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| - I decided to take a Solo R & R trip to Phoenix (used to live there and needed to warm up in the sunshine).
This resort is located just a mile outside of the Scottsdale Old Town area. If you're like me and you like to get out and get your exercise, this is a great spot. Yes, there are closer hotels (This hotel is right down the road and closer to the town, but I preferred a more "resort feel"/larger property for this trip: Hilton Embassy Suites Old Town Scottsdale)
FULL review is on https://gotravellife.com/2018/02/09/phoenix-az-solo-r-r/ that includes my room VIDEO and quite a few pictures around the resort- more than I can do in this review.
I used a combination of points and miles for my room. Several reviewers complained of no elevators onsite, but I DO see elevators near the front lobby to get you to 2nd floor. This is just a two story resort. The room is quite large and has a separate dressing/makeup table (although the lighting wasn't great); a decent size closet, very comfortable bed and nice bathroom. Those traveling with kids/grand-kids who need a bathtub- you might want to check to ensure your assigned room has one, mine did not. The patio is large and private, but no mountain views or pool views from here. (Room 8107). There is a small fridge that worked great, and a two cup coffee maker. Not all of the power outlets on the lamps worked, but there was a six port plug under the desk, so with a bit of crawling around, I was able to get everything charged at night. There were no USB ports and outlets in the room were behind (or under) furniture. Everything was clean and the bathroom was spotless. The heater clicks on and off, so my advice is to leave the fan on 'high' all night; 1) it drowns out any neighboring or exterior corridor noise and 2) you don't have as many 'clicks'.
Housekeeping was prompt, thorough and they were always pleasant in passing. The grounds are gorgeously kept, bougainvillea everywhere and strategically placed grassy areas and fountains. Very pleasant to roam around in the Arizona sunshine and enjoy the wildlife.
There are several choices to eat here, the Asadero Cocina, which is the main restaurant for the hotel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner starting at 6:30a. There is a small coffee/snack shop in the lobby (serves Starbucks coffee), and the Asadero Cantina (or hotel bar) which opens at noon. The hotel does have room service, but it's too pretty to hide in your room.
Note to travelers- the main lobby and grounds are very "Frank Lloyd Wright" styled and if you've been to the Biltmore nearby (Arizona Biltmore, Waldorf Astoria) while it's gorgeous, you need to watch your step. The floors in the lobby are different 'levels', so you step up to the coffee shop as an example, and those steps do not jump out at some people. I observed a person falling as she completely missed the steps exiting the breakfast buffet area; she twisted her ankle pretty badly. Bottom line, it's gorgeous, but pay attention
I did spend an evening at the hotel bar. Service was good, not great, but it was busy and a lively crowd. The bar area is a decent size and there is spillover into the lobby if needed. I had a light dinner of Jalapeno-bacon wrapped Shrimp (AWESOME) and a glass of Angeline red wine. Wine runs $10-12/glass. By the way, if you're up for about a mile walk, there is a Trader Joe's just down the road in case you wish to stock your room with a few bottles of decently priced wine. There is a fantastic shuttle at the hotel that will take you anywhere you wish to go (within 2 miles) from 10a-10p. Great service for this area!!
Breakfast was good as well. As a Diamond, you only receive "continental breakfast" at this hotel, so I paid the $5 up-charge daily so I could have my protein laden eggs- a requirement for me. They will bring you eggs cooked to order, but I found the buffet quite acceptable. They had the usual scrambled eggs, sausage/bacon, breakfast potatoes and crepes daily. They also had fruit and all sorts of toasts and juices and pastries. They also had a southwest specialty item each day which were quite tasty. Huevos Rancheros on first day and Chorizo breakfast burrito on the second. Yum!
No day would be complete in Arizona without a bit of pool time. The hotel has two great pool areas, but I preferred the main pool area as the bar/restaurant was a bit livelier. The bartender came around about once an hour to check on drinks, or you could get your lazy butt out of your chair and get it yourself Also, if you forget your sunglasses (rookie move I know), there are a few places in walking distance to pick up a pair for $10 or less (CVS or Old Town has a few shops that carry these).
Fantastic visit!
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