Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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guests. However, the two 18-hole courses at the adjacent We-Ko-Pa Golf Club are also
major draws here. Personally, I like the resort best for its creative Native American styling
and its great desert and mountain views. For families, there's a children's water-play area,
and horseback riding, and, in summer, float trips down the nearby Verde River can be
arranged.
10438 N. Fort McDowell Rd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85264.
&
800/333-3333
or 480/789-5300. Fax 480/789-
5333. www.radisson.com/ftmcdowellaz. 246 units. Jan-Mar $269-$299 double; Apr $199-$210 double;
May, Sept, and Dec $139-$159 double; June-Aug $109-$139 double; Oct-Nov $219-$239 double. Chil-
dren 11 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted.
Amenities:
Restaurant;
lounge; snack bar; babysitting; concierge; exercise room; 2 18-hole golf courses; 2 Jacuzzis; outdoor pool;
room service; full-service spa.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi.
CENTRAL PHOENIX & THE CAMELBACK CORRIDOR
This area is the heart of the upscale Phoenix shopping and restaurant scene and is home
to the prestigious Arizona Biltmore resort. Old money and new money rub shoulders
along the avenues here, and valet parking is de rigueur. Located roughly midway between
Old Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix, this area is a good bet for those intending to split
their time between the downtown Phoenix cultural and sports district and the world-
class shopping and dining in Scottsdale.
Very Expensive
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
Kids
For more than 80 years, this resort
has been the favored Phoenix address of celebrities, politicians, and old money, and the
distinctive cast-cement blocks inspired by a Frank Lloyd Wright design make it a unique
architectural gem. However, it's the historical character and timeless elegance that really
set this place apart. With wide lawns, colorful flower gardens, and views of Piestewa Peak,
this is a resort for outdoor lounging. While the two golf courses and expansive spa are
the main draws, the children's activities center and lawn games make this a popular
choice for families. Of the several different styles of accommodations, the “resort rooms”
are quite comfortable and have balconies or patios. Those rooms in the Paradise Wing
are also good choices. Afternoon tea is served in the lobby Thursday through Sunday. For
extra pampering, book a room in the resort's exclusive Ocatilla at Arizona Biltmore
wing.
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016.
&
800/950-0086
or 602/955-6600. Fax 602/381-7600. www.
arizonabiltmore.com. 738 units. Jan to mid-May $595-$805 double, from $855 suite; mid-May to early
Sept $279-$359 double, from $379 suite; early Sept to Dec $465-$585 double, from $615 suite. Rates do
not include $28 daily service fee. Children 11 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $27; self-parking $12. Pets under 50 lb. accepted in cottage rooms ($100 deposit, $50
nonrefundable).
Amenities:
4 restaurants; lounge; bikes; children's programs; concierge; executive-level
rooms; 2 18-hole golf courses; health club; 2 Jacuzzis; 8 pools; room service; saunas; full-service spa; 7
tennis courts.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Internet, minibar.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
This gorgeous little hideaway has the feel of a
Spanish villa that was transported to Arizona and is so romantic and beautiful that the
moment you set foot in the first cloistered garden, you might imagine that you hear
flamenco guitar. Located midway between Old Town Scottsdale and Biltmore Fashion
Park, the Royal Palms was constructed more than 50 years ago by Cunard Steamship
executive Delos Cooke and is done in Spanish mission style. Giving the resort the tran-
quil feel of a Mediterranean monastery are lush walled gardens where antique water
fountains splash. The most memorable guest rooms are the designer casitas, each with a
distinctive decor ranging from opulent contemporary to classic European. However, all
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