I'm fairly difficult to impress and it's quite rare for me to stay anywhere without finding at least a few nits and picks - but frankly our 5 day stay here during August left me with only the smallest of complaints.
I'm not able to respond to other's comments as to how this resort stacks up against other Four Seasons properties. Certainly this is a relatively small resort without a huge range of features. Those that are provided however were top notch. Only once during our stay did we hear anything other than "yes sir, I'll take care of that sir". Much more typical were "Yes of course".
The resort is really centered around the pool / spa / golf experiences. It'd be difficult to fault the near by Troon North golf courses. Conditions were perfect, service matched. A bit further from the hotel than I expected (5 minute drive).
The spa was rather basic, I would have liked at least a plunge pool or hot tub - but the absence didn't ruin the experience for me. Spa services were well done. Staff was very attentive and prices while high, weren't as outrageous as I might have expected.
Service around the pool was fantastic. Staff rushed to help "set-up" your cabana with chair covers, towles and pitchers of water (which they refilled all through the hot day). Water and towels were constantly refreshed. Bar service was attentive and prompt. Drinks and food were well prepared. Finally a place where you don't have to "reserve" a chair with a book at sunrise. Regardless of the time we arrived there were always both chairs and cabanas available. Staff was quick to clear unused chairs - something I very much appreciate.
Our room, in building 11, was quite nice and clearly recently refreshed. It was more than fine given the summer rates. I was told that the same room would go for $800 on a winter weekend - I'd have trouble feeling good about spending that much. The refreshed rooms were tasteful, clean and efficient. Still it's clear that this property has been around a while and that price WAS an object in the remodel (I suppose it always is), some corners were clearly cut here and there.
Breakfasts at Crescent Moon were good - we had a breakfast package and made the most of it. Dinner at Talavera was very good, but perhaps not a good value. Undoubtedly eating Al Fresco at Onyx bar struck a better balance between service and cost.
Finally, the rate we booked had decreased by the day of travel. Without even asking, my rate was reduced at check-in to the currently available rate!
I look forward to returning soon.
So, what didn't I like? Well building 11 is about as far from the lobby as one can possibly be. At checkin a golf cart was provided to get up the hill, at other times it just wasn't worth the wait to get a ride up / down. The walk through the desert heat wasn't always welcome. Servicing of the room was a bit hit or miss. Some days things went missing (creamer for the coffee one day, shampoo the next) - I suppose some would deduct more than I have for these oversights - but frankly the total experience was so great that I just can't bring myself to take much away for these small errors.
