The Phoenician, Scottsdale/Phoenix [Master Thread]
Oct 22, 2012, 4:34 pm
#121
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA 2MM - UA 1P / Hyatt Diamond - SPG Plat / Hertz 5* - Avis 1st
Posts: 3,886
However, the Phoenician does a good bit of local business at the course and their restaurants, so perhaps the rooms are empty.
Oct 22, 2012, 11:39 pm
#122
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 115
I plan to bike over and see if the place is a ghost town today, in light of Apple canceling their event after booking the entire hotel.
http://www.cringely.com/2012/10/19/w...mpeting-event/
"Apple booked the entire hotel (600+ rooms) for Sunday through Wednesday. Their setup people were on site Tuesday. Late Wednesday, as setup was nearing completion, Apple told the resort that they “wanted all of their managers to be on site in their stores next Tuesday for the upcoming tablet release” – that they were canceling the function."
I wonder if they will re-sell the rooms?
http://www.cringely.com/2012/10/19/w...mpeting-event/
"Apple booked the entire hotel (600+ rooms) for Sunday through Wednesday. Their setup people were on site Tuesday. Late Wednesday, as setup was nearing completion, Apple told the resort that they “wanted all of their managers to be on site in their stores next Tuesday for the upcoming tablet release” – that they were canceling the function."
I wonder if they will re-sell the rooms?
Oct 23, 2012, 6:11 pm
#123
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: IND
Programs: DL DM, SPG AMB, National EE
Posts: 1,301
As for our stay - I would definitely recommend the resort for a family getaway. I booked 2 rooms and was able to use SNAs for one. They put us in a Casita suite with the adjoining room. The parlor area had a full kitchen and dining table, as well as a full bathroom. We were also very conveniently located to the pool area, the spa/workout center and the golf course. Our view was of the pool / lake area which was really nice.
Unlike some others, we were unimpressed by the food at Relish. Although it's much more reasonably priced than the other on-site restaurants, we did see some familiar menu items crop up at the pool that are also available at Relish. The pool food was below average in my opinion, particularly considering the prices. I selected the breakfast option as a platinum benefit which was great - it gave breakfast for 2 for each morning of our stay. You had the option of the continental (choice of cereal, choice of yogurt, a muffin, croissant, and pastry as well as a beverage) or a $14 credit toward another menu item. (Omelets were around $15).
The golf course was pretty nice. The greens were in great shape. October is overseeding season, so the canyon course was closed and the oasis and desert courses were cart path only (which was way more annoying than I thought it would be). I played twilight at 1pm for 1/2 the regular price and would definitely suggest that if it's not too hot at that time of day (depending on when you're there). Also, included in the resort fee (waived for plat) is 1/2 price on the driving range. I definitely took advantage of that on days when I didn't play. For $15 they load you up with a cart and a couple bottles of water and send you out to the range. I would hit balls for an hour or so, then head to the pool.
Apr 1, 2013, 10:36 am
#124
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Programs: Household of Delta GM & PM, SWA RR CP, Bonvoy Platinum, Hertz #1 Gold, Budget RZ
Posts: 304
Staying here in May 10-12 and thinking about getting a Cabana at the pool. Anyone rented one here before? Worth the money?
Apr 12, 2013, 9:59 am
#125
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYC
Programs: Aeroplan E50K, Marriott Titanium/Lifetime Platinum, Accor Diamond
Posts: 274
Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone can comment on the frequency and quality of platinum upgrades. Just booked 4 nights down there in mid June at my ridiculously low corporate rate of $114 per night! I realize it is low season down there with the heat, but it was too good a deal to pass up along with cheap flights from YYC to enjoy a little shopping/R&R.
Currently, I am being offered an upgrade using SNAs of a casita suite with or without pool view or a deluxe suite. Anyone have any preference with one vs the other? Given I have an upcoming 5 week vacation to Europe and Asia this summer, I would be more inclined to use bulk of my SNAs then and roll the dice for this stay if there was a decent chance of an upgrade.
Having previously stayed at the Canyon Suites around 18 months ago, I'm looking forward to another positive experience at this property.
Just wondering if anyone can comment on the frequency and quality of platinum upgrades. Just booked 4 nights down there in mid June at my ridiculously low corporate rate of $114 per night! I realize it is low season down there with the heat, but it was too good a deal to pass up along with cheap flights from YYC to enjoy a little shopping/R&R.
Currently, I am being offered an upgrade using SNAs of a casita suite with or without pool view or a deluxe suite. Anyone have any preference with one vs the other? Given I have an upcoming 5 week vacation to Europe and Asia this summer, I would be more inclined to use bulk of my SNAs then and roll the dice for this stay if there was a decent chance of an upgrade.
Having previously stayed at the Canyon Suites around 18 months ago, I'm looking forward to another positive experience at this property.
