The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

On a recent trip to Arizona, we stopped for one night in Phoenix and stayed at the Phoenician Resort. I had the Phoenician on my radar for years, always sourcing them in my event planner days. I finally had the chance to stay there… and likely won’t be returning. They have a lot of work to do and for now, there are much better properties in lay your head down at night in the area. As always, providing my pro/con/recommendation list in hopes the hotel will take some advice from a pro-traveler: Pros: - Great entryway and lobby. Staff on front drive were super helpful with parking. Front desk agents were all friendly and very kind - Decent size room - Restaurant near pool was very nice. Had good service and good food - So. Many. Pool Options… and all were open 24 hours! - Lots to do on property - golf, spa, tennis, pools, arcade, etc. Cons: - The hallway and shops near the lobby smelled like a bad nursing home. It was a violent smell - Coffee shop ceiling was literally caving in and leaking. There was a tiny sign you could barely see to prevent you from walking in the water - Sunday morning at 7:30AM there was drilling and construction going on. This is tragic any day of the week but particularly upsetting on a Sunday so early Recommendations: - Do not recommend a Mountain View room. The mountain is boring. A pool or golf course view would be a lot more exciting if you have a choice - If you have a car, park in self-parking. It’s super easy and brings you right up to the lobby from the elevator Glad we only planned to stay one night at this property. Won’t be returning by choice.

Great pools Rooms were clean and large And the front desk staff was great! Food was actually very good as were drinks although pricy The spa was lovely and the massage was great Book via Amex for perks like 85 dollars a day for food

The Phoenician is a beautiful hotel with lovely amenities and very friendly staff. We went in their low season and practically had the pool area to ourselves which was fantastic, although I imagine it may be different when busy. Unfortunately as it was down season the water slide was out of order which was a significant disappointment for our child. Our room was clean and well equipped and the fitness centre was excellent. Unfortunately the plumbing to our room failed mid way through our trip and we were forced to move rooms, which was incredibly frustrating. Again, this may have been more of a problem in high season but was dealt with quickly.

Please avoid if you have titanium status. They do not know how to treat their members. Check in process was just filled with lies. They had zero upgrades yet I was able to book every room type on the app. They wouldn’t even move the room Across the hall. Our view was the top of a building??? By far the worst room I’ve stayed at in Marriott. She would only give us one breakfast coupon for titanium. I know it’s for member and one person, but usually my status gets me atleast coverage for my 5yo kid. But not at Phoenicians. It seemed she was more interested in talking to her friend at the desk the Checking us in. I was told about none of the hotel amenities or even how to get to my room. I had to go outside and the valet led me to my room. Tried the breakfast. I guess I figure out why she only gave me one breakfast voucher. It was the worst breakfast I’ve had at a Marriott property. The hotel charges a resort fee but half the resort is closed. Slides closed. No pool side service. Multiple pools closed. Game room closed early both days I was there. And the internet connected but speed was at 1mbps. This was premium internet? I felt like I shouldn’t get charged the fee, the front desk disagreed. None the less , I would not stay here again. And neither should you.

Just had a lovely stay at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale for a conference I was attending. The property is gorgeous and impeccably maintained. Christian at the front desk made me feel so welcomed and while I didn’t get an upgrade he put me in a recently renovated room that was very nice. I’d describe the rooms here as understated luxury. The large room was nicely appointed with tons of closet space, a very comfortable bed (although I was surprised at the lack of feather pillows), a huge bathroom with large tub and walk-in shower. The Le Chemin by Byredo bath amenities were really nice. All of the staff here were incredibly professional and kind, including Mowry and Cotton and the Thirsty Camel bar. The banquet staff was also great and the banquet meals were outstanding. If you dine at Mowry and Cotton and sit outside, don’t miss the live falcon that is used to keep pesky birds from interrupting your meal. First time I’d ever seen anything like that! Thanks to the entire team at The Phoenician for a memorable stay.