Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix [Master Thread]
Aug 26, 2004, 1:29 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2003
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There was an article in the Baltimore Sun a while back that compared several PHX properties including the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Westin Kierland, JW Marriott Desert Ridge and the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. Overall the Sheraton won hands down. The author referred to the hotel as "the surprise of the trip, like the Little Engine That Could." I kept a copy of the article because I was looking at a vacation in PHX next year. Suprise to hear that you however enjoyed it more than the Phoenican which a co-worker rated as great but a little stuffy and overpriced.
Aug 26, 2004, 2:44 pm
#17
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Originally Posted by FirstClsTrvlr
I have just returned from one of the best PHX stays ever. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass sits on a reservation at the far east end of Chandler. A less expensive option than the Phoenician or Kierland, the WHP was absolutely delightful. This is not a new hotel. . .
Aug 26, 2004, 4:13 pm
#18
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Originally Posted by FirstClsTrvlr
I have just returned from one of the best PHX stays This is not a new hotel, nor is it opulent.
Michael
Michael
Aug 26, 2004, 11:46 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Santa Cruz, CA USA
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Just back from a 4-night award stay at the Phoenician. I have to say it was the nicest vacation trip I've had in a very long time. I didn't find it stuffy at all - just a wonderful group of friendly employees doing everything they could to help and please.
Example - Went to the business center about 6:45 am to print boarding passes. It was closed (didn't officially open until 7:00 am). An employee saw me standing outside, walked over, asked if he could help, and then knocked on the door. He told the woman inside what I wanted and she immediately opened the door and told me to go ahead and use the computer. She said they didn't officially open until 7 but since she was there and everything was on, I was welcome to come in. After I printed the boarding passes, I asked her if she needed my room number. She said that since I was only printing boarding passes, there was no charge for that - on the house.
There were numerous other instances similar to that, if perhaps of a smaller nature, but I can't remember staying in a hotel where everyone was always happy to please and never made you feel uncomfortable for asking.
That is all in addition to the incredible location, beautiful expansive property, and fantastic rooms (no, as gold I didn't get upgraded to a suite but just to a semi-private casita.
I don't mean to sound like I am "gushing" but we were just so pleased that we will be going back for sure. Thank goodness for SPG.
Example - Went to the business center about 6:45 am to print boarding passes. It was closed (didn't officially open until 7:00 am). An employee saw me standing outside, walked over, asked if he could help, and then knocked on the door. He told the woman inside what I wanted and she immediately opened the door and told me to go ahead and use the computer. She said they didn't officially open until 7 but since she was there and everything was on, I was welcome to come in. After I printed the boarding passes, I asked her if she needed my room number. She said that since I was only printing boarding passes, there was no charge for that - on the house.
There were numerous other instances similar to that, if perhaps of a smaller nature, but I can't remember staying in a hotel where everyone was always happy to please and never made you feel uncomfortable for asking.
That is all in addition to the incredible location, beautiful expansive property, and fantastic rooms (no, as gold I didn't get upgraded to a suite but just to a semi-private casita.
I don't mean to sound like I am "gushing" but we were just so pleased that we will be going back for sure. Thank goodness for SPG.
Sep 7, 2004, 2:36 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 247
Wild Horse Pass - excellent stay!
I just returned from a 3 night stay at Wild Horse Pass and was blown away! The staff were superb! I was speaking at a convention and I had arrived not as well prepared as I should have been...scrambling for photocopies at 11pm the night before my presentation - and the front desk staff were wonderful! They copied everything I needed - no charge!
The staff attended to every need I had, including an impromptu set-up for a business meeting in the golf club restaurant. The service was excellent.
I took the advice of the bellman and booked a spa appointment - and again - very impressed with the signature "Blue Coyote Wrap" and massage. The facilities were very clean and the staff great.
I ordered room service twice - and was pleasantly surprised that BOTH times - after being told it would be at my door within 45 minutes - my food arrived piping hot in under 20 minutes!
