FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Favorite Property in Scottsdale / Phoenix
Old Jan 9, 2017, 11:58 am
  #3  
dcchi
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chicago (ORD)
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UA Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 566
As noted, the nice hotel/resorts won't have concierge lounges for elites (given that they are exempted because they are resorts).

As might be expected, the nicest would be the most expensive, specifically the two JW Marriotts. The Desert Ridge is a very large property with lots of fun for kids, including multiple different pools and a lazy river. The Camelback is a smaller property with a recently renovated main pool (large but smaller in size than the Desert Ridge). Camelback is more of a throwback/quite feel, whereas Desert Ridge is a large but very nice property.

A significantly cheaper choice is the Buttes. The room was very tired/dated when we were there a few years ago, but the property could be nice as well, if the pool area is the main focus (I also recall our breakfast buffet, which is offered free to me as a Plat, was beyond excellent).

You may also want to consider Tucson, where there is a JW (Starr Pass) that is similar (though not as big as) to Desert Ridge (two-leveled main pool with lazy river as well), and generally significantly less expensive. Going upscale, there is a Ritz Dove Mountain, which is an extremely nice hotel with a medium size pool and medium/long pool slide. Tucson is only really a 1.5 hour drive from PHX.
dcchi is offline