Sorry for the delay but here is some more info.
Dining - Crescent Moon and Talavera
As a part of the Preferred Partner amenities a $85 lunch credit is included which can be used at Crescent Moon, the resort's all day dining venue, or Saguaro Blossom, the pool-side restaurant.
We elected to dine at Crescent Moon featuring contemporary mexican fare with a southwestern touch. All the food, from the nachos, salsa and guacamole; salads; sopa de tortilla; flatbread; and my lobster enchilada were fantastic. Perfectly seasoned and executed it was a great meal outdoors on the terrace with a great view of the surroundings.
My one minor complaint is that service was not to Four Seasons standards -- the staff were reactive only when a request was made so we had to continually ask for refills of our lemonades, water, etc.
We were invited to dinner at Talavera which was a definite treat. Certain of the tables have fantastic views of the shimmering lights of the valley below and it is only then you realize the elevation difference between Old Town Scottsdale and the Four Seasons.
Here the menu is eclectic and is executed very well. House bread is poppyseed topped pan bread which comes in a small cast iron pan. Absolutely delicious, a little sweet and light and fluffy, with the contrast of the salty butter. We ate WAY too many of the bread!!
Our table shared the langoustine, beef and crab roulade, and beet salad to start. Two of us were still full from lunch so one had a tomato trio while the other nibbled on the sides (asparagus and the mashed potatoes) while I had the Maine lobster. The food was fantastic though on the rich side. We were stuffed after dinner so we had NO room for dessert.
As per all Four Seasons Hotels I have experienced the food quality is very high and I can highly recommend the restaurants here.
In room dining
We elected to eat on our terrace for breakfast in an effort to save some time so we could spend as much time in our plunge pool. In room dining was prompt as usual and the quality of the food again very high. Very solid breakfast fare and no complaints. All breakfast charges were removed from our final bill as a Preferred Partner benefit.
We also ordered two box lunches to go to eat on the drive back to Las Vegas. These featured a large sandwich or wrap, fruit or vegetable salad, chips, cookies, fresh fruit and a beverage. Perfect for the long and boring drive back to Las Vegas. These were waiting for us at the Bell Stand as we checked out.
The Spa and Fitness Center
The Spa and Fitness Center is located below the lobby and faces a grassy courtyard where the conference facilities are. The gym is very well equipped with the usual torture machines. Complimentary water and fruit are on offer and many of the machines have personal tv's and iPod hookups.
The Spa is a tranquil facility with a unique offering of treatments. The locker rooms are outfitted well with steam rooms, sauna's, shower, toilets, lockers and a relaxation area. The Spa has for sale basic products should you wish to purchase anything.
Of note, the Spa is running a promotion with AMEX -- book and pay for a 50 minute massage with an AMEX card and get a complimentary upgrade to an 80 minute massage. There may be day and time restrictions but I believe this is an ongoing offer here.
Final Thoughts
On the whole I was very impressed with this property. I think the property is perfect for a 3-4 night getaway but beyond that cabin fever may set in due to its remote location. The resort has a strong sense of place without being to Disney-esque and has great food and beverage on offer.
Service was good to very good on the whole but I felt it lacked the polish of other Four Seasons properties. Of course, this may also be due to the "uniqueness" of the Scottsdale area. Some may find the service a little detached, rough around the edges, and perhaps a little too reactionary instead of anticipatory.
However, this is a great property to unwind at and I look forward to returning, perhaps in slightly warmer weather.