The Phoenician Scottsdale
Rumors of a $300 million property and promises of over-the-top opulence instantly attracted the well-heeled to its 250 acre sprawl of luxury. The Phoenician - or the marble palace as I call it - was built right into the base of Camelback Mountain. A highly sought after piece of real estate, and a prime location for travelers seeking convenience to Old Town Scottsdale and the acclaimed Biltmore area.  For a time, the Phoenician Scottsdale was considered the "#1" resort of Scottsdale resorts and hotels... and often even the US. Since then, major efforts have been made to restore the reputation of this Scottsdale luxury hotel, including a recent multimillion dollar renovation. I wanted to see what changes were made, so I recently took a tour of the Phoenician Scottsdale, and checked it out for myself. The Grand Entrance, The Grand Vision  A quick turn onto Phoenician Drive, and I had entered the world of the Phoenician... A tropical oasis in the midst of desert paradise and lively civilization.  Happily removed from the hustle and bustle of Camelback Road.. I was soothed by sights of manicured lawns, granite ensconced waterfalls, immaculate gardens and the ever-cool, ever-recognizable symbol of the Phoenician flanking both sides of the grand entrance. I had arrived in luxury-ville. Making my way up the palm-tree lined drive, I spotted the Oasis golf course to my right - the newest set of 9-holes at the Phoenician Scottsdale - and row after row of flower beds, bursting with vibrant color.  A quick stop at the guard gate, and I was directed to the main entrance where valet promptly took care of my ride. It seemed like a busy day... with a steady stream of shiny wheeled hot rods glittering their way through valet. Behind me, I spotted the popular Phoenician Residences overlooking the Cactus Garden - a 2 acre mini attraction I planned on hitting later - and the
majestic Camelback Mountain serving as their backdrop. The breezeway, connecting Phoenician Residences, with Camelback in the background.  Past the roaring fountain I went...  And after a quick glance at this guy... Just one of the many Southwest-inspired original art pieces on display at the Phoenician.  I was in the main lobby of the Phoenician Scottsdale. The Phoenician lobby chandelier, hung under a gold-leafed ceiling.The grand vision of the Phoenician was meant to combine traditional European elegance with the ultimate in Southwestern luxury - a mission that was accomplished on a spare no expense agenda. I noted elements of the Euro-Arizona mash-up everywhere.   From the fine Italian marbled floors, to the pueblo style architecture... In the French tapestries and Navajo rugs.   In the bronze sculptures and oil paintings - art that was part of the Phoenician Scottsdale's museum-like $25 million art collection. Even in the amenities. In the morning, guests can enjoy a desert clay body mask at the Centre for Well-Being. And in the afternoon, enjoy a traditional English tea in the Lobby Tea Room. Extravagance was everywhere.   Elegant seating areas filled the spacious lobby, with more seating spilling out onto the terrace overlooking the pool areas.   Designed after the Crescent Hotel in England, the resort fans out like a semi-circle, with guestrooms expanding on each wing... While in the center, the lobby, lounges and restaurants open to expansive views of the valley below. Dining The restaurants at the Phoenician Scottsdale are one of the best known places to see Phoenix city lights at night. At Il Terrazzo, guests can dine on award-winning Italian fare, including handmade pastas and fresh-baked bread, while enjoying views of Papago Park and the entire Phoenix valley. Il Terrazzo is also great during the day, and my favorite Sunday Brunch Spot. It's pricey for brunch, but a meal of epic proportions... Made even better by the all you can drink mimosa's. Dining room at Il Terrazzo.   Perhaps most well-known is J&G Steakhouse, located on the top floor of the Phoenician. This is the baby and pet project of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The restaurant sizzles with a modern-vibe, offering a unique flavor from the rest of the property. Only the finest cuts of meat are served, along with choices of fresh fish to wash down with hand-crafted cocktails. The lounge at J&G Steakhouse offers live music on Thursday evenings, where guests can nibble on tasty treats, and enjoy the largest Tequila collection in the state. The 19th Hole and Relish Bistro, located next to the Phoenician Golf Club.  After a look at the fantastic, fine-dining restaurants - there is excellent casual dining as well - at the Phoenician Scottsdale, it was time to check out the rest of the property. Out the doors I went, into a beautiful Scottsdale spring day. And ran smack dab into a corporate event on the back lawn.  I was surprised to learn that about half of the travelers who stay at the Phoenician Resort are typically on business. With huge meeting rooms available and business amenities, its a popular destination for large conferences and corporate functions.  While I was cruising the joint, I was again noticing the mix of traditional and Southwestern themes. Especially in the architecture... The Phoenician Golf Club building.  A pueblo-styled wing of the main building at the Phoenician Resort.  