rooms and landscape were bland, pools are to small, etc...
It was nothing like that. My husband were impressed not only with the service, but also with our surroundings. The landscaping is gorgeous if you enjoy the dessert. Shopping isn't close by... but must it be for a getaway? You have to determin that. I loved being out there with a view of the valley.

We did take a drive to the other properties. The Biltmore was the prettiest IMO... the others felt like hotels and not resorts. We saw many children running around the others while we found the FS to be a little more childfree.

Which ever you pick you will have a great time. Scottsdale is wonderful. My husband and I are going back to the FS this month actually... I can't wait.

Thanks for all of your responses.
In addition, has anyone been to Boulders lately?
Thoughts? Feedback?
Thanks again!

I'll chime in on the Arizona Biltmore. It is one of the nicest resorts I've ever stayed at and the service was perfect.

Oops. I got the Four Seasons confused with the Ritz Carlton. Yikes.

When we were in Scottsdale in April, my husband and I stayed at the Royal Palms Hotel. It is right down the street from the Phoenician. I don't know anything about the Phoenician because I did not stay there. I only went there for a drink, but I would say that the Phoenician is way too big for me. The Royal Palms was much cozier. It is not a bunch of large buildings. It is small casitas and other small buildings spread out over the property. The atmosphere is very southwestern with beautiful flowers, archways and fireplaces spread out all over the property. It is absolutely gorgeous and not pretentious at all. They also have a nice spa there. The restaurant there is one of the top rated in Zagats. The food is delicious. You should check the place out.