Jun 28, 2013, 2:58 pm
#126
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYC
Programs: Aeroplan E50K, Marriott Titanium/Lifetime Platinum, Accor Diamond
Posts: 274
Just returned from a fantastic stay at the Phoenician. We had originally booked for 3 nights and with some help from William was able to finally use some SNAs and was booked into a premiere executive suite.
We had previously stayed at the Canyon Suites approx 18 months ago and were very happy with that stay which is why we decided to return coupled with a fantastic room rate given it is low season.
Upon check-in we were greeted by a very friendly front desk clerk who explained the platinum amenities including the waived resort fee and the breakfast benefit that we selected which was good for $33 at Il Terrazo. I should note that we ate the buffet which was $25 plus tax and tip each morning and were only charged the difference one of three mornings.
The suite was awesome... it had to have been at least 1500 sq ft with a monstrous terrace, 2 huge bathrooms and a separate living area with dining table which was all separate from the bedroom which was on the other side of the suite. The suite was very tastefully decorated and had 2 large flat screen TVs. A couple of minor gripes would be the lack of turndown service 2 of the 3 nights and also some haphazard housekeeping - ie a bottle of wine with 1/4 remaining would be removed, but empty beer cans would not. As well, half a leftover pizza in a takeout box from dinner the night before was removed the last morning despite the fact that we were checking out later that morning.
Other than that, the stay was great. I decided to actually stay an additional four nights by myself as my wife had to return home on the Sunday. Unfortunately I was not able to keep the suite which wasn't a big deal as I didn't need that much space. I was given the standard room type and after dropping my wife off at the airport my bags had been delivered to my room
Most of the trip was spent lounging by the pool which was very quiet with the exception of Saturday as I assume a lot of locals tend to stay there on the wknds for mini-staycations. Service at the pool was great day in and day out with water jugs never being below half as the staff were constantly refilling them.
We ended up eating at all restaurants on site. During the week for breakfast at Il Terrazo, there was no buffet and each meal I ordered was tasty and service was great. I also had one dinner there which was quite good. We ate dinner at J&G one night and much like last time I was there, I felt a little underwhelmed. Service wasn't great given the price you pay. They do have a decent prix fixe 3 course menu for $39. I also ate at the Relish Burger Bistro on three occasions. They have a great happy hour menu and service was always attentive.
Overall, after having spent 7 nights there I didn't want to leave, but all good things must come to an end. In my opinion, it is great value given the low rate, no resort fee, and free breakfasts and parking. I'm already thinking of coming back for a few nights in late August/early September.
We had previously stayed at the Canyon Suites approx 18 months ago and were very happy with that stay which is why we decided to return coupled with a fantastic room rate given it is low season.
Upon check-in we were greeted by a very friendly front desk clerk who explained the platinum amenities including the waived resort fee and the breakfast benefit that we selected which was good for $33 at Il Terrazo. I should note that we ate the buffet which was $25 plus tax and tip each morning and were only charged the difference one of three mornings.
The suite was awesome... it had to have been at least 1500 sq ft with a monstrous terrace, 2 huge bathrooms and a separate living area with dining table which was all separate from the bedroom which was on the other side of the suite. The suite was very tastefully decorated and had 2 large flat screen TVs. A couple of minor gripes would be the lack of turndown service 2 of the 3 nights and also some haphazard housekeeping - ie a bottle of wine with 1/4 remaining would be removed, but empty beer cans would not. As well, half a leftover pizza in a takeout box from dinner the night before was removed the last morning despite the fact that we were checking out later that morning.
Other than that, the stay was great. I decided to actually stay an additional four nights by myself as my wife had to return home on the Sunday. Unfortunately I was not able to keep the suite which wasn't a big deal as I didn't need that much space. I was given the standard room type and after dropping my wife off at the airport my bags had been delivered to my room
Most of the trip was spent lounging by the pool which was very quiet with the exception of Saturday as I assume a lot of locals tend to stay there on the wknds for mini-staycations. Service at the pool was great day in and day out with water jugs never being below half as the staff were constantly refilling them.
We ended up eating at all restaurants on site. During the week for breakfast at Il Terrazo, there was no buffet and each meal I ordered was tasty and service was great. I also had one dinner there which was quite good. We ate dinner at J&G one night and much like last time I was there, I felt a little underwhelmed. Service wasn't great given the price you pay. They do have a decent prix fixe 3 course menu for $39. I also ate at the Relish Burger Bistro on three occasions. They have a great happy hour menu and service was always attentive.
Overall, after having spent 7 nights there I didn't want to leave, but all good things must come to an end. In my opinion, it is great value given the low rate, no resort fee, and free breakfasts and parking. I'm already thinking of coming back for a few nights in late August/early September.
