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?