Disclosure: I received complimentary accommodations, and some food and activities in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
Over the holidays, my family of six went on an Arizona Adventure to spend almost two weeks with my sisters, parents, nieces and nephews in Scottsdale, Arizona. We had tons of fun hanging at my sister’s house, letting my kids get in a lot of “cousin time” and me some “sister time”. My mom cooked awesome meals and despite there being 12 kids running around, it was a very relaxing trip. One of the highlights was our getaway to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Over the holidays, my family of six went on an Arizona Adventure to spend almost two weeks with my sisters, parents, nieces and nephews in Scottsdale, Arizona. We had tons of fun hanging at my sister’s house, letting my kids get in a lot of “cousin time” and me some “sister time”. My mom cooked awesome meals and despite there being 12 kids running around, it was a very relaxing trip. One of the highlights was our getaway to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.My oldest sister and brother-in-law graciously babysat my four kids overnight (which they added to their own 8 kids) and let my husband and I have a romantic tryst away from the kids for a night at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. From the fireplace in our room, to the cozy fireside dining, to the brilliant Christmas light display, romance was oozing out of the resort’s well-appointed pores. The only problem was when sleep-deprived parents get a night alone what do they want to do? Sleep! After a drink and late night snack at Bourbon Steak, we took in the lights and then relaxed by the fireplace in our room before cozy contentment overtook us.
The next day we collected our crew from my sister’s house, and headed back to find the family-friendly side of the resort. I love that they have both! My older kids went to the Trailblazers Kids Club for the afternoon and my husband and I took the little ones to the pool (heated year round) and playground. My older ones absolutely loved the Trailblazers Kids Club and didn’t want to leave the counselors and friends. I felt very comfortable with this supervised program and would use them again in a heart beat.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a luxury resort with a relaxed vibe. In addition to the pools (complete with water slide), the resort also offers a full range of family-focused activities including basketball, tennis, a full spa, fitness center, fishing (no license needed), and during the holidays…a magnificent lights display, train ride, and ICE SKATING!
After a day spent enjoying the warm desert climate, we ventured to La Hacienda for some fine Mexican dining. I loved that the restaurant was definitely upscale but no one batted an eye at our large amount of little kids. We all tried some new things (queso fundido!) and we even made it to dessert (made-to-order churros!). Yes! TIP: For parents who want a little kick to their night, La Hacienda offers 250 varieties of Tequila and a super cool flaming coffee that is a show in itself. Also, the table-prepared guacamole was delish!
If you can swing it, book a Fairmont Gold room at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, or any Fairmont. The lounge serves a complimentary full breakfast, snacks during the day, soft drinks, hot appetizers before dinner and desserts at night. They also had a great selection of books, games and movies to borrow. And the lounge is a nice relaxing place to chill out. We watched “Dora” in the middle of the afternoon on theiir huge-screen TV while snacking and enjoying a cold beverage. Very, very nice.Anyone going to the Scottsdale or Phoenix area should check out the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It is a luxury resort without the pretentiousness one may expect. TIP: Ask for a first floor unit if you have a stroller (no elevators for the cassitas) and be sure to ask for the great kid’s menu at all the restaurants.
Visit the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess with your kids or without them…you’ll have fun either way. Did you hear Phoenix hosts two Bowl games AND next year’s Super Bowl? Book early and often my friends.
[…] place for us and one I hope to visit again. [See the review of other hotel stays in Scottsdale here and here.] I also spent two nights at the sprawling Phoenician Resort, which was the host hotel for […]