| rev:text
| - SHORT VERSION:
1. Confirm room location is decent if using AAA discount.
2. Visit during seasons you're able to take advantage of the waterpark- an ammenities' fee of at least $25 will be added to your daily room charge, and DO check out fitness center and class schedules!
3. If available, Costco sells AZ Grand Resort giftcards at a discounted rate. Use these to pay for the room, spa packages, and dining venues! Sadly, these giftcards weren't around when I stayed here :(
LONG, DRAWN-OUT VERSION. (Grab a cup of your caffeinated beverage of choice.)
Stayed here for two weeks back in January 2008 while my builder did repairs on my ceiling. Luckily, I have AAA coverage and was able to get a discounted rate. The room was inviting and tastefully-furnished, and we enjoyed the comfortable down-filled bedding; However, I was disappointed in the location of the room's building. I had the feeling that we were the only ones lodging at the wing where construction was going on the entire length of our stay. The noise was not audible from our room while the doors and windows were closed, but we would always have to inhale airborne particles and fumes and walk through dust and mud- and paint-encrusted areas on our way to and from the room. I'd be sure to confirm a nicer location before you secure a room, especially if you're using your AAA card! I'd give a 1 or 2 star rating if basing review solely on the room and location.
During my stay, I dined at Latitude 30 (fantastic halibut and dessert dishes!) and Phantom Horse Grill ($9 French toast- made with Simply Bread's Funky Monkey cinnamon bread ("artisan cinnamon bread") battered, with raspberry cream- was great (hot and crispy!) the first time around and ho-hum (warm, but SOGGY) the second time; dinner was good- hope I can find a photo of it to post here soon!). I think I read somewhere here that Lat. 30 is now closed? I hope it reopens soon!
I also took my first of two yoga sessions here and enjoyed them both. Most of the other members hold memberships at the resort's fitness center, so one does not need to be a resort guest to use the amenities here. It was also during my stay at the resort that I was able to do my first hike ever! One may sign up for two-hour long hikes on Fridays and Saturdays via the fitness center. It happened that I was the only one who signed up for the hike, so you'd think that it would've been cancelled. However, I called up beforehand to let the center know I was on my way, and in turn, they called up the instructor so that she'd be there in time to greet me! Since there weren't anyone else to "hold up the group," we were able to finish a hike what normally took two hours in about 90 minutes! I found it a formidable hike, made dangerous with my wearing cross-training shoes (I slipped and stumbled a couple of times) and lugging around a roll-away backpack housing my heavy and bulky laptop (easily 15, 20 lbs).
Note: The price of the room does not include a $25 per day "ammenities' fee," which is automatically added whether or not you use the ammenities. This fee includes the use of the fitness gym, jacuzzis and saunas, and the pool/water slides. It was too cold to swim; Indeed, the pool area was closed the whole length of my stay there. So you better believe I made use of the fitness center, which included yoga and other classes, such as spinning and aerobics. I signed up for a tai chi class, too, but the instructor didn't show up, so the "regulars" tried to have a go at it, but it was like watching the blind leading the blind, so I gave up after about ten minutes and headed to the gym, instead.
Landscaping is beautiful, especially at night where treelights transform the area into a wonderland! (Come for happy hour and/or dinner and then go for a walk after... You'll have to visit to believe it!)
FYI, be sure to do a check-list of the items in your mini-bar (I suggest you even take a photo!) so that you have proof that you did not consume anything from it. The front desk tried to charge me for missing aspirin and a soda (we don't drink soda), even though I informed them of the missing pills within moments of our entering the room. The charges [somewhere around $10 for two tablets and a 12 oz. soda (??)] were quickly omitted from the total.
P.S. In case you're interested, Whole Foods sells Simply Bread's Funky Monkey for about $10 a loaf (price increase!). A better deal to buy this and make your own French toast at home, if you ask me! (AJ's Fine Foods may offer the bread, as well...)
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