If I had one suggestion - it was to upgrade their toiletries, as I believe the shampoo was Pantene or something like that - didn't use it.
Absolutely recommend a stay here - business or pleasure - I will be back!
The staff attended to every need I had, including an impromptu set-up for a business meeting in the golf club restaurant. The service was excellent.
I took the advice of the bellman and booked a spa appointment - and again - very impressed with the signature "Blue Coyote Wrap" and massage. The facilities were very clean and the staff great.
I ordered room service twice - and was pleasantly surprised that BOTH times - after being told it would be at my door within 45 minutes - my food arrived piping hot in under 20 minutes!
If I had one suggestion - it was to upgrade their toiletries, as I believe the shampoo was Pantene or something like that - didn't use it.
Absolutely recommend a stay here - business or pleasure - I will be back!
Sep 7, 2004, 4:07 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2004
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(If I had one suggestion - it was to upgrade their toiletries, as I believe the shampoo was Pantene or something like that - didn't use it.)
Pantene is an upgrade. Sheraton just converted to it recently. Not great, but IMHO the old shampoo smelled like wet cardboard. (Sorry for the off topic post
)
Pantene is an upgrade. Sheraton just converted to it recently. Not great, but IMHO the old shampoo smelled like wet cardboard. (Sorry for the off topic post
)
Last edited by skibum_nj; Sep 7, 2004 at 4:09 pm
Sep 9, 2004, 10:47 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA EXP, *wood Plat, all the others basic
Posts: 20
Just back from my second stay in last three months. Both times, the service was top notch, several staff remembered my name from my first stay. Also, at $119 a night, cheaper than much worse hotels in the city.
Only downsides are
1) the weather in PHX in the summer is pretty rough, and I think that is why the hotel is sparsely filled at this time of the year. (for some of you maybe thats a plus!!!
2) business center is only open 7:00 - 7:00 (which if you are in town on business all day becomes inaccessible)
3) traffic into town in the mornings is 30-45 minutes of traffic, unless you can travel in the HOV lane, which moves at 60 mph next to the stand still traffic.
Only downsides are
1) the weather in PHX in the summer is pretty rough, and I think that is why the hotel is sparsely filled at this time of the year. (for some of you maybe thats a plus!!!
2) business center is only open 7:00 - 7:00 (which if you are in town on business all day becomes inaccessible)
3) traffic into town in the mornings is 30-45 minutes of traffic, unless you can travel in the HOV lane, which moves at 60 mph next to the stand still traffic.
Sep 10, 2004, 12:23 am
#24
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,305
I stayed there too, over July 4th. Got upgraded to a nice suite.
My only complaint was that there was not enough lighting in the living room part of the suite, specifically, there needs to be a light over the large table.
Very nice hotel. Can't believe it's branded as a Sheraton.
-David
My only complaint was that there was not enough lighting in the living room part of the suite, specifically, there needs to be a light over the large table.
Very nice hotel. Can't believe it's branded as a Sheraton.
-David
Nov 21, 2004, 9:40 am
#25
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 284
We stayed last weekend at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass and were very pleased. Our room was not ready until 4:30 PM but were given 2500 Starpoints for the wait. Other than that the stay was perfect. It seems very remote when you're walking the nearby desert trails, yet you're only 5-10 minutes away from Chandler Blvd where there are all the restaurants, theaters etc.
We didn't get to eat at Kai but read in several different reviews that it was very good.
Golf at Whirlwind was about $85 for Sheraton guests which is significantly less than other courses. For golfers coming to the Phoenix area, I would suggest looking into a PGA Pass (Southwest). It can pay for itself releatively quickly. Also discounts can be found at golf602.com.
Wireless internet is free in the lobby but I couldn't get my laptop to work. No one else was having a problem though so I suspect it was Zonealarm/Norton/SP2 trying to protect me from myself. They also have high speed in the rooms for $10/day.
I loved the Sweet Sleeper ....a bit firmer than the Heavenly Bed and great for my back.
