The Phoenician Resort, Scottsdale
More photosThe Phoenician, situated at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, opened in 1988 as a $300 million project envisioned by Charles Keating. Designed by the firm Killingsworth, Stricker, Lindgren, Wilson and Associates, the resort was built on grounds that once held historic desert retreats like the Jokake Inn. To achieve its lavish aesthetic, white marble was imported from Italy, and the lobby ceiling was adorned with 24-karat gold.
The property is famous for its massive, curated art collection and lush, exotic landscaping, which was meticulously crafted by artisans brought in from Tonga. One of its most distinctive features is the “Mother of Pearl” pool, which contains millions of hand-laid, iridescent Italian tiles that create a shimmering sanctuary. For guests seeking extra privacy, the resort includes the Canyon Suites, an exclusive “resort within a resort” concept.
Beyond its opulent design, the grounds offer extensive recreational amenities, including a 27-hole championship golf course and a three-story spa facility. The resort remains a landmark of Southwestern luxury, having hosted countless dignitaries and celebrities over the years.
Its prime location makes it a perfect starting point for local exploration. Hikers can easily access the popular Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain, while culture enthusiasts are just a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale’s art galleries, the Heard Museum, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary Taliesin West. Whether you are relaxing by the pools or heading out to explore the Sonoran Desert, the resort offers a quintessential Arizona escape.
Expert reviews
“In a town where luxurious, expensive resorts are the rule, the Phoenician still stands apart, primarily in the realm of service. The gilded, marbled lobby with towering fountains is the backdrop for a $25 million fine-art collection.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Phoenix.
“Situated on 250 acres nestled right up against Camelback Mountain, this palatial getaway—recently given a spectacular complete makeover—is the model of a world-class resort. The expansive grounds are dotted with magnificent Native American sculptures; two giant works by Allan Houser frame the main lobby entrance.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Phoenix.
“Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort is a cactus-dappled, sepia-toned retreat with sprawling green lawns, spouting statue fountains and a community of curvy pools cuddled together amid a collage of cabanas.”
What guests liked
- Great service
- Pool area
- Top location
Location
Recent guest reviews
26 September 2025
Passable
14 July 2025
Exceptional
19 December 2024
Exceptional
12 December 2024
Exceptional
15 September 2024
Exceptional
17 July 2024
Exceptional
15 July 2024
Exceptional
8 July 2024
Fabulous
25 June 2024
Great and will return
3 June 2024
Will be returning
28 May 2024
Fabulous
20 May 2024
Fabulous
22 February 2024
Exceptional
4 December 2023
Exceptional
4 December 2023
Very good
30 November 2023
Fabulous
23 October 2023
Fabulous
4 October 2023
Dress nice if you want fast, friendly service and prepare to boil in the hot tub.
Food was good as always and location is top notch for accessing Old Town Scottsdale. J & G Steakhouse is one of the best Jean Georges locations we have experienced.
The staff in the lobby bar were very snooty; observation suggest they very much rate guests based on their appearance. Also, the hot tubs shut off at 6pm! Considering we were there in the summer months, one would only likely use the hot tub at night.
30 September 2023
Fabulous
28 September 2023
Exceptional
10 September 2023
Exceptional
14 August 2023
Exceptional
5 July 2023
Exceptional
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Minimarket on site
- - Paid WiFi
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Evening entertainment
- - Tennis equipment (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
Pool and wellness
- - Water slide
- - Heated pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Kids' pool
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Entertainment & family services
- - Kids' outdoor play equipment
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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Exceptional