Set in the Sonoran Desert, this resort delivers on a 5-star vacation for both kids & parents.
Scottsdale was once known as a Wild West town; now it’s Arizona’s luxury watering hole with posh Sonoran mountainside resorts offering breathtaking vistas, outdoor activities, and 299 days of sunshine annually. All this makes for an easy, relaxing, and fun family getaway.
If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities as well as a luxury adult vacation, look no farther than The Phoenician Resort & Spa. The resort sits at the base of famous Camelback Mountain. It just underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation with new additions like a spa, athletic and activity center, restaurants, and redesigned rooms. I promise, you’ll be impressed.
Resort accommodations
The resort offers several different accommodations. You’ll find well-appointed rooms in the main hotel with either one king- or two queen-sized beds. There also are 107 casita rooms, some with outside fire pits. We stayed in a ground level, fireside casita. Much to the delight of my kids, this room gave us easy access to the pools, slide, splash pad, and treehouse. The casita has a huge bathroom and a spacious room to spread out. Be aware, the casitas come with either one king bed or two “European queen” beds (that’s fancy talk for oversized double beds), so our family of four had to get cozy to sleep. On the plus side, when you stay in a casita, you have free parking right outside your door, and you’re around the corner from the all new Phoenician Spa and the new activity center. You’ll also get incredible views of Camelback Mountain and see cottontail rabbits hopping all over the lawn.
KidTripster Tip: The casitas are next to the family-friendly Mother of Pearl pool, which means no traipsing through the hotel to get to the pools. They’re literally right outside your door. Since we spent so much time at the pools during our visit, the location was perfect.
Rates start at $169/night for the hotel rooms during low season (May 31- August 31) and $600/night during high season (January-April). Casitas run about $60/night more. Yes, that’s quite a difference depending on the season. That’s why I advise going during the summer so that you can enjoy this 5-star resort at 2-star prices. The weather will be hot, but simply plan your day accordingly. Spend time outdoors at the pools and athletic courts during the morning and evenings; move inside for other activities during the afternoon or visit some of the area’s other attractions. For ideas, check out KidTripster’s Top 10 Plays for Phoenix-Scottsdale.
KidTripster Tip: During low season, you also can take advantage of other discounts, like buy one spa treatment get a second 50% off or all-day happy hour specials, just to name a few.
Resort activities
The newly-renovated, three-tiered pool deck is the star of this resort. The pool deck begins on the ground level with the Mother of Pearl pool. The next level is where you’ll find the new slide, splash pad, and treehouse, as well as an adult-only pool area. The third level, which is closest to the main hotel, offers a large pool area, reserved poolside seating, and a restaurant and bar.
There’s also a brand new athletic facility and kid-friendly, air-conditioned, activity center which features video games, pool tables, and shuffleboard, just to name a few activities. Outside the activity center, your kids will gravitate to the new tennis courts and a half court basketball court; my kids insisted on being here every morning.
KidTripster Tip: We rented a cabana at the Mother of Pearl pool one day during our stay, and it was well worth the splurge. With a fully-shaded space plus ceiling fan, TV, and couch, my kids were in heaven! The service was impeccable, as well. We also had four lounge chairs with the cabana, and without ever having to ask our server, he continually moved the overhead umbrellas to keep the loungers out of the sun.
I highly recommend taking the golf cart safari tour. We learned so much about the flora, fauna, and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Our guide, Brandi (who created the experience), loves sharing of the desert with others. It really was a memorable experience for both kids and parents. Cost: Youth $15; Adult $20; make reservations 24 hours in advance; only offered Fridays through Sundays.
Be sure to make use of the Funician Kids Club. There’s a fee to use the club during the day. Cost: Half day with lunch $75; Full day with lunch $95; open to kids, ages 5 through 12. We took advantage of the Night Owl program at the club. THIS IS BRILLIANT! If you choose to pay the daily $35 resort fee, the Night Owl program is complimentary for up to two children per night. You can drop the kids off from 5 to 9 p.m., and they’ll enjoy an evening of crafts, games, movies, and dinner. They may also get a chance to hold the kids’ club mascot: Camelback the tortoise. Parents must stay on the property and make a 24-hour advance reservation. My 10-year-old was not keen on the idea of going to the Night Owl program. However, when my husband and I picked up him and his younger brother, we ended up staying another 30 minutes while both kids finished their activities, and they asked to go back the following day! Seriously, this is one of the best amenities of this resort.
KidTripster Tip: For an additional fee, the resort also offers I.FLY.TRAPEZE, an activity that we’ll need to try next time!
While the kids are at the club, you must try the spa, which opened in May 2018. It’s both beautiful and tranquil. Your stress starts to melt away from the moment you walk through the doors. The spa services are exceptional, and don’t forget to check out the new spa pool, which you can only use if you’re getting a treatment. Spoil yourself; it’s worth the money.
For more things to do in Phoenix-Scottsdale, read KidTripster’s Top 10 Plays.
Resort dining
We mainly dined on the property, because it was so convenient with good choices. During our day at the cabana, we ate at the new poolside restaurant, Kalio Kabobery. The food at this Mediterranean-inspired, casual eatery had great flavor and was well priced. There’s also a kids’ menu which features the usual kid staples: corn dogs, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets.
When the kids went to the Night Owl program, my husband and I checked out Mowry & Cotton. This new restaurant offered great views, locally-inspired food and drink, and good service. During the summer months, the restaurant offers $30 prix-fixe meals.
The whole family dined one evening at Relish Burger Bistro, overlooking the new golf course, set to open in November 2018. This dinner was delicious! The burgers were excellent, and the table s’mores for dessert were a huge hit. Unfortunately, this restaurant will be closing July 2018 for a major renovation. It’ll reopen in early 2019 and be renamed the Phoenician Tavern. The menu will be getting an overhaul with more upscale, pub food, but I’ve been assured all the burgers are staying on the menu.
We also checked out The Marketplace, a grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, coffee, and gelato bar. The kids loved the gelato and the homemade pastries.
KidTripster Tip: The Phoenician is just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, where you’ll find other great restaurant choices. One of our favorites is Sugarbowl (4005 N. Scottsdale Rd.). This soda fountain restaurant, which is pink so you can’t miss it, has been offering sandwiches, salads, and ice cream since 1958. It’s a fun spot for the whole family. After you eat all that ice cream, take a stroll through Old Town with the kids. It’s a great way to see the real Scottsdale.
For more family-friendly options, check out KidTripster’s Top 10 Eats for Phoenix-Scottsdale.
KidTripster Tip: Scottsdale is quiet and uncrowded during the summer. It’ll be hot, but you’ll find incredible discounts all over town, making it an affordable family vacation.
Getting to The Phoenician
The Phoenician is about 11 miles from the airport. If you’re planning on staying on the property, there’s no need for a rental car. Just take a taxi or ride share vehicle to the resort. However, if you want to explore the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, rent a car.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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