The Aji Spa was very nice and had private pools for clients. The fitness center was located here and was free with a treatment or $20/day without.
Valet parking is $18 overnight, self parking free. One self parking lot was off to the left of registration, the other accessed from the Aji spa entrance.
The staff was very pleasant and helpful.
We will definitely stay here again.
We didn't get to eat at Kai but read in several different reviews that it was very good.
Golf at Whirlwind was about $85 for Sheraton guests which is significantly less than other courses. For golfers coming to the Phoenix area, I would suggest looking into a PGA Pass (Southwest). It can pay for itself releatively quickly. Also discounts can be found at golf602.com.
Wireless internet is free in the lobby but I couldn't get my laptop to work. No one else was having a problem though so I suspect it was Zonealarm/Norton/SP2 trying to protect me from myself. They also have high speed in the rooms for $10/day.
I loved the Sweet Sleeper ....a bit firmer than the Heavenly Bed and great for my back.
The Aji Spa was very nice and had private pools for clients. The fitness center was located here and was free with a treatment or $20/day without.
Valet parking is $18 overnight, self parking free. One self parking lot was off to the left of registration, the other accessed from the Aji spa entrance.
The staff was very pleasant and helpful.
We will definitely stay here again.
Mar 18, 2005, 7:04 am
#26
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Sheraton Wild Horse Pass?
Any recent experiences with the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass? How does this property compare with the Westin Kierland and with some of the Hilton resort properties in the Phoenix area (such as Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak or Tapatio, or Hilton Scottsdale Resort)?
This would be for an extended weekend (3-4 day) stay in early December with Mrs. MileKing for her birthday. Niether of us are into golf or tennis, but she would like the spa. The equestrian center at Wild Horse sounds interesting; any one know costs of the trail rides there? Thanks for the help!
This would be for an extended weekend (3-4 day) stay in early December with Mrs. MileKing for her birthday. Niether of us are into golf or tennis, but she would like the spa. The equestrian center at Wild Horse sounds interesting; any one know costs of the trail rides there? Thanks for the help!
Mar 18, 2005, 7:39 am
#27
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I'll be able to tell you in about 10 days - I leave for 5/1 free nights/Cash&Points combination stay next Friday.
When I was researching, I found several very positive threads here on FT - much harder to find with the Google workaround, but they are out there.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349723
When I was researching, I found several very positive threads here on FT - much harder to find with the Google workaround, but they are out there.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349723
Mar 18, 2005, 8:03 am
#28
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Reno, NV (RNO)
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Posts: 4,707
Originally Posted by CPRich
I'll be able to tell you in about 10 days - I leave for 5/1 free nights/Cash&Points combination stay next Friday.
When I was researching, I found several very positive threads here on FT - much harder to find with the Google workaround, but they are out there.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349723
When I was researching, I found several very positive threads here on FT - much harder to find with the Google workaround, but they are out there.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349723
Mar 18, 2005, 8:20 am
#29
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: Platinum AA, Gold Skymiles, *wood Platinum
Posts: 342
I read the other reviews, and I'll add this...
I was extremely impressed by this property in July 2003. Stayed for 4 days because in 2003, the rate was $99/night in July. After this property, went to the Luxury Collection for $119, and wished I was back in Chandler.
It's on the Gila River in Chandler so the place is very lush, and has no water access problems.
The rooms are much more "Westin" than Sheraton, but the price is like a Westin too. Ate at the hotel, and found it delicious. Highly recommended.
It does have a bit of a "middle of nowhere" or at least the "outskirts" sort of placement, as opposed to a Scottsdale that has more local dining and other things to do other than the hotel.
Even though it was 104 outside in 2003, I found the golf to be very fun and the whole place was excellent. My wife enjoyed the Spa, and would even allow guests of those that attended the spa to hang out in the pool. So while the community pool was packed with children, Mrs. High_flyer and I were in the Spa's pool with one other couple (and it's VERY big). They even have a special replica indian hut next to the pool (it's like a non-finnish sauna).
