West - Good resorts in Phoenix /Scottsdale

I have asked the question in the appropriate forum, but given that there is far more traffic here (and as PHX is directly served by BA) I thought that there may be some good advice to be had......

My wife and I are off to Phoenix/Scottsdale area for 4-5 days in late September prior to spending a few days in Vegas. All in BA F of course, courtesy of an Amex 241. We plan to play quite a bit of golf, so any suggestions of a nice (minimum 4 star) spa/resort, preferably with golf on site (although this is not an absolute must) would be much appreciated. We're pretty flexible on price, I realise that I'm probably looking at minimum $300/night.

A couple of ones I've seen are the JW Marriott Camelback Inn and the Hyatt Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch. If anyone has any other suggestions or recommendations though, they'd be most appreciated.

Many thanks.

I stayed at the Camelback Inn for 7 nights last April and was pretty impressed. Though as you mention Golf as a criteria, it's worth noting that the Camelback golf courses are a 3-4 mile, 10 minute drive away from the resort.

This year I stayed at the Boulders resort which would be my recommendation. Two excellent courses on site, excellent accommodation and service. Food was good both for the high end stuff (Latilla) and more casual dining (The Spotted Donkey)

Final recommendation - Golfnow.com is a great site for short notice tee times at excellent prices. Last year I played the TPC Scottsdale for $110 through this site...

I'd second the Camelback as a fantastic place with great resteraunts and food, still i think MrsSO favorite hotel, but as mentioned no onsite golf course

Check out the Four Seasons Troon North. Beautiful resort but what really sets it apart is the service. Plenty of golf on-site and nearby. Rates should be near $300 for that time of year depending on what sort of room you go for.

I would also recommend The Boulders. It is a 20 minute drive north of the 101 but you will feel you are 100 miles from the city. The desert environment is simply magnificent. The two courses are superb, The South is the more scenic, The North probably a bit more difficult. Either way they are both outstanding, in terms of beauty and as golf courses. The hotel is now a Waldorf Astoria and has been renovated recently.

The Carefree Highway, which is practically opposite the hotel, is the road to Las Vegas (albeit 300 miles away).

The Boulders also has the benefit of being near the western town of Cave Creek and Carefree, both beautiful towns, the kind of place you would want to retire to. Go see the live bull riding Wed/Fri evening at the Buffalo Chip saloon in Cave Creek!!

Another option would be the Four Seasons, which is in the Troon area. The hotel is set into the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, and has golf privileges at nearby Troon North Golf Club. This has 36 holes of golf, the Monument and the Pinnacle. Both again are outstanding, the views from the back nine on the Monument course are stunning.

I have holidayed in this area many times, and also visited purely for golf. If you're looking for any info please feel free to PM me.

If you're feeling fit, take the hike up camelback - it's great excersise and the view from the top is fantastic.
Go early though with lots of water as it gets hot & you do need to be fairly fit.

Last year we stayed at the Sheraton Desert Oasis in Scottsdale which is right next to the PGA course, the Sheraton resort was fantastic.

We've stayed at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch (http://scottsdale.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null) which was a lovely hotel and has great golf .

The Scottsdale area is just beautiful.

Highly recommend the Canyon Suites at the Phoenician:

http://www.thecanyonsuitesatthephoenician.com/pages/

It's a separate part of an already excellent hotel, and rather exclusive.

http://thelobby.com/Canyon%20Suites%20Porte%20Cochere.jpg

Private chauffeur driven two minute drive to the main resort, wine tastings every evening, that sort of thing.

If you're in the area, do not miss Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West evening/nighttime tour:

http://phoenix.about.com/od/attractionsandevents/ss/taliesinwest.htm

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Plenty of options to go away and have a look at.

Check out the Royal Palms. Good enough for US President's.

http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/

The Carefree Highway, which is practically opposite the hotel, is the road to Las Vegas (albeit 300 miles away).



Note, the Carefree Highway, or AZ 74, does not go to Las Vegas. It connects with US 93 near Wickenburg. US 93 does then connect with the I-40 (it is a part of the I-40), then branches off to Vegas on the other side of Kingman.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carefree_Highway



But to the OP, off the top of my head, I can think of dozens of resorts that would fit your criteria. Do you have any other interests, or is there anything else you want to do while in town? Do you want to do a daytrip to Tucson, Sedona, see anything in particular? Do you want to burn/earn points with any chains for your stay?

At first blush, I'd say the Arizona Biltmore or The Phoenician would be my properties of choice. But then the San Marcos in Chandler is one that often gets overlooked. The Arizona Grand Resort (near I-10/Baseline) may also work for you. If you want to be on the west side of town, perhaps the Wigwam Resort would work. If you want to be on the Tucson side of town, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass may be a good choice. These are all resorts, probably in your budget, with golf courses. Extremely tough to pinpoint with such a broad question.

