Just returned from our family's belated summer vacation. Overall this trip exceeded our expectations. Here are some high points:
- Room set up was great for our family of 3 (my son is almost 2). There were three distinct parts- family room, bathroom pass through, master bedroom with plenty of room to walk around the pack&play/crib.
- Our location on the property was ideal. First floor, facing the family pool, steps from The Falls. Our rooms were 1045/1046. They were back to back and not adjoining as we requested but in the end it didn't matter. I would HIGHLY suggest this building for families still using strollers or anyone that doesn't want to hike. The downside is you dont get a view from your room and no real balcony.
- We got a crib, refrigerator and microwave (pay $15 for the stay for each of the last two items). We shopped at Safeway about 1/2 mile north of the property and ate breakfast and lunch in our room every day before putting my son down for a nap. Saved a ton of money. We dined out at night.
- We brought our portable DVD player on the flight and the plug which allowed us to play my son's favorites on the nice flat screen in the living room when we were in the room.
-Overall this seems like a great time to travel to the resort. The weekend was somewhat busy with a couple of weddings but no issue finding chairs around the pool. On the weekdays we were the only one in the pool until around 11am when a couple of others joined us.
- The Falls pool was perfect for our little guy. The graduated entrance allowed him to play safely while we were able to wade a little deeper or sit down to keep cool. Better than a baby pool as we could all enjoy it together.
-While my husband & son were sleeping I hiked every morning. It was wonderful and easy to access from the hotel area near the pool.
-We did actually order room service twice and surprisingly it was affordable based on what we were eating. The kids menu is $5-$6 items and good. We got a pizza and it was good and $13-15. I got a open face steak sandwhich for $15 as well. Other items on the menu like drinks and dinner meals were outrageous. Kids breakfast at point in time was also a deal- my parents took my son so I cant comment on the adult food.
My only complaints:
-The directions from the website take you from the airport on 51 to Northern and then you drive through a really unattractive & rough part of town to get to the hotel. I would advise driving further to Cactus and going to the hotel that way.
-The AC went out one day/night but the night manager was especially helpful in getting us a room for the evening in another part of the hotel with working AC and not having us move rooms entirely.
In general for the $141 we paid a night I though the value was outstanding. My parents want to return next year at the same time.
One other note: I am a huge fan of the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Princess and would suggest if you are looking for a great spa experience I would go there for 1/2 day and get a treatment, workout, relax at their pool, spa lunch and leave the kids home. Its pricey but worth every penny.
