stircrazy

Hi, all,

We are a group of 4, half of whom want to golf, half of whom want to lounge around in the spa and at the pool. We are heading to Phoenix for 4 days, so our time is somewhat limited, and we want to find a place to stay that covers all of our interests.

Our goal is to find a hotel with a spa that is at least somewhat close to (or better yet, connected to) any one of the following golf courses: Troon North, Painted Mountain, or Camelback.

Any advice?

Many thanks.
Julie

jkgourmet

The Boulders, which has a Red Door Spa. That would be my #1 choice. Also consider The Princess and Westin Kierland (though check the golf courses with that one).

Camelback GF is farther south than the others, I believe, and may not be affiliated with those resorts up north. I believe it is connected with The Camelback Inn, which is an older property than the others I mentioned, but recently renovated.

Jeren

We feel the need to give you a "second opinion" in response to the post of jkgourmet concerning The Boulders. We recently stayed there (in September of 2004), and had terrible experiences with the Spa (as well as with the resort in its entirety). The staff was surprisingly rude, and even a simple manicure was the worst which I had ever received. Moreover, the pools are the smallest and the least inviting of any pools which we had ever seen at a so-called 5 diamond resort. (You should also ask to see if construction is still being done on the property. When we were there, construction was on-going, and one of the 3 small pools available to us was closed. In fact, staff-members at the Spa advised us that if we wanted chairs by the pool during the day, we should "stake a claim at dawn," by leaving personal items on chairs, or else we would likely not get seating!)

If we were you, we would find another resort in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. We have heard consistently wonderful things about the Four Seasons at Troon North, so we would probably select that location.

Good luck!

jkgourmet

I absolutely admit, I had forgotten the Four Seasons! What a terrific suggestion. I agree, that is well worth considering. I do think you experience at the Boulders is rare, but I also thought the construction was completed. If that construction is still going on, I'd pass on the Boulders.

Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

desertduds

I would suggest Arizona Biltmore, gorgeous, wonderful restaurants, both casual and elegant, two golf courses and it's located in an area of loads of things to do........or, Camelback Inn, also gorgeous, beautifully situated, golf course, pools, of course. When we take visitors around to see the different resorts, they unanimously pick Camelback Inn as being what they had thought would be the most typical of Arizona.

sonnygen

I'm looking for the same vacation as well, over new year's weekend. Hotels that we are considering: Biltmore, Pointe South Mtn Resort, Wigwam Resort. These seem to be the best priced out of the better rated hotels. Any suggestions between these three, or any others that aren't more than 300/night? Also, I understand there's a casino in Scottsdale(Casino Arizona)..is it any good? is it near these hotels?

Thanks!

GoTravel

The Arizona Biltmore!

You will not find a more fabulous property (Frank Lloyd Wright designed by one of his students) or pool.

Stunning backdrop.

Biggest downfall? Pricey but I think well worth the price.