Wow, what an experence. We went for New Years get away and loved it. (Already booked to go back next year) Staff, people, service and location is great. No need to leave. Spa is fabulous. And for the level of services the cost was unexpectedly great. This could be the start of yearly adventure.

Returned to the Camelback Inn after many years and found that this storied hotel has been eclipsed by many other hotels/resorts in Arizona. That's why this hotel isn't even on the 5 or 4-start Forbes (the successor to Mobil Travel Guide) list. I'm frankly surprised they've managed to keep their 5 Diamonds from AAA, since it really isn't in the same league with other properties.

Let's start with the good: (1) still a truly magnificant setting, fabulous landscape and centrallly located in Scottsdale; (2) good dining options on the property (a branch of BLT Steak and Rita's hotel restaurant is quite good); and (3) a very friendly and well-trained staff and management.

The bad: The entire place has a tired and dated decor - our casita must have looked fresh in 1980. The bathrooms in most casitas are tiny and not even close to what you'd find in a modern Courtyard hotel! Noisy, inefficient heating/AC in each room. The amenities (soaps, etc.) are fine but indistinguishable from a nice Hyatt -- not really important but indicative of management's approach. The whole place needs a massive capital infusion and extensive remodeling if they want to even begin to compete with the nearby Santuary or other top hotels. (Don't get me wrong, they can still keep some of the 1930's original charm....but a lot needs major updating.)

The spa is beautiful but lacks an indoor pool and there's an extra $35/day spa charge ON TOP OF THE MANDATORY $25/day "resort fee". The resort fee is just plain irritating and I think they'd be better off increasing their stated rates than having so many guests be annoyed by a fee payable regardless of whether you rent a bike or use the internet.....really makes them look cheap.

So in short, if you get a great deal on rates, this is an OK place to stay in Scottsdale and you can have a lovely time. But if you are looking for a real luxury experience and want to feel like you are in world-class place, you have a lot better other resort options close by, which don't cost all that much more and are a much better value.

First time at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing weekend. My husband and I have two kids with no family around us so it is not often we get a chance to get away for the weekend. We stayed there for my 40th birthday and the room was so nice better than I expected it to be and the restaurant Rita Kitchen food was fabulous. Although it was just my husnband and I for the weekend I would definitely go back with the kids as they are kid friendly. The views are beautiful with the surrounding mountains and tranquility. My husband and I live in Phoenix and are looking forward to our next stay there. We are also think ing that we might even renew our wedding vows there as well.

Each room is a Casita where you feel like it is your own condo, most wonderfully landscaping I have seen; remniscent of the Desert Botanical Garden. Staff engineer was quick and finished the job precisely when called (TV didnt work properly). House keeping needs to check the sheets for stains...we had several. Restaurants, gym and pool were top notch. Highly recommend this place for anyone; couples with kids, romantic weekends, golfers, spa addicts...anyone.