May 8 2008: I am a hotel snob, hooked on everything from heavenly beds to French-milled soaps to a luscious plasma screen. In my day, I've racked up an average of 90 nights a year criss-crossing the globe for as a market researcher. (And yes, sometimes I'm lucky enough to be working with travel clients) I am admittedly persnickety. And when I discover a little gem tucked away amidst the gargantuan convention resorts and thin-walled budget motels, I am tempted to keep it to myself. But the Royal Palms is hardly a secret. Years ago, an Execucar driver told me about it but at the time I was fixated on the Sanctuary. But Christmas was looming and we foolishly we thought we'd find some sunshine in Phoenix. We'd didn't -- we should have gone to Cabo for that -- but what we did find was so indescribably soaked in sunny Mediterranean charm and style that we almost didn't miss the rays. You can virtually feel every dollar spent on the renovation, from the fresh orangey scent of the Spa to the artistry of the lush, night-lit gardens and the traditionally rustic furnishings. There are real paintings on the wall, 'rare' books on the shelves plus cobblestone nooks and crannies galore. Jasmine hangs sweet and heavy over stucco. The restaurant, T. Cook, is a bit too hip and happening for my mellow tastes but it was packed so clearly others enjoyed it. All the nuanced details are well in place ... from the comfy bedrooms and baths with designer product to the spiced hot cider in the lobby when you check in. Only one nit -- the hotel charges a resort fee per day. And when you check in, the bellman recites a little ditty about all that it covers. Valet parking, etc. It *seems* like the hefty fees covers virtually everything and we walked away relieved to finally find a resort fee that seemed almost justified. BUT when we checked out, we discovered that in fact it did NOT cover services at the pool. While we shivered under giant towels and blankets in search of the sun, we'd been catered to by an obliging poolman. We had no idea that this pool service was not part of the resort fee. This was the one blemish on an otherwise delightful visit. And btw, it was safe enough for a rambunctious 5 year old.
Date of stay: December 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Kids)
Location. Royal Palms Resort and Spa is one mile from the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area in Phoenix, Ariz. The hotel is less than two miles from Scottsdale, Ariz., and the Arizona Country Club. Fashion Square Mall is three miles from the hotel. Hotel Features. The tiled entrance of Royal Palms Resort and Spa features a 250 year old antique fountain. The lobby displays mahogany double doors and French windows. Sofas and upholstered armchairs surround the fireplace. Gardens and hidden patios adorn the resort's acreage. Stone walkways lead to antique fountains and gardens. Camelback Mountain is visible from the 33 foot long outdoor pool, cabanas and chaise lounges. Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms features treatments using herbs, flowers, oils and minerals indigenous to the region. The spa offers Acqua Dolce Villa with two heated stone tables below overhead showers. An 8 foot grotto waterfall shower and a Watsu pool are available within a private garden terrace. The spa includes a full service salon. The hotel's 24 hour fitness center offers cardiovascular equipment including an elliptical machine, stair stepper and stationary bicycle. Free weights and personal trainers for a fee are available. T. Cook's serves Mediterranean cuisine such as Porcini pasta with nd resort fee. mushrooms, asparagus & truffle. The restaurant offers colonial Spanish inspired architecture, vaulted ceilings and views of the Camelback Mountains. The resort offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space with stone fireplaces.
Guestrooms. Guestrooms at Royal Palms Resort and Spa are located in a two story Plaza building. Guestrooms feature balconies or patios that open to a common courtyard with views of the pool or Camelback Mountain. Guestrooms offer canopy beds with 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets and blankets. French doors and fireplaces are offered. Rooms include minibars. Select rooms exhibit European antiques, tiles and artifacts. Tile and marble bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers and toiletries from the resort's spa.
Expert Tip. Camelback Mountain offers summit trails for experienced climbers and base trails for beginning hikers. Camelback Mountain's cliffs and rock are comprised of red sandstone and granite. Small animals found in the Sonoran Desert include cottontail rabbits, lizards, rattlesnakes and birds. Saguaro cacti are abundant.
May 8 2008: I am a hotel snob, hooked on everything from heavenly beds to French-milled soaps to a luscious plasma screen. In my day, I've racked up an average of 90 nights a year criss-crossing the globe for as a market researcher. (And yes, sometimes I'm lucky enough to be working with travel clients) I am admittedly persnickety. And when I discover a little gem tucked away amidst the gargantuan convention resorts and thin-walled budget motels, I am tempted to keep it to myself. But the Royal Palms is hardly a secret. Years ago, an Execucar driver told me about it but at the time I was fixated on the Sanctuary. But Christmas was looming and we foolishly we thought we'd find some sunshine in Phoenix. We'd didn't -- we should have gone to Cabo for that -- but what we did find was so indescribably soaked in sunny Mediterranean charm and style that we almost didn't miss the rays. You can virtually feel every dollar spent on the renovation, from the fresh orangey scent of the Spa to the artistry of the lush, night-lit gardens and the traditionally rustic furnishings. There are real paintings on the wall, 'rare' books on the shelves plus cobblestone nooks and crannies galore. Jasmine hangs sweet and heavy over stucco. The restaurant, T. Cook, is a bit too hip and happening for my mellow tastes but it was packed so clearly others enjoyed it. All the nuanced details are well in place ... from the comfy bedrooms and baths with designer product to the spiced hot cider in the lobby when you check in. Only one nit -- the hotel charges a resort fee per day. And when you check in, the bellman recites a little ditty about all that it covers. Valet parking, etc. It *seems* like the hefty fees covers virtually everything and we walked away relieved to finally find a resort fee that seemed almost justified. BUT when we checked out, we discovered that in fact it did NOT cover services at the pool. While we shivered under giant towels and blankets in search of the sun, we'd been catered to by an obliging poolman. We had no idea that this pool service was not part of the resort fee. This was the one blemish on an otherwise delightful visit. And btw, it was safe enough for a rambunctious 5 year old. 
