The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

Paula at the concierge desk made our stay feel effortless and special. We came all the way from Montreal, Canada, and from the start she showed kindness, professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care. She went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcome, looked after, and valued. Thanks to her, everything was smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. We’re so grateful for what she did. Paula deserves flowers for the experience she helped create. Thank you to her and the entire team at The Phoenician Scottsdale for an unforgettable stay in room 3037. We’re leaving with wonderful memories and a lot of gratitude. 🌸

Christian made check-in effortless, and his personal touch stayed with us. He noticed our somewhat uncommon last name and took a moment to get to know us. Later that evening, we returned to find a heartfelt handwritten welcome note, special snacks, and a thoughtfully prepared margarita cocktail ensemble. Service like that feels rare when staffing shortages can make interactions rushed and transactional. It reminded us that hospitality can be personal and meaningful, and that places able to deliver it consistently likely invest in their people and culture. The Phoenician was aesthetically beautiful, with activities and spaces for families and adults alike. There were multiple pools, several restaurants, recreational options, and quiet corners to relax. Our room was well appointed, the beds were comfortable, and the bathroom was spacious and functional. I notice details like water pressure, and it was more than adequate. The on-site restaurants had a nice variety, and the servers understood hospitality. The Tavern was lively and enjoyable, with good live music and excellent service. A couple of practical things: reservations are highly recommended at the restaurants. Seating can feel cumbersome, with several hand-offs even when it’s not busy. Poolside service was sometimes inattentive, and we occasionally had to flag someone down. Those problems were minor next to the overall experience. We enjoyed our stay last month. Given the price and a few operational hiccups, five stars may be a little generous, but I’d rate it a solid 9/10 and consider it for a visit to Scottsdale.

The spa services were great, though pricey, especially with the required 22% gratuity added. The cold shower there didn’t work, and there were no instructions for using it. Food was decent but very expensive. The tea was nice, though the food itself was just okay. Room service was a bright spot: the delivery person was friendly and helpful, and the food arrived hot and tasty. The pool was a little chilly, and our reserved chaise lounges were at the family pool even though we’d requested the adult pool. The resort felt rundown and dated. The front desk didn’t recognize my Marriott status. It took three tries to get a decent room, and the one we ended up with faced the lobby parking lot, so it was noisy and had no view. The first room smelled so strongly of sewer that you could smell it in the hallway. The second room’s balcony faced a wall. Everything was extremely overpriced, including a $28 espresso martini. I’d initially thought this would be a fun trip with friends, but I was there with my adult daughter. After seeing the clientele and the prices, I don’t think I’d return. I’d try somewhere else in Scottsdale, though maybe Scottsdale isn’t my scene.

The highlight of my nine days was the staff’s exceptional service. The banquet team in the excellent ballrooms never missed a beat and even helped us move signage around the resort. The resort itself is beautiful, though some rooms could use updating. With Camelback mountain in the background, the view is spectacular. I was thoroughly impressed with my stay. Thank you!