A traditional looking European style staircase.  A very Southwestern styled staircase.  Next, it was on to the pools... The ultimate way to relax in Scottsdale, in my opinion. Pools, Spa & Fitness  There is an astounding number of pools at the Phoenician Scottsdale - 9 in total. Including two children's pools - with a huge water slide - and a private pool for guests of Canyon Suites. More on the ultra exclusive Canyon Suites in a minute. Four of the pools are nestled in the crescent of the hotel, and tiered on different levels. With dramatic mountain views in the back and valley views below. The lower pool is the much talked about "signature pool", tiled entirely in mother of pearl.  With plenty of private cabanas and cushioned lounge chairs... I noticed so many places I wanted to roll out a towel, layer on the tanning oil... and prepare to be weighted on hand and foot. Which the staff at the Phoenician Scottsdale are known to do.  Oasis bar and lounge area at the "signature" pool.  I cruised by the Centre for Well Being. Noted the well-equipped fitness center next to it, and list of yoga classes and massage treatments, amid a bevy of other irresistible options. Certified personal trainers are also on deck for those wanting a little help with their mojo. Then it was on to one of the most sought after activities at the Phoenician Scottsdale. Golf & Other Activities As part of the revamp efforts, Starwood Hotels contracted Troon Golf to perform a make-over of the Phoenician Scottsdale golf courses.  Not that they were in bad shape before, but management wanted to make sure it was offering the best of top shelf golf resort opportunities. This inspired the addition of the 9-hole Oasis course, adding to the already 9-hole Canyon course and 9-hole Desert course.  Putting green at the Phoenician Scottsdale Golf Club.  My dad is more versed in golf-speak than I am. And he informed me that each of the courses at the Phoenician have very "different profiles". Apparently this is a good thing, and sure to please a variety of recreational golfers.  The Oasis course, showing off an island theme.  Besides great golf, the Phoenician Scottsdale covers a wide-swath of activities. Including tennis, water volleyball and bocce ball. Being in such a great location, there are also excellent things to do nearby. The addition of the "Funician Kids Club" has made the Phoenician one of the most family friendly resorts in Scottsdale. Adults can send their kids for a full day's worth of activities, while they indulge in a trip to the spa, or a relaxing afternoon at the pool. Or a snooze in the room... It's vacation after all. Rooms & Suites Accommodations at the Phoenician Scottsdale range from spacious guest rooms, to palatial one, two or three bedroom suites and casitas. I hear the beds at the Phoenician Scottsdale are especially comfortable. And all rooms are embellished with rich marble accents, including an oval bathtub of imported marble. Everything from the carpets, to the drapes, to pillows and lighting have been meticulously thought out. When I heard there was round-the-clock room service, I liked the rooms even more. Guestroom at the Pheonician Scottsdale.  Photo Credit: The Phoenician Resort Interior view of a guest suite.  Photo Credit: The Phoenician Resort Bathrooms inside the Phoenician Scottsdale.  They really are all beautiful, well-appointed accommodations. So the only choice left to make - besides room size preference - is the type of view you would like. And there are many of them. Like the rest of the resort, the grounds of the Phoenician Scottsdale are extravagant... Offering unique desert scape in some areas...  And an extremely tropical oasis in others. Most rooms - there is a whopping 643 in total - are located in the main building, offering mountain views or aerial city views. Guests staying in a suite or casita can request a room facing the Orchid Garden Retreat... An absolutely stunning area that made me think Arizona wedding as soon as I saw it.  Other casitas face the opposite direction, opening to views of Camelback Mountain and the pool area. These casitas are located across from Necklace Lake, a babbling, meandering water feature filled with glittering koi fish.  And they face the mountain, offering a view that looks like this...  My recommendation is, if you have the dough and a taste for ultimate exclusivity, then request a room at the Canyon Suites. Canyon Suites is the newest addition to the Phoenician Scottsdale. Inspired by a growing trend in Arizona, this is considered a boutique resort within a resort. It takes all that you can find at the Phoenician Scottsdale, and kicks it up a notch.  Guests will enjoy more privacy, more space, more luxury, a private concierge... All at a premium that some are more than happy to pay for. After my tour of the Phoenician Scottsdale, and walking through immaculate grounds. Serenaded by birds and gurgling fountains, and music streaming softly through outdoor speakers.  And walking past delicious aromatic restaurants. I decided, I couldn't relate to the less favorable reviews. In some cases, the Phoenician Scottsdale may appear a tad dated, but it is still the ultimate in luxury resorts in Scottsdale. 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