Situated in southeastern Phoenix, the Arizona Grand Resort is only a 10-minute drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This resort is also within five minutes of South Mountain Park, a 16,000-acre park with more than 50 trails for hiking and horseback riding. The park also has a restaurant, Rustler's Rooste, on the foothills of South Mountain with scenic views of the city. Early evening allows the restaurant's patrons to view the sunset over the sprawling Phoenix metropolis. Rustler's Rooste is within walking distance of the resort's property. The resort is also within five minutes of restaurants and shopping at the Phoenix Mills Mall off Baseline Road.
Spa amenities at the resort include massage therapies and body treatments. During the summer and early fall, families who stay at the resort can take advantage of the on-site Oasis Water Park, which features three water slides that are eight stories tall.
Arizona Grand Resort
8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85044
866-267-1321
arizonagrandresort.com
The McCormick Ranch resort in northern Scottsdale resembles a desert oasis settlement, with two lush 18-hole golf courses on the resort's property and an outdoor swimming pool with a 20-foot waterfall. The resort also features an on-site restaurant, Pinion Grill, with menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and two- and three-bedroom villas with scenic views of Camelback Mountain. The restaurant has outdoor patio seating.
The resort is only a 15-minute drive from Echo Canyon Park, home of Camelback Mountain. Popular trails on the mountain include the "Summit Trail," which leads hikers to the peak of the mountain. This path is very rocky, so it is not recommended for novice hikers. Old Town Scottsdale, less than 15 minutes from the resort, features glass art exhibits at the Old Town Galleria Mall. This district of Scottsdale also features restaurants, night clubs and specialty stores for antique and Indian art shoppers.
Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch
7401 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-948-5050
millenniumhotels.com
The Royal Palms Resort, located in northern Phoenix, features southwestern décor on its buildings, such as terra cotta roofs and desert-inspired artwork in the resort's guest rooms and public areas. This hotel has been open since 1948, and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America organization. The resort is home to the Alvarado Spa, which has a fitness center, hair salon and the Watsu pool in the Acqua Dolce villa. This pool is used for water massage therapy sessions. On-site dining is available at T. Cook's, an upscale restaurant with a large fireplace and menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The resort is only a 15-minute drive from the Phoenix Mountains. This northern Phoenix mountain range, also referred to as "Squaw Peak" by the locals, features hiking and bicycling trails, which are accessible year-round. On Sundays, the park has a "Silent Sunday" policy, which prevents the use of motorized vehicles on the park's roads, which makes for peaceful hiking experiences. Royal Palms is within five minutes of off-site dining on Camelback Road and Indian School Road.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
5200 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
800-672-6011
royalpalmshotel.com
