Review: The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Scottsdale, Arizona

Legend has it that the first person to buy the land that would eventually become the home of The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Scottsdale, Ariz., befriended one of the jackrabbits that scurries around cactus-studded Camelback Mountain, which backs up to what is now the 254-acre property.

That woman, a painter named Jessie Benton Evans, was drawn to the land because of its beauty — and so when she painted the landscape, so too, did little bunny Phoe-Phoe.

Well, at least that’s the lore according to the book, “Camping at The Phoenician with Phoe-Phoe & Friends,” which my 2-year-old daughter received upon our check-in to the 585-room resort, where she would spot a bunny outside our patio the following morning and many times after.

We were sure it was Phoe-Phoe herself, welcoming us to the AAA Five Diamond resort, which is perhaps one of the most family-friendly hotels in the Western U.S. — and just plain friendly. Warm service, warm temperatures and all the makings of a desert oasis set the stage for a memorable family trip. 

The Pool Scene 

With year-round warm weather — which can start reaching the triple digits as early as April — it’s no surprise that the property has heavily invested in its pools. Three recreational pools, one adults-only pool — laid in Mother of Pearl tile — a 197-foot-long waterslide and a Kids Zone that we nicknamed “the waterpark” keep guests happy and refreshed. 

For younger kids, the kids’ area sets the property apart. Here, “palm trees” shower kiddos with cool water, and oversize lady bugs and frogs shoot out water from their sides. Older kids take control of the two water guns, while a light-up splash pad in the center is the cherry on top. 

Adjacent to this area is a multilevel, open-air treehouse, with different interactive features on each level — the best being the wobbly suspension bridge. 

While there are plenty of pool chairs, we loved the ease (and guaranteed shade) of having a cabana, which comes with a choice of a fruit plate or Champagne, a large pitcher of water, refrigerated drinks, a flat-screen television and towels. 

It was especially great to know our cabana would still be waiting for us in the late afternoon, after my daughter was up from her nap. (Cabanas fit six, and we saw lots of combined family groups opt for cabanas as an easy meeting point.)

Food at the pool is also much better than usual poolside fare, thanks to Kalio Kabobery, which serves tasty kabobs, falafel wraps and healthy salads, along with plenty of the usual hits, including burgers, Dippin’ Dots and smoothies.

The Funicians Club 

While so many kids’ clubs are still closed or operating on a skeleton schedule thanks to the pandemic, The Funicians Club is operating at full force with a mix of complimentary and fee-based activities offered throughout the day.

Activities range from a daily crafts hour and family trivia to cookie decorating and our personal favorite, making a stuffed animal. In honor of Phoe-Phoe, my daughter chose to stuff a jackrabbit — complete with a cotton heart for love. 

The club is a fun space, decorated with age-appropriate graffiti and fronted by a large fish tank.

For older kids, there is also a 2,100-square-foot Game Room next to the impressive gym complex. So, while parents work out, teens can occupy themselves with shuffleboard, video games, a pool table and more.

Rooms and Dining

Guestrooms are delightfully oversize, with entry-level bedrooms starting at 600 square feet. One-bedroom suites in the main building — such as the one we stayed in — range from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet.

Everything is spacious, from the living room, dining room and kitchenette to the bedroom. The suite features two full bathrooms, each with a soaking tub and separate shower, plenty of counterspace and a separate toilet room.

Parents will love that the bedroom and the living room each have entry doors, meaning no one is getting nap trapped here. There are also three separate terraces for solo outdoor time. 

Our location on the first floor, next door to the Mowry & Cotton restaurant — our pick for breakfast — and a short walk from the pool, was ideal. At the first sign of toddler “hanger,” we could be at the restaurant in minutes. Plus, a large greenbelt fronting the room was a convenient spot for our kiddo to burn off energy and make new friends over her first game of tag.

In addition to Mowry & Cotton, we loved eating at The Phoenician Tavern, which overlooks the hotel’s 18-hole golf course and provides hearty options such as spinach and artichoke dip, spicy fried dill pickles, burgers and a must-try hot cookie skillet with ice cream.

And because I am a mom — and need morning espresso to turn on in the morning — I made sure to visit the Marketplace coffee shop every morning for my latte, though they also have snacks and quick bites here for easy access.

Across from the coffee shop at the foot of Camelback Mountain, there is a cactus garden that I had the courage to bring my toddler to on our final morning at the resort.

Thankfully, she kept her hands to herself, and delighted in the various shapes and colors of the cacti, which she likened to cucumbers, watermelon and even a T-Rex.

I thought back to Phoe-Phoe and the hotel’s origins — there’s just something about the property that inspires one’s inner artist.