The Camby

The Camby, Scottsdale Phoenix: A MICHELIN Guide Hotel Blending Modern Luxury with Desert Style

The Camby, an Autograph Collection hotel in Scottsdale Phoenix, offers a "pleasant experience with a friendly elegant atmosphere". While it is a recognized MICHELIN Guide Hotel, it has not yet received a specific Michelin Key distinction (One, Two, or Three Keys), as its quality score from verified stays is still pending. Guests generally praise its blend of creative luxury and authentic desert style, often describing it as a "gleaming desert jewel" in the upscale Biltmore District.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Camby generally garners positive feedback, with an average overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from Marriott guests. Booking.com shows even higher guest satisfaction, with a 9.0 rating. The sentiment is largely positive, highlighting a "modern, new-world luxury" experience and a "welcoming atmosphere".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of The Camby:

• Service & Staff: Numerous reviews commend the "top-notch" and "amazingly friendly" staff, describing them as "extremely helpful and professional".
• Location: Its prime location in the Camelback Corridor's Biltmore District is a significant draw, offering easy access to Biltmore Fashion Park and various restaurants. It's also within reach of desert hiking trails.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's "newly-renovated" interiors, "modern design," and "creative luxury" are frequently mentioned, contributing to its "classy and elevated" feel. The lobby, in particular, is noted for its welcoming aesthetic.
• Amenities: The heated rooftop pool with city or mountain views and the poolside bar are popular for enjoying sunsets. The gym is also well-regarded with ample space and equipment. Free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly policies are appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Camby are described as "very nice," "clean, comfortable," and "stylish". Guests have enjoyed "excellent water pressure in the shower" and comfortable beds and pillows. Many rooms offer beautiful mountain or city views. While generally well-appointed, one guest noted that the furniture can feel a "little crowded", especially when traveling with young children and a pack-and-play. Complimentary water is provided, and water stations are available throughout the hotel.

4. Dining Experience

The dining options at The Camby receive positive remarks:

• Artizen/Yellowbell: The main restaurant, referred to as both Artizen and Yellowbell in reviews, serves "New American dishes with ingredients from Southwestern purveyors" and is often described as "great" and "excellent". Guests have enjoyed "delicious daily breakfast" and "nice family breakfast" experiences.
• Wade Poolside Bar: Offers small plates and cocktails with gorgeous Phoenix sunset views.
• Bees Knees: Provides spiked teas for a unique beverage experience.
• Lobby Cafe: A "great little coffee shop" next to check-in that opens early for breakfast options.
• Revelry Hour: Yellowbell offers a daily happy hour from 4-6 PM with craft cocktails, select wines, beers, and Southwest-inspired bites.

Some feedback indicated a desire for more meat-free food options.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Camby is a consistent highlight, with staff frequently described as "friendly," "top-notch," "extremely helpful," and "professional". Guests have felt "pampered throughout" their stay and appreciated the personalized attention. The hotel management actively responds to guest feedback, indicating a commitment to service quality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located in the "fabulously upscale Biltmore District" within the Camelback Corridor, The Camby boasts a "great location". It's within walking distance of the Biltmore Fashion Park, offering a variety of shopping and dining options. The hotel is also conveniently close to attractions like Camelback Mountain and Ecco Canyon trail, making it suitable for those interested in desert hiking. Its central position at the intersection of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley is also noted.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, guests generally rate the "Value for the Money" at 4.0 out of 5 on Marriott, and 8.4 on Booking.com. Some guests feel the amenities and service align with a full-service hotel experience. Weekend escape packages and "The Good Morning" package (including breakfast) are offered, which can enhance value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms include:

• Parking Costs: Valet parking is extra, and self-parking, while available, can be a 5-minute walk and costs around $16 per day, with some guests feeling the valet fee ($40 per night) is too high.
• Restaurant Seating/Service Delays: One guest reported a significant wait to be seated and for orders to be taken at the restaurant, even having to inquire if it was closed due to no hostess being present.
• Minor Room Issues: Isolated incidents of a dripping shower head and an unusual odor in the hallway outside a room have been reported.
• Lack of Spa: One guest mentioned the property no longer features a spa, which they typically expect from a boutique hotel.
• Limited Food Options: A desire for more meat-free dining options was noted by a guest.
• Rooftop Pool: While generally liked, one guest found the pool "fine, but not as nice as I would have expected considering how nice the rest of the property is".

Sources

1. thecamby.com
2. michelin.com
3. coppercourier.com
4. marriott.com
5. megankeruskin.com
6. phoenixmag.com