Hi,

I'm looking for suggestions for a great (breathtaking, beautiful, relaxing, original,memorable, etc.) resort in Scottsdale. My budget is somewhat flexible--I'm most interested in getting the most bang for my buck. I have salivated over the pictures of the Four Seasons in Scottsdale and have considered forking over that much if the general opinion is that it is worth it, but I would also like to know if there is something fairly comparable, but less expensive. We are traveling at the end of December 2007.

Thanks!

Frequent traveller to Scottsdale. My favorite high-end properties are the Royal Palms and the Phonecian. Camelback Inn is good if you have children.

I'm partial to the Biltmore (in Phoenix). It is a classic. Good location; nice shops; great Cosmo in the bar. They keep the grounds VERY nice. Give it a thought.

I really enjoyed staying at the Camelback Inn. Don't know how it stacks up to the really high-end properties (Four Seasons, Biltmore, Phoenician), but it was plenty nice for a sisters' getaway in October last year -- sublime weather certainly helps, as well. It's a large rambling property, exquisitely landscaped in a manner appropriate to the environment, with really cool casitas and private patios.

There are some nice Marriotts in that area. Try their website at www.marriott.com

The Hilton is very nice. On my top 5 list of comfy beds. Plus, I got to meet Hugh Downs in the lobby!

We had a really memorable stay @ the Fairmont Princess this past April. Beautiful scenery - wonderful dining - and the staff was fantastic - can't say enough good things.

Have a wonderful trip!

There are a lot of really nice resorts in Scottsdale -- the Hyatt Gainey Ranch is beautiful. We also had a very nice stay (but this was years ago) at the Renaissance at the Borgata (before it was a Marriott/Renaissance; I think it was Stouffer's back then).

I love the Princess. I've stayed at many of the resorts for conferences: camelback, biltmore, hyatt, phoenician, princess - all similar in terms of luxury, amenities, gorgeous grounds etc. While all offer the best, the princess is all about 5 star luxury and amenities but they manage to do it with more of an easy going vibe. Like casual elegance and luxury. Its really amazing how they do that. Some of the wonderful casitas are remote and quite a hike to the main bdlg (w/golf carts) if you're looking for privacy. Most recently i was upgraded to a king suite in the main building overlooking the main pool, elegant and classy but not at all stuffy. But really, you can't go wrong with any of them. Have fun! I can't wait to return!

Just a note - the Camelback Inn is undergoing major renovations through March 1, 2008 (see the Marriott website) so while it's a great property, the construction might not suit you this time around.

Stayed at the Princess, Biltmore, Phoenician and the Royal Palms..all are such great hotels and depends on who has the best deal on Expedia or direct..
The Biltmore is so stately and love that I am in a Frank Lloyd Wright design..
Phoenician is redoing their villas and should be done by December.
I got a great rate at the Fairmont this year and they upgraded me to a lovely suite overlooking the golf course and main building.
I hear that the FS is wonderful!