Royal Palms

The restaurant and bar were excellent, but I can't recommend this hotel because of how staff handled my lost item. I left a distinctive Hermès scarf, valuable to me and deeply sentimental, neatly folded in the room. I realized right after checkout, before anyone had moved back in, and called immediately. They said nothing had been turned in. I called again that night and every day afterward, each time getting the same scripted line that they were in daily communication with housekeeping and nothing had been found. I asked them to physically check the room and offered to send a photo to identify the scarf. They declined and took no further action. I understand a hotel can't guarantee every lost item will be recovered, but when I reported it right away and there was still time to look, I expected urgency and effort, especially at this price. Instead, I felt dismissed.

We were in Scottsdale for a convention and found Royal Palms Resort & Spa to be a beautiful, calming retreat away from the city. The grounds and design have a quiet, upscale feel, and it's clear they put a lot of care into maintaining the guest experience. Service was a highlight. Every staff member we dealt with was warm, thoughtful, and professional, and the amenities and food were excellent. It felt like a special stay. If you want a luxury resort around Scottsdale or Phoenix for a convention, business, or a restful getaway, Royal Palms is worth considering.

The beds and pillows were very comfortable, and the rooms are spacious. The facility has a nice, authentic feel, and it's rated by Michelin in the new hotel category. I used the gym every day, though it could use a bit of sprucing up and a deep clean. The pool stays open all day, but the bar closes at 5, so after a work function you probably can't hang out and order there. You have to text room service to have an order brought to the pool, which isn't ideal. I'd stay again.

I first went to this resort when I was starting to explore luxury travel, and even after visiting some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts around the world, I still remember its warm welcome, beautiful scenery, and the cozy suite they generously upgraded me to. I'd never been upgraded to a premium suite without a loyalty account before. It's a small resort, but there's so much beauty and history in every corner that I got lost exploring. I took lots of walks because each one was so scenic. The design and history make it unforgettable, and I still haven't found another property in the US that matches its beauty. I know I keep saying “beauty,” but that's the word that comes to mind when I remember this stay. Once I've worked through my international wishlists, I think I'll come back many times. The standards here are hard to beat. It's still the BEST hotel or resort I've stayed at in the US, and in my top five globally.