The Phoenician

The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, stands as a prominent AAA Five Diamond and Michelin Key-selected property at the base of Camelback Mountain, offering a luxurious desert oasis experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Phoenician is positive, often highlighted for its beautiful grounds, extensive amenities, and attentive staff. It holds an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 for overall satisfaction on Marriott, with high scores for cleanliness (4.4), dining (4.3), location (4.7), service (4.3), and amenities (4.4). Guests frequently describe it as a rejuvenating and memorable experience. However, some recent feedback indicates a degree of "underwhelm" for the price paid, with some guests expecting more for the luxury tier.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Phoenician for its expansive and meticulously maintained property, world-class amenities, and stunning natural setting.

• Amenities: The resort boasts a three-level pool complex, including a signature Mother-of-Pearl pool, a 197-foot waterslide, a children's treehouse, splash pad, and an adult-only pool section. It features an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and a two-story Athletic Club with a fitness center offering diverse equipment and virtual classes. The Phoenician Spa is a Forbes Five-Star facility, offering a rooftop pool, massages, body treatments, facials, and a salon. A unique cactus garden and various complimentary activities like beer tasting and garden tours are also available.
• Location: Its location at the foot of Camelback Mountain provides picturesque views and easy access to hiking trails. It's also conveniently close to Old Town Scottsdale for shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, often a short drive or even a walkable distance for some.
• Design: The resort's design incorporates warm tones and hues from the surrounding Sonoran Desert, with a contemporary yet subtle Southwestern influence. The renovated lobby features separate pods turned at an angle for an immediate welcoming experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Phoenician are generally spacious, with standard guestrooms averaging 600 square feet, significantly larger than many city apartments.

• Comfort & Design: Accommodations are described as distinctively appointed, with contemporary elegance, tasteful wood furnishings, and lush wool carpeting. Beds come with pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, and Frette Italian sheets. Many rooms feature private patios or balconies, offering views of the pools, golf course, or Camelback Mountain.
• Bathrooms: Oversized Italian marble bathrooms are a highlight, typically including double vanities, separate bathtubs (often Roman oval tubs large enough for two), separate showers, and designer toiletries.
• Technology: Rooms include LED televisions and iHome docking stations. Wireless internet access is available, though some guests have reported poor connectivity.

4. Dining Experience

The Phoenician offers a diverse culinary experience with eight dining venues ranging from casual to sophisticated.

• Variety: Options include the classic J&G Steakhouse for steaks and seafood, Mowry & Cotton for modern American cuisine (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Kalio Kabobery for Mediterranean-inspired poolside fare, and The Phoenician Tavern for elevated pub grub overlooking the golf course. The Thirsty Camel bar offers panoramic views and handcrafted cocktails.
• Breakfast: Mowry & Cotton is a popular choice for breakfast, with guests appreciating the quality and flexibility of ordering full entrees for those with complimentary breakfast vouchers.
• Quality: Food buffets for meetings are noted for their quality, variety, and taste. J&G Steakhouse is particularly recommended for exceptionally well-prepared steaks.
• Afternoon Tea: A traditional English afternoon tea is served daily in the resort lobby.

5. Service & Staff

Service at The Phoenician is generally described as warm, professional, and attentive, with staff often going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction. Guests appreciate the personalized hospitality and the staff's knowledge and professionalism. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies, with service at pools or in some dining areas being slow or "spotty" during busy periods, leading to disappointment for some, especially given the luxury pricing. Management responses to negative feedback indicate a commitment to addressing shortcomings.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Phoenician is strategically located in Scottsdale, at the base of Camelback Mountain.

• Neighborhood: It's situated within Paradise Valley, offering a serene desert setting.
• Attractions: Guests have direct access to Camelback Mountain's hiking and biking trails. Old Town Scottsdale, with its vibrant shopping, dining, and art galleries, is easily accessible, typically a 4-5 minute car ride or a longer walk. Scottsdale Fashion Square is also within a short drive.
• Transport: The resort is approximately 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. While close to Old Town, taking an Uber or taxi might be necessary for some.

7. Value & Pricing

The Phoenician is a luxury resort, and its pricing reflects that. While guests appreciate the quality and extensive amenities, "value for money" receives a lower average rating of 3.7 out of 5.

• Cost: Guests have reported paying around $925 a night, with a daily resort fee (previously $45, now $50) in addition to room rates. This resort fee is not always waived for award stays or elite members.
• Perceived Value: Some guests feel that while the experiences (spa, dining, activities) are high quality, they often require à-la-carte charges, making the on-property stay not always feel like it provides significant additional value relative to the premium cost. Mandatory resort fees and self-parking fees also contribute to the perception of high overall cost.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Room Condition: Some guests have described rooms as "dated" or "tired," reminiscent of a Sheraton room, despite recent renovations.
• Cleanliness: Occasional cleanliness issues have been mentioned, such as dust in rooms or trash left in hallways. There have also been concerning reports of pests like cockroaches, spiders, and crickets in rooms, attributed by one guest to gaps under doors.
• Service Inconsistencies: Despite overall positive feedback, some guests experienced slow service at pools or during breakfast, with servers sometimes described as "short."
• Internet Connectivity: Poor and frequently dropping internet connectivity has been a complaint for some.
• Mountain View Rooms: A specific complaint is that "mountain view" rooms might literally entail staring at a rock wall rather than a panoramic view of Camelback Mountain, advising guests to opt for pool views instead.
• Resort Fees and Additional Costs: The mandatory daily resort fee and expensive self-parking have been points of contention, leading some guests to question the overall value.

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