Arrival/Check-In: We arrived at The Phoenician’s grand main entrance shortly after 8 p.m. Street lighting revealed the meticulously maintained landscaping and the resort’s spacious grounds. At first the property felt like an expansive gated community with multiple buildings and driveways, which can be overwhelming after a long trip. Before I had to navigate any paths, a staff member at a small gatehouse directed me to the main lobby and called ahead to let them know I had arrived. A valet took the car, and I was in my room within minutes.
Guest Quarters: The lobby is located on the third floor, and my room was on the same level. The suite opened into a comfortable living area with a large sofa, an armchair and a flat-screen TV. A generous desk and chair provided a pleasant workspace. Sliding glass doors led out to a roomy balcony that looked over the resort’s pools and the surrounding desert landscape.
The bedroom featured a substantial, comfortable bed dressed in quality Italian linens. The bathroom was finished in Italian marble and included both a separate shower and a bathtub. The suite’s layout and amenities made it an inviting space for an extended stay.
Services and Amenities: The Phoenician offers an extensive array of amenities. Highlights include a 27‑hole championship golf course, nine pools with a 165‑foot water slide, and a 22,000‑square‑foot spa with 24 treatment rooms. Dining options are varied, with multiple formal and casual restaurants and private dining rooms available.
Because we wanted to sample the food despite only being in town for one night, my colleague and I booked a 9 p.m. reservation at Il Terrazzo, the resort’s contemporary Italian restaurant. We were seated on the patio under bright desert skies and enjoyed a three‑course meal that featured housemade pasta and freshly baked artisan breads.
The Experience: My stay at The Phoenician was very enjoyable, even though it felt a little unusual to experience such an expansive resort during a single‑night business trip. Despite the 250‑acre footprint, the resort’s services were conveniently accessible from my room, so the scale did not hinder a business traveler’s needs. That said, a short stay only allowed me to sample a small portion of what The Phoenician offers, and I look forward to returning to explore more of the resort’s facilities and activities.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
The Phoenician, Scottsdale
6000 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
tel 480 941 8200
thephoenician.com