I have stayed at many resorts in Arizona, and feel that Carefree Resort & Villas should change their name. Carefree Hotel or Motel would be more appropriate. I only stayed their one night to attend a wedding in Cave Creek, AZ. The property is old, but somewhat charming (not worth the price). The staff was not very helpful or courteous. I even had a valet snap at me for his mistake. I chose Carefree Resort for its location. If I had the choice again, I would have spent a little more to stay at the Boulders or another property in Scottsdale.

I just got back from a three night stay at this resort. It was absolutely wonderful and just what you'd expect from an inn surrounded by the desert. The overall look of the property's exterior is very "retro" 60's or 70's, but the common spaces and rooms have all been remodeled. The staff was so helpful. I was there for a convention and spent a lot of time on the property. It was so fun to walk around the facilities and look at all the beautiful desert landscape, which I do not see much of in Florida! The food served was also fantastic. It was a great trip. I only wish that my family or friends could have experienced it with me!

My sister and I met in Arizona (we live on separate coasts) for a short girls' getaway. We chose this area so that we could travel to both Phoenix (for a baseball game) and Sedona for a day trip easily enough. Upon first glance the resort was an attractive, adobe style set of buildings. Our room was very nice and clean and updated (we did have a large flat screen tv which we used only once). We enjoyed the spa. Everyone was extremely friendly and tried to be helpful. My husband had called the hotel, unknown to me and surprised us with a welcome bottle of wine which was nicely set up in an ice bucket with 2 glasses and corkscrew. We did have some drawbacks though (mainly concerning food!). We were given a map of the immediate area and thought that was all that was available. We couldn't find any open restaurant anywhere for dinner, the first night there. We drove all over the map area. Finally, exhausted, we returned and had a quick bite in the bar. The map provided was just too limiting as we discovered another day. The internet cafe on site has hours posted as 6am-2pm (depending on guests). They closed early everyday, maybe due to lack of business. What about us guests who were there? We couldn't grab a quick drink or bite to eat. The activities on site weren't prominently displayed. Lastly, we asked the clerk behind the desk for some directions on getting back to the Phoenix airport. She had no clue. Isn't this something one would deal with often? Luckily, someone, maybe from the valet desk, handed us pre-printed directions. These aren't big things and I'd recommend it, though it is out of the way of major destinations.

The Carefree is an older resort. The rooms are spacious, but definitely not upscale. (No flatscreen, unremarkable bedding, older pedestrian furnishings) The furnishings were older and the room was showing its age. The staff was inexperienced and lacked the polish and perfection you expect at a resort in this price range. I stayed for a conference and there was a lot of negative feedback from my colleagues. Oh yes, it is a little out of the way also. I definitely will not return. They also charge a "resort fee" which I felt was not adequately disclosed.