Best Phoenix hotels
 

which are the best (price no object) Phoenix hotels, in terms of families activities - esp swimming pools, with slides, gardens, waterfalls etc?

The Phoenician, the Boulders, or the Fairmont, all of which are a short drive outside of Phoenix.

Never been, but the Four Seasons looked dammed good on TV.

Most resorts in Scottsdale are really nice, and pricey. Phoenix is a large place, so pick based upon what you like to do.

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"If life doesn't offer a game worth playing, then invent a new one."
-Anthony J. D'Angelo

You might want to do a search over at the Hilton & Starwood forums. Quite a bit there about our franchised resort properties.

I've not stayed at any--though I know a few folks that do--but I love to walk out-of-towners around the Arizona Biltmore. Lots of swimming pools, a cool slide, a variety of recreation & spa options, and amazing architecture--influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. The newest, I think Westin Kierland & Wild Horse Pass are getting good reviews. Tapatio Cliffs gets good reviews for their waterslides. I've done the buffet at the Camelback Inn several times--it's very good, old Arizona (as is the Biltmore, but different), but seems to have fewer things for the kids.

JP

Lookup the Biltmore as well, but that's serious $$.

What about the JW Marriott - with "4 acres" of ppols, slides, waterfalls, lazy river recreational area?

The Sheraton in Chandler is nice. (I got a room on Priceline for $40 a night.) Phoenix is very easy to drive around. I would go to the university for my meetings and then go to Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix with no problem.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is absolutely #1 in the the Scottsdale/Phoenix area! From a beautiful golf course and property, to great and happy staff, the best food in town, and great shopping just across the street! Prices are EXTREMELY reasonable!

If you are taking kids The Phoenician is great. The rooms at the Fairmount are top notch. If you want to get away and relax try Four Seasons and Boulders; both of which have some really cool golf and spas. The Squaw Peak and Tapitio Cliffs are nice but not in the same league as the above. The Biltimore is wonderful but has hard time keeping up with all the new guys. Remember the Four Seasons and Boulders have some incredible Villas you might like. Wigwam resort is also a cool property, older but unique. You might even want to stay at a two places....So many top notch places to choose from. A tour to Taliesin West is worth the time.

The Phoenician is (without a doubt) the best hotel/resort in the Phoenix-area. The facilities are incredible-- especially the Canyon Building. The one weakness is that the suites in the main building have not been renovated, at least as of last year. The Canyon Building suites-- especially the Canyon's Presidential Suite-- are very nice. The resort has some of the best views in the area. Excellent spa, one of the best restaurants in town (Mary Elaine's), fabulous Sunday brunch, nice afternoon tea, lovely cactus garden, great art collection, lovely landscaping... I could go on and on about this place.

Four Seasons is a strong contender, but is a bit remote (which could be an advantage to some) and doesn't live up to the usual Four Seasons service levels. For the golfer, Troon North is a stone's throw from here. There are some excellent restaurants within an easy drive.

Royal Palms has its charms, as does the Arizona Biltmore and Camelback Inn (a JW Marriott Hotel).

For a business hotel, try a Club room at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. Some of the facilities here are a bit lacking, though the service is never lacking.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is rather lacking. The grounds don't do much for me. Marquesa Restaurant is nice.

Haven't been to the Boulders, but have heard great things.

The Westin Kierland isn't in this league. The new JW Marriott Desert Ridge is too big and the rooms are not quite right. They are both nice resorts, but they do not fit in the "best hotels" category. Levels of service can't compare to the others.

Pointe Hiltons are great family resorts but don't fit in a discussion of the best Phoenix hotels.

Best rooms to ask for at AZ Biltmore?

Please follow the discussion in our Travel->West (U.S.) forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

I'm a sucker for historic properties (and there aren't many in Phoenix), so in addition to the Biltmore I'd suggest the Royal Palms Resort.

Looking for a resort to stay at for a few days next month for some golf and general sightseeing, any ideas? Fountain Hills and the Wee Ko Pa golf course have been mentioned, do you know any of the resorts there?

The Arizona Grand (formerly Pointe South Mountain) has a $55 million renovation substantially completed and the rooms are much better; plus there's an entire water park on site for the kids.

I often stay at the Sheraton Crescent. It's a decent hotel, nothing spectacular though.

I would agree that the Phoenician is #1. In addition to all that was mentioned above, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful - and someone always seems to be around if you need anything. Location is also quite central.

The Boulders is in Carefree and is pretty far out, the 4 Seasons is at the north end of Scottsdale, and while not as far as the Boulders, it's a pretty long drive to anything in Phoenix. The Sheraton in Chandler is a very nice property - we've stayed there 3 or 4 times and really like it - but not in the same class as the Phoenician and there is not much around at all except a casino. The restaurant at the Royal Palms (T Cook's) is excellent and is very close to the Phoenician.

I would go with the Doubletree Scottsdale Paradise Valley Resort. :)
http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/...izona/index.do

It's right on Scottsdale Road and it's right down the road from Fashion Square Mall. :)

.....Also take the whole family out to Greasewood Flats. They'll love for ever. http://www.greasewoodflat.net/

Have a great time in the valley of the sun.

I have stayed at both the Phoenician and the Four Seasons and one trip to the Phoenician was enough.

The service at the Phoenician was well below that of the Four Seasons. In particular, housekeeping was not at a first class standard.

While the Phoenician had the best restaurant in the area, the chef has since left.

I've stayed at the Four Seasons five times in the past two years, the last being in September. It is without question a luxury property with superb rooms and a staff that is highly efficient and courteous.

I second The Four Seasons...service is great, rooms very comfortable and the property is beautiful. The property is beautiful at night and the drive is not that bad.

What is the best chain hotel to stay at in the heart of Phoenix? near tourist attractions? Thanks.

I'd probably say The Biltmore (a HHonors property). But it really depends what you consider the heart of Phoenix, your budget, and what you plan to do.

Phoenix Hotels for kids
 

Westin Kierland, Fairmont

hi all, narrowing down to two hotels, Homewood suites by Hilton and SpringHill Suites by Marriot, can anymore share with me which is better? thanks.

Homewood Suites competes more with Residence Inn - the breakfast will be more substantial than at SpringHill, and you'll get a full kitchen at Homewood vs. a microfridge at SpringHill.

How long are you staying? What specific properties are you considering (a brand new SpringHill would beat an old rundown Homewood Suites, for instance)? Do you have points or status with Hilton and/or Marriott?

The Phoenician is a little further out than the Biltmore, but IMO vastly superior.

Hello Brian, thanks for the information. i will be staying for 4 months.

For me i would prefer a newer room with nice bed, good coverage of cable channel and nice facilities in the room.

I do not have any point with Hilton & Marriot at the moment.