Nov 15, 2013, 2:09 pm
#127
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: 212
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 502
Oct 2013 - 5 Night Stay
My wife, 2 year old and I just spent 5 nights at The Phoenician the last week of October.
SPG Status: Platinum
Booked: Award Stay (5th Night Free + Additional 35% Off using an Award for making Platinum)
Upgrade?: Not given, as they were apparently full due to some conferences. We were given a room on the 6th floor facing the Mountain, though. Much better than facing the valet parking, though we may have preferred facing the pool.
Breakfast Amenity: 5 vouchers for breakfast at Il Terrazzo for 2 people each morning. How the vouchers are applied depends on your server each morning. More detail below.
Late Checkout: Proactively offered
Resort Fee: Waived for being Platinum, but includes free wifi, etc.
Parking: Valet is available but optional. Instead, we chose the free self park which places you right below the lobby.
Breakfast at Il Terrazzo: If you're a Platinum, you're entitled to a a voucher good for a "Complimentary Continental Breakfast (cereal, yogurt, pastries)." We had breakfast each morning there and had the same server 4 times.
She offered us an alternative option which gave us $16/person of credit on our final bill no matter what we ordered. The "sneaky" part was that the $16 was really (a) $14 off a menu item plus (b) another $2 for the tax/tip. So for a hypothetical example, if we ordered two $16 egg benedicts, a $5 OJ and a $7 kid's pancakes, the bill would come out to $48.00 after tax/tip, but I'd get $33 off, so I'd be charged $15.00. There was also one time my wife actually ordered the "Continental breakfast" and they originally charged us for individual items that should have been included like juice, fruit and pastries, but when we notified them, the extraneous charges were removed.
However, another server (who seems to have more experience/internal standing) told us to order anything we liked including drinks/sides and a kid's breakfast. According to him, "as long as we don't go crazy on the sides," he would make sure we got everything complimentary on the voucher. We didn't even see the bill at the end.
Clearly we preferred the latter, but we didn't get him as a server until the end of our stay.
Room: Was exceptionally large for a standard king bedroom. It also had a beautiful bathroom with Remede bath amenities (usually found at St Regis). It was a bit of a walk from our room to the rest of the hotel property, but we didn't mind the leisurely stroll every day.
Service: Exceptional! This made our stay as great as it was. Every single person from the valet, to the pool side waiter, to the bartender at Relish Burger bar really treated you like you were a VIP, even if we were dressed way to casually compared to the regular clientele we saw at the resort.
We loved our stay so much we're thinking of having our daughter's wedding there in 2037.
SPG Status: Platinum
Booked: Award Stay (5th Night Free + Additional 35% Off using an Award for making Platinum)
Upgrade?: Not given, as they were apparently full due to some conferences. We were given a room on the 6th floor facing the Mountain, though. Much better than facing the valet parking, though we may have preferred facing the pool.
Breakfast Amenity: 5 vouchers for breakfast at Il Terrazzo for 2 people each morning. How the vouchers are applied depends on your server each morning. More detail below.
Late Checkout: Proactively offered
Resort Fee: Waived for being Platinum, but includes free wifi, etc.
Parking: Valet is available but optional. Instead, we chose the free self park which places you right below the lobby.
Breakfast at Il Terrazzo: If you're a Platinum, you're entitled to a a voucher good for a "Complimentary Continental Breakfast (cereal, yogurt, pastries)." We had breakfast each morning there and had the same server 4 times.
She offered us an alternative option which gave us $16/person of credit on our final bill no matter what we ordered. The "sneaky" part was that the $16 was really (a) $14 off a menu item plus (b) another $2 for the tax/tip. So for a hypothetical example, if we ordered two $16 egg benedicts, a $5 OJ and a $7 kid's pancakes, the bill would come out to $48.00 after tax/tip, but I'd get $33 off, so I'd be charged $15.00. There was also one time my wife actually ordered the "Continental breakfast" and they originally charged us for individual items that should have been included like juice, fruit and pastries, but when we notified them, the extraneous charges were removed.
However, another server (who seems to have more experience/internal standing) told us to order anything we liked including drinks/sides and a kid's breakfast. According to him, "as long as we don't go crazy on the sides," he would make sure we got everything complimentary on the voucher. We didn't even see the bill at the end.
Clearly we preferred the latter, but we didn't get him as a server until the end of our stay.
Room: Was exceptionally large for a standard king bedroom. It also had a beautiful bathroom with Remede bath amenities (usually found at St Regis). It was a bit of a walk from our room to the rest of the hotel property, but we didn't mind the leisurely stroll every day.
Service: Exceptional! This made our stay as great as it was. Every single person from the valet, to the pool side waiter, to the bartender at Relish Burger bar really treated you like you were a VIP, even if we were dressed way to casually compared to the regular clientele we saw at the resort.
We loved our stay so much we're thinking of having our daughter's wedding there in 2037.
