We just spent four nights on the golf package at The Boulders and we can't recommend it. The property is gorgeous, but the entire resort needs a face-lift. The bathrooms look very late-80's. The TV in the room was so small and far from the bed that you couldn't use the remote unless you walked to the end of the bed -- plus just a VCR player, no DVD. The rooms are pretty bland and dingy, and that goes for the whole decor everywhere. The golf courses are gorgeous, but the pace of play was awful. They're filled with corporate outings and bad, slow resort players. The front desk people were incredibly rude and unhelpful. The two positives were the Spa, which is great, and the food overall was excellent.

They need a face-lift and new, better management and staff, and it would be a world-class resort.

We spent 4 nights at the Boulders in late September 2006 to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We are 38 and 48 and vacation quite a bit. We having nothing but great things to say about our experience at the Boulders. We might have to make it an annual trip. Staff members were everywhere, and were very friendly and helpful. We laughed at how happy they all seemed. The grounds are beautiful, the spa experience was great, and my husband loved the golf. We were continually surprised how they seeming to think of everything, from little details in our room to cold bottled water and a map in our car as we checked out and headed to the airport. Yes, the resort is about 20 years old, so the rooms aren't new, but ours had been well-cared for and was very comfortably furnished. A couple tips: be prepared to walk; be prepared to pay high-end resort prices for drinks and food; and check out Binkley's Restaurant in Cave Creek if you want a fantastic fine-dining experience!

I am surprised at the reviews that this establishment has been receiving lately. Did we stay at the same place? They are terrifically undeserved. I travel A LOT and was very much looking forward to my romantic weekend at The Boulders. It was a disaster.

First when we checked in we were given a room with two double beds, not a King like I had requested. When we were finally moved we were given a room with a King size bed but also an infestation of cockroaches. When we mentioned this to the staff on our way to dinner no one seemed particularily surprised. They said that they would have housekeeping come by. But when we returned from a very ordinary and pricey dinner at Latilla they were still there. We also asked for and were charged for a stand alone casita which we did not receive.

The golf was OK. Again nothing special. It was overbooked and we started a half hour late. Someone should have mentioned that one of the courses would be shut down for seeding at the time of our game.

And as for the comment that I read below where the guests were driven to their room at no charge, I would like to point out that you are charged. $29/day for service charges whether they are deserved or not. This does not include food, beverage or spa gratuities. In fact when we had a drink at Bogey's (the golf course) we had a 19% "service charge" added on. And then we were charged for internet service that we couldn't even connect to. When we mentioned this at the front desk at check out we were told that "Its a 3rd party provider...nothing I can do." That sure isn't the customer service that I would have received from a real 5 star facility.

Next time I'm saving my time and my weekend and going somewhere with a bit more class like the Scottsdale Princess or Four Seasons. At least they have customer service. Something which The Boulders is definitely lacking. The only thing I enjoyed about my weekend was the car ride to the airport.

Upon arrival the staff valet parked our hire car at no extra charge and took us to our room in a golf cart.
ROOMS - spacious, comfortable beds. Slightly outdated bathrooms - but spacious. We had a scorpion in our bathtub but flushed it down the drain - I guess to be expected in the middle of the desert.
SPA treatments - fantastic - I am 7 months pregnant so opted for a maternity massage with Regina - very professional and overall a wonderful relaxing experince. All amenities in locker rooms.
FOOD - Breakfast one day at Spa Cafe - exceptional - ate on the terrace overlooking pool and boulders, very tranquil. Service staff very friendly and polite.
Dinner one night at Latilla - VERY good. My husband had the 5 course wine pairing menu and I had the regular 5 course tasting and it was delicious. Large portions for a tasting menu - which isn't a bad thing, but left us VERY full for dessert!
Spotted Donkey - in nearby shopping mall. Very good food with excellent service, reasonable prices.
Lodge Pool lunch - excellent.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Boulders.
A few pointers:
1) If you're unable to walk far (due to age, illness or pregnancy ) and are not using the spa I would advise to request a room nearer the lodge as we were in Room 284 and was quite a hike from the lodge and eating areas (but, very close to the spa). Saying that, the golf carts are always available to take you to and from your rooms.
2) Try to book spa appointments in advance - they get busy.
3) If you're intersested in Horseback Riding - the concierge make reservations for guided trail rides - my husband did and enjoyed very much at a nearby ranch - he is a novice rider and had a great time.
We would definitely return to The Boulders but book in advance (we only booked a week beforehand) to ensure a room with a view.