Actually, a co-worker found a room at the San Marcos in March (peak season) for $100/night.^

Then, you could always add in Tucson to the mix if you want.

Note, the Carefree Highway, or AZ 74, does not go to Las Vegas. It connects with US 93 just above Wickenburg. US 93 does then connect with the I-40 (it is a part of the I-40), then branches off to Vegas on the other side of Kingman.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carefree_Highway


Well if we're going to correct, AZ 74 terminates at US 60 BELOW Wickenburg. One then takes US 60 through Wickenburg to US 93 to get to Vegas. But what's a few wrong directions among friends?

Back on topic, I agree with everyone who suggested The Boulders. My Dad has been staying there for going on 20 years and he's never had a complaint about it. I also have always been impressed by it.

Thanks aztimm and CMK10 for the suggestions. We're really planning on just spending a few days golfing and relaxing, so not really that bothered about going to Tuscon or other daytrips. We don't have any hotel loyalties either, so our choice is open.

I would assume that we will definitely need a car as I believe everywhere, particularly the golf courses are quite spread out. Would we be able to walk to dinner from any resorts, or are they too far? We'd probably like to stay somewhere that's not too far a drive to nice restauarants as we'll not eat in the hotel every night.

Some of the resorts do golf packages, which are probably decent value, however I feel this is slighlty restrictive as I'd rather play a variety of courses so we'll probably just arrange our own tee times. There's no shortage of good courses for a few days. Still undecided on whether we'll drive to Las Vegas or just fly.

Still undecided on whether we'll drive to Las Vegas or just fly.Why would you drive and harsh your mellow?

\QUOTE But then the San Marcos in Chandler is one that often gets overlooked.
Actually, a co-worker found a room at the San Marcos in March (peak season) for $100/night.^

Then, you could always add in Tucson to the mix if you want.[/QUOTE]

Not sure if the San Carlos will be available, it filed for bankruptcy recently. Either way, I'd be careful trying to book something there.

Why would you drive and harsh your mellow?

Very true, although it can be a pain travelling with golf clubs, given that Southwest are currently doing fares for $40 to LAS.......

Very true, although it can be a pain travelling with golf clubs, given that Southwest are currently doing fares for $40 to LAS.......

2 free checked bags per person on SWA...priceless.

I for one enjoy the drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas. You get to see some amazing desert scenery and can now avoid the Hoover Dam. Plus you get that feeling when you crest I-215 and see the Strip below you! :D

You might also want to consider the Phoenician. Nice resort and 27 holes of golf. (http://www.thephoenician.com/). Another one is the Westin Kierland Resort (http://www.kierlandresort.com/).

A couple of notes.

Camelback Golf consists of two 18-hole courses (NORMALLY). The Indian Bend (aka resort) course is rather mundane and not my cup of tea. I'm not a good golfer but have played fairly often since living out here and wouldn't go out of my way to play this course (I just played it last weekend). The Padre course is very nice but it is closed until October 1. They have had some issues with the grass for the last year+ and are redoing it (been closed since June 1). The employees are very nice at the courses.

The Hyatt Resort is just around the corner from me (maybe 2 miles). It is a nice resort. The golf course (Gainey) consists of 27 holes and is private. Only members and hotel guests can use it, except for an occasional tournament/function. I've only played it once and it was nice.

If you have a car and the time (an hour or so drive) a course to explore is Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Golf Course. Some spectacular views and a difficult course.

Have fun.

Thanks richinaz.

Our inclination at the moment is to stay at the Hyatt (maybe go for the regency club as a treat). Ideally we would have a couple of days on their golf package (if that prices up at a realistic level) and leave us a couple of days to play elsewhere.

If you have a car and the time (an hour or so drive) a course to explore is Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Golf Course. Some spectacular views and a difficult course.
.

While I can't speak for the golfing, I will say that the views in this area are outstanding! I did the Lost Dutchman marathon this year, and it snaked through Gold Canyon, and we were along the golf course for a good chunk.


You may want to consider that in late September, the temperature could still be a little warm here in the Phoenix area, certainly 100+ for daytime highs. The heat typically breaks in mid to late October. So you'd want a 7am tee time, or as early as you could get. Quite a difference from GLA, if that is what you're used to.

Another thing to consider is that courses will close to do their winter grass. They should schedule this well in advance, and this usually happens late Sep to mid Oct. On bigger courses they may do it in sections, but I know some completely close for 2-3 weeks. So you'll want to make sure the courses you want are open, especially if you're planning a stay at a property around them.

leave us a couple of days to play elsewhere.

one of favs in the Valley:

http://www.ocotillogolf.com/

The Hyatt is a good choice. Small rooms but great grounds, excellent location, good service, pretty private course.

