Resort for Girls' trip to Scottsdale area next weekend?
 

Hi everyone. This will be a quick Friday noon to Sunday afternoon trip that was a birthday present for a friend. We're considering the Phoenician, the Montelucia, The Biltmore, the Boulders, Camelback Inn, and the Fairmont. Unfortunately, the Four Seasons is booked. So, we're looking for fewer children (as we speak, my friend is at Disney World with her family!), nice grounds, nice pool is a must, a possible spa treatment, perhaps a few hours shopping- but nothing too involved.

I was about set on the Phoenician, but was reading the Fodor's Arizona guide last night and it said that it was a bit stuffy. We enjoy nice things, but we're definitely not stuffy. By the way, she's 36 and I'm 48. Neither of us play golf. She plays tennis, but probably won't on this trip. Food is important, but I know from past experience that I get agitated if an expensive resort seems to nickel & dime you.

So, where would you choose?

Thanks for any guidance!

The Biltmore and then the Camelback Inn in that order.

It's not on your list, and it may be a little "over the top" but the pool at the Mondrian is gorgeous (the rooms are nice, the property itself is a little weird) and it's IN downtown Scottsdale.

Hofstra, I'm curious why you put the Biltmore at the top of the list. I'll be honest, out of the listed resorts, I'd have to say it's been at the bottom of mine due to some traveler photos I saw on trip advisor. I think the Camelback Inn is one of my top choices, though.

sf7307, The reason I didn't give the Mondrian much consideration is that it seems more like a hotel than
a resort. I'd like to be somewhere that if we chose not to leave the property for the whole weekend, we wouldn't be
bored. Also, the Mondrian, for whatever reason, struck me as more of a party hotel. That said, I'll take another look.

I pretty much have narrowed it to the Phoenician, Camelback Inn, and the Montelucia.

Any additional comments are appreciated!
Thanks,
H

The Royal Palms is the place; no ifs ands or butts! See for yourself. http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/RoyalPalms

I would go there for even 1 night, any night, any time of year. It is my favorite retreat. Spend 5 wonderous days and nights there Dec 2007.


Luxury, beautiful grounds, top notch service, a spa from heaven, excellent restaurants....

You're right, the Mondrian IS a party place, if you're there on a weekend. We were there on a weeknight, and it was quiet and lovely. It has a great restaurant (Asia de Cuba) and a club that I suppose is wonderful (but I'm not a club or party-scene person or age!). I would go there again just for the pool, but I agree, if I were looking for a resort, I'd go elsewhere, too. In fact, we WILL be there for just one night, so I'm going to take a peek at Debit's suggestion of the Royal Palms!

$80 at the AZ Biltmore all summer..we are going in July.

Love the Royal Palms, Princess, The Phoenician, Sanctuary..
Haven't been to Mondrian but I'm sure that is the place to party too..Montelucia is a new resort and where Obama stays when he is in PHX.
Great 5* deals everywhere for super cheap!!
Try Expedia.com

Have fun!

I would go to jwmarriott desert ridge resort!It was awesome...huge nice pool, etc!

Our family of four just came home from Scottsdale. We stayed at the Hilton Resort and Villas. We actually stayed in a villa which was less than renting 2 rooms. (Our boys are 21 and 25). It had 2 bedrooms with tv's in each room and one in the living area. There was a kitchen and 2 bathrooms. It is right across the street from a shopping area with a Trader Joes so we were able to have breakfast in the room. It is close to several malls. I would recommend it highly.

Debit and ksucat - I thought the Royal Palms was more of a couples place. As a matter of fact, I saw very few rooms with two beds listed - I think perhaps just a suite. Besides, if we wanted to stay on site, they have just one bar and one restaurant.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to three: Phoenician, Cambelback Inn, or the Montelucia. Any comparisons between these?

Thanks again to everyone who responded.
H

Love Royal Palms and I would say it has the fewest of children..
Phoenician stayed many times and its pricey and guess it could come off as stuffy but we have never felt that..lots of kids.
Never stayed at Camelback Inn or the new Montelucia but if its good enough for Obama and I see Expedia had it for $129 a night..
Biltmore is stunning and considered a 4.5-5* hotel..
I am not a big fan of Trip Advisor..for me, it has never been reliable.
Sanctuary on Camelback beats all of them if you are looking for the ultimate in spa and 5* treatment..
It's where Jen Aniston and the celeb's go because its so secluded and a good place to get away..deals were around $150
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass is another option..

www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

You should consider the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. It is family friemdly but also offers peace and quiet for adults! Their spa is very large with it's own private pool and cabanas. The also have their own restaurant at the spa. You have to be 18 to use the spa. They have 3 other pools and some great restaurants. A great steakhouse, italian restaurant and a Roy's hawaiian fusion restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating by a fire pit. They usally have a small band playing music at night on the pation. Very mellow.

We love this place. The service is excellent and the views are awesome.

Thanks again everyone for your responses. We've chosen the Phoenician for this trip. I'm hoping it will be the right choice.

I'll post back and let everyone know how we liked it.

Thanks again,
H