My Mom, Sister, and I have booked our flts to Phoenix over President's Weekend. We are going on a Spa/Girls trip for 4 nts. We basically want to have a spa treatment daily, do some exercising and relaxing....we enjoy having cocktails at the hotel and going to dinner at night. We may do a little shopping, but that is not a must by any means. Two years ago we did the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota.

We now are looking at the Sanctuary on Camelback and Fairmont Princess. We can get a Deluxe Villa Room at the FP for $599/nt. At the Sanctuary, we can get a Mtn. Casita Suite (1000 sq ft) for $585/nt (goes up to $670 two of the nights). Or we can just get Mtn Casita for $450/nt.

Which place do you suggest and why? (or do you suggest another spa/resort??) I just can't decide. Also, do you suggest renting a car if staying at either of these accommodations?

Thanks for any help!!!
Jessica

Haven't stayed at either of these but just spent the weekend in Scottsdale and I think both would be stellar choices. We ate at both Elements and La Hacienda at the Princess. Yum. If you're into the old CA/Mex style of decor--La Hacienda. If the view is your main focus, then Elements at Sanctuary.

Hey Jessica, glad to hear you decided on Phoenix! Did you end up with decent air rates after all?

I think that Sanctuary has a more intimate feel than Fairmont Princess and is right up against Camelback Mtn. which offers great hiking. You can't really go wrong with either place.

I'm headed to AZ this weekend and hope to get spa services at Santuary so I'll let you know how it goes. The Princess no longer allows day trippers to their spa, you must be a guest of the hotel to use their services.

If you plan to plant yourself at the hotel a car might not be necessary. It just depends on if you want to make little trips like to Cave Creek, Taliesin West, Kierland Commons outdoor mall or the Scottsdale Fashion Mall (oh holy cow, its HUUUUUGE!)

The Princess has plenty of restaurants right at the hotel that are rated highly (but are expensive).

sanctuary hands down.

BTW, when you go to spafinder.com and look at the cover of the 2006 hardcopy edition the front cover is a shot of the pool at Sanctuary.