Arrival/Check-In: We pulled into the vast main entrance of The Phoenician a little after 8 p.m. The street lamps offered a glimpse of the exquisite landscaping and expansive grounds of the property. At first it felt like a large, gated community with multiple buildings and driveways, a bit overwhelming for a weary traveler. But before I had to choose a route, I was asked to stop at a small gatehouse where staff directed me to the main lobby and called ahead to let them know I had arrived. A valet took my car, and I was in my room within minutes.

Guest Quarters: Though it doesn’t feel like it, the lobby is located on the third floor of the building; my room was also on this floor. The entrance to my room opened into a comfortable living area with a large sofa, a chair and a TV. A large desk and chair made for a spacious work area. Sliding glass doors opened to a large balcony facing the vast pools and beautiful desert view.

The second room of the suite featured a large, comfortable bed dressed with imported Italian linens. The spacious bathroom featured Italian marble with a separate shower and bathtub. A room this size could be a comfortable home for many nights.

Services/Amenities: The Phoenician’s amenities seem almost endless. From the 27-hole championship golf course and the nine pools and 165-foot water slide to the 22,000-square-foot spa with 24 treatment rooms, everything is grand. Dining selections include four formal restaurants, five casual dining spots and five private dining rooms.

Not wanting to miss out on sampling the fare on our single-night stay, my colleague and I made a 9 p.m. reservation at Il Terrazzo, The Phoenician’s contemporary Italian restaurant. We were shown to our table on the patio under the bright desert stars and enjoyed a three-course meal that included homemade pasta and artisan breads baked on site.

The Experience: I greatly enjoyed my stay at The Phoenician, though it was a little strange to stay at such an expansive resort for a single-night business trip. One would think the 250-acre property would be too vast to efficiently support the needs of a business traveler, but I did not find this to be the case, as all services were very convenient to my room. However, I will say that in my short stay I didn’t experience a fraction of what The Phoenician has to offer, and I look forward to returning to further explore.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Phoenician, Scottsdale

6000 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
tel 480 941 8200
thephoenician.com