Last edited by Songer5; Nov 15, 2013 at 2:16 pm
May 22, 2014, 5:02 pm
#128
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle
Programs: SPG Platinum, Marriot, Alaska Air, AAdvantage, Hilton Honors Diamond, British Airways
Posts: 164
Great property and service
I'm a Platinum here for memorial day weekend. Check in was fast and efficient, recognized as a Platinum, upgraded to a suite and resort fee waived.
Nice change from the W where I usually stay!
Nice change from the W where I usually stay!
May 22, 2014, 9:50 pm
#129
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 65
Is there a lesser chance of upgrades if stays are done on points over paying cash or c&p?
Jun 16, 2014, 1:47 pm
#130
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,508
Just booked a 1-night stay at the Canyon Suites at the Phoencian (I live locally and rates are 50%+ off during summer here.
I have no status with Starwood, but Platinum status with Delta, which gives me a few perks like late check-out, etc.
I booked a regular room and was upgraded to a 1br suite with a 2pm checkout...no resort fee...wow.
Totally impressed with the attention to detail here. I will definitely be back.
I have no status with Starwood, but Platinum status with Delta, which gives me a few perks like late check-out, etc.
I booked a regular room and was upgraded to a 1br suite with a 2pm checkout...no resort fee...wow.
Totally impressed with the attention to detail here. I will definitely be back.
Aug 19, 2014, 5:31 pm
#131
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Greenacres,WA
Programs: Marriott Plat; Hyatt Globalist ; National Exe; Avis Preferred; Delta Diamond
Posts: 431
Has anyone stayed at The Phoenician, Scottsdale recently? Do they waive the resort charge for Platinum?
Taking my first trip to AZ next month for a quick stay to check out this property then return with the family over Haloween weekend. . .need to get in some last minute stays to requalify for Plat next year
Taking my first trip to AZ next month for a quick stay to check out this property then return with the family over Haloween weekend. . .need to get in some last minute stays to requalify for Plat next year
Aug 19, 2014, 8:28 pm
#132
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,393
You might be able to get extra stays by switching between the Phoenicain and the Canyon Suites at the Phoenician; they seem to be run as separate hotels on the same resort compound. The hotels even provide a shuttle between the Canyon Suites front entrance and the main building of the Phoenician, although it's a short and easy walk too.
Aug 19, 2014, 9:34 pm
#133
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Greenacres,WA
Programs: Marriott Plat; Hyatt Globalist ; National Exe; Avis Preferred; Delta Diamond
Posts: 431
You might be able to get extra stays by switching between the Phoenicain and the Canyon Suites at the Phoenician; they seem to be run as separate hotels on the same resort compound. The hotels even provide a shuttle between the Canyon Suites front entrance and the main building of the Phoenician, although it's a short and easy walk too.
Just wondering about Plat perks, breakfast, waived resort fee or not. . . Also interested in thoughts on the dinning options and happy hours / drink specials. . thinking of trying the J&B Steakhouse since was listed on SPG Dining for 10% off.
Aug 20, 2014, 12:25 am
#134
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK
Programs: IHG Diamond Amb, Bonvoy Plat (+LTP), VS Silver
Posts: 1,392
Thx but The Canyon Suites is a cat 6 and bit more expensive. . I was planning a couple quick weekend flights to PHX since did a Southwest airlines deal for points and companion status where my DH & I can fly nearly free. The Phoenicain seems to have lots of availability for C&P & looks BEAUTIFUL.
Just wondering about Plat perks, breakfast, waived resort fee or not. . . Also interested in thoughts on the dinning options and happy hours / drink specials. . thinking of trying the J&B Steakhouse since was listed on SPG Dining for 10% off.
Just wondering about Plat perks, breakfast, waived resort fee or not. . . Also interested in thoughts on the dinning options and happy hours / drink specials. . thinking of trying the J&B Steakhouse since was listed on SPG Dining for 10% off.
Aug 20, 2014, 12:34 am
#135
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,393
Thx but The Canyon Suites is a cat 6 and bit more expensive. . I was planning a couple quick weekend flights to PHX since did a Southwest airlines deal for points and companion status where my DH & I can fly nearly free. The Phoenicain seems to have lots of availability for C&P & looks BEAUTIFUL.
Just wondering about Plat perks, breakfast, waived resort fee or not. . . Also interested in thoughts on the dinning options and happy hours / drink specials. . thinking of trying the J&B Steakhouse since was listed on SPG Dining for 10% off.
Just wondering about Plat perks, breakfast, waived resort fee or not. . . Also interested in thoughts on the dinning options and happy hours / drink specials. . thinking of trying the J&B Steakhouse since was listed on SPG Dining for 10% off.
I also recommend trying to do the cactus garden walking tour if it's offered on a day you're there. IIRC you should make a reservation with the concierge.