<p>I started another thread about choosing a vacation spot and now we have decided on a resort/spa vacation in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Does anyone have any experience with any of the resorts in that area? There are so many to choose from and they all look beautiful! First hand experiences would be very helpful. Also, feel free to give advice on things to do in the area. We have been to Sedona and will definitely make a day trip there but any other lesser known treats would be great. Thanks!</p>
<p>We stayed at the Camelback Marriott and I wasn’t impressed. I would recommend a day visit to Taliesien West, Frank Lloyd Wrights place.</p>
<p>Here are a couple of older threads chock full of ideas. I second Taliesen West. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/861255-phoenix-az-tips.html?highlight=taliesen[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/861255-phoenix-az-tips.html?highlight=taliesen</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/656285-phoenix-sedona-trip-suggestions.html?highlight=taliesen[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/656285-phoenix-sedona-trip-suggestions.html?highlight=taliesen</a></p>
<p>We’ve stayed at both the Royal Palms and Sanctuary on Camelback. Both were long weekend getaways when our priorities were a great spa, good food, and luxurious comfort. The Royal Palms was absolutely perfect. At the Santuary our room and the spa were great; the food left a little to be desired. We’ve also stayed at the Phoenician - it’s just huge and impersonal. And IMHO, that “have to reserve a pool chair by 8:00am” thing is insane.
[Phoenix</a> Arizona Resorts & Hotels | Royal Palms Resort and Spa | Luxury Scottsdale Resorts](<a href=“http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/]Phoenix”>http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/)
[Sanctuary</a> Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa](<a href=“http://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com/content/index.html?]Sanctuary”>http://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com/content/index.html?)</p>
<p>I have visited several times. We stayed at hotels which were Hiltons, but I think may now owned by others at Squaw Peak and Tapatio. Both were nice and had spas, and what were more reasonable rates than the Scottsdale places which are more high end. We did try the Boulders in North Scottsdale. It is lovely, and expensive in general, although they have packages and it also depends on what season you visit. It is more on the outskirts of everything so a car is pretty much a necessity. I love the sedona mud spa treatment (actually any kind of mud treatment and I have had them in various locations). It is not for everyone, because they actually cover you in mud, but your skin will feel fabulous after this. I don’t much like massage, so I almost never get one.</p>
<p>We saw Taliesien West too, and the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix was worth a trip too. We like to visit old town Scottsdale and the Fashion Mall in Scottsdale. Lots of great golf (my game is lousy though). We went horseback riding as well. If you have enough time you can make side trips to Sedona or even the Grand Canyon. We did not see any of the college or pro sports while we were in this area.</p>
<p>I have also vacationed in Tuscon, and in general, I prefer Phoenix/Scottsdale. There is a great desert zoo/museum in the Tuscon area, and we really enjoyed it. We saw a basketball game at University of Arizona there. We try to go to sporting events when we travel, college or pro, but this may not be what you want to do on your spa trip.</p>