The Phoenician

Let me begin by stating that the room were beautifully decorated. However, it was extremely difficult to enjoy the amenities. Not because of the renovations, but because of the restricted use of the amenities. If the property automatically charges a "resort fee", there shouldn't be such limited access to the amenities. Upon check-in, ALL guest should be informed of "hours of operation" for use of tennis courts, golf, pool, etc. Doing so allows the guests to plan their activities. When we decided to plan golf (Sunday evening around 4:15p), the female at the front desk informed us that the course closes at 5pm. However, when we asked the concierge(5minutes later), he told us the course closes at 6pm. We didn't argue, we decided to just go play tennis. But, when we inquired, we were informed that the courts close at 2pm. We're pretty disappointed.at this point and decide to go sit along side the pool. It's now 4:55pm and there were two males playing tennis. Really? We were told the courts closed @ 2pm. We sat by the pool, just long enough to "cool off"(literally and figuratively) and then decided to go to our rooms and heat our meals from earlier. When we asked about a microwave, we were told, "there are no microwaves on the entire property". Feeling totally DISPLEASED, we gathered our food to go to a local convenience store. As we were exiting the property, we witnessed a "male" playing golf! (see picture). If we (females) were told the club house closes at 5pm, how is it that this "male" is playing @ 7:02pm???? There seems to be a LOT of Inconsistency and Inconsideration at the "Phoney-cian"! All the guests should be allowed to ENJOY the property/amenities...not just the "male" guests. Guests should be informed, PRIOR to arriving, if there is going to be Limited or Restricted Enjoyment!

We usually visit every year. Knowing they were under construction, we were not planning a trip, but for personal reasons, needed to come to AZ. Of course our stay would be at Phoenician. While more then half of resort was closed due to construction, the staff were extremely accommodating to our needs. We will be visiting again in the next months, looking forward to their updated accommodations. Usually my rating is 5, but due to construction gave a 4.

This is a beautiful place and the pools are amazing. The rooms are big, very comfortable beds and well appointed, the bathrooms are fantastic and have large jetted tubs. Worth the extra money for a premium spot in Phoenix.

First time to visit this resort and this place is truly beautiful . Set against the backdrop that is Camelback Mountain- the views are gorgeous if you happen to get a room having that scenery to look on. Even if you don't go hiking up the mountain trails , you can walk thru their Cactus Garden . Sadly, the pool and several other areas are under renovation at this time. We have kids with us so they were pretty much disappointed they couldn't go to the pool .

This was my first stay at the Phoenician. In the last 3 years, I have stayed at all but one of the 4.5-5 star resorts in Scottsdale. I knew construction would be going on at the property, but not at this rate. I would say that probably 85% of common space at the hotel is closed off at this time. From the start, check in was nothing I had ever seen or experienced before. I stayed on an AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts rate which includes certain benefits which were not offered (was not given a survey or letter of benefits until the next day upon asking), and was asked if I wanted continental breakfast (upon asking I was told I was actually eligible for $80/day breakfast credit). Also was not offered 4pm checkout as that is also a benefit of AMEX FHR & SPG Platinum.... the list goes on and on. I felt lied to about many benefits during checkin as they were not offered until asking. The "pool" is placed a far walk from the guest rooms and does not even have a sidewalk for part of the trek. The stones at the pool are scorching and after one day we neglected to return. The staff at the pool were very friendly and accommodating with ice water and the provided limited food/bev service. Breakfast in the steakhouse was great and I assume the $25 charge is discounted because of construction. Spa facilities were nonexistent although I believe they still offer services. This review mostly applies only for a visit during renovations, as staff for the most part were very friendly and accommodating. I feel the renovations should have been spread out into more stages as to not turn this 5 star resort into a war zone with 3 star hotel amenities. I wish I had taken my money and business elsewhere and fully regret staying at this property. I stayed 158 nights at this chain of properties in 2016 and have NEVER experienced a stay like this. I hope this is taken to heart as I want the Phoenician to learn from this experience, however I will never return.