I'd give it two thumbs up ^ ^
I did have a linen shirt on next to the pool, and sat back in a oak chair. When I got up, it had stains from the chairs on it. After mentioning it, they said they would buy the shirt (about $140) but first try to wash it out. They were very nice about the whole ordeal. Top notch management.
The Casino is less than to be desired, but the boat ride is a lot of fun. They were still doing a lot of construction at some spots in 2003, including adding a Starbucks, etc. But this is going to be an awesome facility in PHX.
Good luck
I was extremely impressed by this property in July 2003. Stayed for 4 days because in 2003, the rate was $99/night in July. After this property, went to the Luxury Collection for $119, and wished I was back in Chandler.
It's on the Gila River in Chandler so the place is very lush, and has no water access problems.
The rooms are much more "Westin" than Sheraton, but the price is like a Westin too. Ate at the hotel, and found it delicious. Highly recommended.
It does have a bit of a "middle of nowhere" or at least the "outskirts" sort of placement, as opposed to a Scottsdale that has more local dining and other things to do other than the hotel.
Even though it was 104 outside in 2003, I found the golf to be very fun and the whole place was excellent. My wife enjoyed the Spa, and would even allow guests of those that attended the spa to hang out in the pool. So while the community pool was packed with children, Mrs. High_flyer and I were in the Spa's pool with one other couple (and it's VERY big). They even have a special replica indian hut next to the pool (it's like a non-finnish sauna).
I'd give it two thumbs up ^ ^
I did have a linen shirt on next to the pool, and sat back in a oak chair. When I got up, it had stains from the chairs on it. After mentioning it, they said they would buy the shirt (about $140) but first try to wash it out. They were very nice about the whole ordeal. Top notch management.
The Casino is less than to be desired, but the boat ride is a lot of fun. They were still doing a lot of construction at some spots in 2003, including adding a Starbucks, etc. But this is going to be an awesome facility in PHX.
Good luck
Mar 18, 2005, 1:03 pm
#30
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 544
I stayed there about 3 weeks ago while on business and it appeared that they were doing some work on one of the pools. If you were planning on doing a bit of swimming, you may want to inquire on this.
As mentioned previously, the area isn't quite like Scottsdale where you would find many excellent restaurants is the nearby vicinity.
The hotel has a boat that can take you to the nearby Casino. It is only about a half a mile away. The casino is very basic and nothing to rave about. I've never used the spa but I've read that it is highly rated.
As a Platinum, I've only been upgraded one time out of about 5 stays. That one time I mentioned to the desk clerk that I often strike out at upgrades at the hotel and he asked if I was willing to move on my 2nd night there. I said I would and I was given a lovely suite facing the pool.
I've only stayed at the Westin Kierland one time but I thought this was a lovely hotel and I would rank it a bit above the Wild Horse. They have an excellent lounge for breakfast. I had a great view of the golf course and the pool area is excellent. I don't know anything about their spa but I believe they do have one. Within walking distance of the hotel is an outdoor shopping mall with several restaurants.
As mentioned previously, the area isn't quite like Scottsdale where you would find many excellent restaurants is the nearby vicinity.
The hotel has a boat that can take you to the nearby Casino. It is only about a half a mile away. The casino is very basic and nothing to rave about. I've never used the spa but I've read that it is highly rated.
As a Platinum, I've only been upgraded one time out of about 5 stays. That one time I mentioned to the desk clerk that I often strike out at upgrades at the hotel and he asked if I was willing to move on my 2nd night there. I said I would and I was given a lovely suite facing the pool.
I've only stayed at the Westin Kierland one time but I thought this was a lovely hotel and I would rank it a bit above the Wild Horse. They have an excellent lounge for breakfast. I had a great view of the golf course and the pool area is excellent. I don't know anything about their spa but I believe they do have one. Within walking distance of the hotel is an outdoor shopping mall with several restaurants.