The Carefree Resort and Villas offer a great value, picturesque surroundings, and a feeling of a more traditional, slower and simplier desert resort charm.

First of all, the setting is incredible, tucked into rolling desert terrain in the foothills north of Phoenix. I was most impressed with the architecture and design of the main lobby -- a cool oasis from the desert heat featuring tile floor, comfortable western furniture and large oil paintings of western/cowboy themes. The hotel lounge is incredibly cool and cavernous, and features billiard tables, plenty of round, dark-stained tables, and large leather sofas surrounding a large screen TV. Plenty of room to spread out and visit with friends, play cards, or watch the ballgame. Again, the western theme decor is perfect for setting a relaxing mood. There's also a small outside seating area where you can watch the monsoon storms roll in the late afternoon, coloring the sky with colorful gray and purple streaks and bringing a hint of rain.

Carefree's pool is large, clean, and perfect for play. The spa worked perfectly and the water was hot; the pool offering a refreshing cool respite after the tub. Plenty of large, thick towels for all, and plenty of chairs, loungers and tables with umbrellas for sitting or soaking up the sun all day.

OK, the rooms are not luxurous ... but they are clean, updated and comfortable. They are extra large motel-like units, with a large balcony overlooking the pool or mountains. Rooms featured a large working desk, and a smaller table and chairs. And they are longer and wider than expected, giving an uncrowded feeling.

The resort also has a unique "opera house," where live music and concerts are scheduled. Walking around the resort, you notice little design embellishments such as iron sculptures, thriving landscape plants suited for the desert, and lanterns to illuminate the large deck outside the restaurant. Also, off the lobby, is a comfortable coffee shop with free Internet on several computer screens.

The food was good and service (from housekeeping to front desk to restaurant) was fine. Again, not 5-star resort excellent, but attentive and fine. We had appetizers one night, and breakfast and lunch the next day. All in our party thought the food was tasty and well-prepared.

The resort is located minutes from Cave Creek, which features a number of fun and funky restaurants, taverns and saloons. If you enjoy cowboy roadhouse settings, you'll like the restaurants. The bars are well-known as great places to watch the sunset and enjoy a cold one. There are more upscale restaurants nearby, too, if that's what you're looking for.

Summer rates are about $100 a night, and you can pay less if you're lucky. At that price, the Carefree Resort is a bargain. It's nice to see an older resort fresh and alive, offering modern resort amenities with more old-school charms. One can easily spend an day or a week here, settling in and slowing down to a relaxing pace appropriate for summer days of 110 degrees.