Another option for golf in the desert is We Ko Pa at the Fort McDowell reservation.

http://www.wekopa.com

I spend a lot of time for work at the Fairmont Scottsdale, I love that resort! Great Michael Mina restaurant on property too. Also, don't miss Pizza Bianco!

After all the good advice, we've booked the Four Seasons Troon North after finding a pretty good deal. Booked most of the golf too, but any restaurant suggestions would be much appreciated. We'll eat at the hotel a couple of times at least, but as we're there for 6 nights we'll check out some other restaurants too.

After all the good advice, we've booked the Four Seasons Troon North after finding a pretty good deal.

Care to share the specifics/source?

It was the 'Experience More' package from their website. We're staying for 6 nights so that gives us $300 credit against drinks and meals etc. The rate was about $320/night, so not dirt cheap but we're prepared to pay for somewhere special and it looks like this place is.

After all the good advice, we've booked the Four Seasons Troon North after finding a pretty good deal. Booked most of the golf too, but any restaurant suggestions would be much appreciated. We'll eat at the hotel a couple of times at least, but as we're there for 6 nights we'll check out some other restaurants too.

For restaurants I like:

- Roaring Fork just north of Downtown Scottsdale : http://www.eddiev.com/

- Mastros Steakhouse which is a little closer to where you're staying : http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/

- Mastros Ocean Club which is by Kierland, in North Scottsdale.

If you have a chance to try Roaring Fork and like it, the man responsible for most of their menu, Robert McGrath, has his own restaurant now, Renegade Canteen. Also Cowboy Ciao is something special even just for dessert and the original chopped salad.

Before you head out to any restaurant, I'd first check the Maricopa County Health Inspection Review (http://www.maricopa.gov/EnvSvc/envwebapp/business_search.aspx?as_page_title=Food%20Establis hments%20Search&as_type=Food) for it.

Robert McGrath also hosts Check Please Arizona (http://www.azpbs.org/checkplease/), on our local PBS station. They have an archive on that website of area restaurants they've reviewed.

Horris, if you book the Four Seasons through a Preferred Provider or a Virtuoso travel agent you'll get the same rate and credit, PLUS free breakfast, one free lunch up to ($85) and a room upgrade. I know because I'm going at the end of August. There's a lot of discussion of these deals in the Luxury Hotel Forum here on FT, but I thought I'd mention it here just in case you didn't know about it.

There are a few of these agents on the board. You could book through DavidO (a flyertalker at http://www.metaphortravel.com/) whatahotel.com or Topher travel (a flyertalker) based in Arizona he has a list of Arizona resort deals and Preferred Provider/Virtuoso inclusion at http://www.tophertravel.com/azsummer.html#phx

What's great about these deals is that you pay the same rate but get lots more! Breakfast can add up quickly at a Four Seasons. I'm going at the end of August and looking forward to it.

Horris, if you book the Four Seasons through a Preferred Provider or a Virtuoso travel agent you'll get the same rate and credit, PLUS free breakfast, one free lunch up to ($85) and a room upgrade. I know because I'm going at the end of August. There's a lot of discussion of these deals in the Luxury Hotel Forum here on FT, but I thought I'd mention it here just in case you didn't know about it.

There are a few of these agents on the board. You could book through DavidO (a flyertalker at http://www.metaphortravel.com/) whatahotel.com or Topher travel (a flyertalker) based in Arizona he has a list of Arizona resort deals and Preferred Provider/Virtuoso inclusion at http://www.tophertravel.com/azsummer.html#phx

What's great about these deals is that you pay the same rate but get lots more! Breakfast can add up quickly at a Four Seasons. I'm going at the end of August and looking forward to it.

Thanks Anthro, I've contacted the above to see if they can provide a better deal if I go through them. I may have missed the boat on this one as the package is now $50/night more expensive on the FS website than the rate I reserved at, but we'll see.

Hope it works out.

If you have a chance to try Roaring Fork and like it, the man responsible for most of their menu, Robert McGrath, has his own restaurant now, Renegade Canteen. Also Cowboy Ciao is something special even just for dessert and the original chopped salad.

Based on another recommendation, I hosted a dinner for 4 work associates at Renegade Canteen this week, and it was excellent. I was dreading the dinner, 4 completely different personalities with widely varied food and beverage preferences...but everyone loved it, and was easily content with menu
selections.

far more reasonable than the usual "biz dinner" restaurant, with superior food.

A couple caveats - the menu changes, so if you check the web site, the menu's won't match (one guy had done so, and was originally disappointed when the item he planned to order was not available). I wanted the Weds nite special (short ribs) but they were sold out at 7pm - evidently a popular item!

The only slight hesitation I would have about this restaurant was the service - although professional, I would not call it particularly attentive, friendly, or accommodating.