I see some terrible reviews of this resort during the month of August '08 so I would like to remind people that resorts do go through renovations which are not comfortable or convenient. But I wouldn't write off this hotel.

Our stay in June '08 was fabulous. We did have to move to another suite because of A/C problems but that was dealt with quickly and pleasantly. All the staff were very helpful and prompt in all service areas.

The grounds of this resort alone are worth the stay. There are 5 pools, 4 of which children are allowed. 2 are open 24 hours!!The children's pool with the water slide is gorgeous and free flowing. It is landscaped like an oasis with many palm trees lining the deck area, and citrus fruit trees behind the slides. I loved this pool. So did a lot of other adults with out children. Then there is a large sports pool, huge resort pool with fabulous modern deck furniture; ie round couches for 2, long king size chez beds for 4, etc etc. This pool has a hot tub. In the Casita area there is another smaller pool with a hot tub. The grounds are a feast for the eyes with a large cactus garden, Giant willow tree lined ponds to fish in, streams, flower gardens, areas for lawn bowling, putting, bacci, badminton,. rose gardens. Very posh. Then there are the Casita court yards which are beautifully landscaped and manicured as well.

I would stay in this hotel just for the gorgeous gardens. We had a Casita room which was large, clean, well appointed. The beds and pillows were very comfortable. And I have a bad back.! The bathroom was huge with an open sit down shower and separate soaking tub, dual vanities, walk in closet.

Our stay wasn't perfect but the minor glitches were nothing compared with the pleasure of staying at this hotel. I've stayed at many other 5 star hotels and nothing is ever Perfect. I think a lot of it is ones attitude and expectations. The food was very good but pricey (for every meal.) There is a great whole food market and mall close by ( 2minutes up Scottsdale road) with some yummy restaurants where you can get breakfasts, lunch and dinner.

We liked this hotel so much we are staying again in November. Hope the reno's are done.

We got a room here for $99 on a Sat. night because no one wants to go to Arizona in the summer- too hot! Which might have been why we were given a pretty outdated room. They were in the middle of renovating too, and our room hadn't been done yet, but because of this, it was pretty loud as well.
The pools were OK. Over crowded and not very intimate. A bit of a party scene with a bar and loud music, but it was fun. I am neutral. I'd stay again for the price I paid, but I'd never pay $400 which is what they charge in peak season.
Though, I must mention, service was phenomenal.

Just came back from a 3 day stay and absolutely loved the Fairmont! We had a deluxe king room with a balcony overlooking one of the pools and a view of the mountains. The staff at checkin and the concierge staff were very friendly and helpful.

We used 2 of the larger pools, they had more than enough towels, and chairs. We even tried out one of the water slides they had for the kids! We had to use their dry cleaning service and it was delivered back in the room as promised, on time.

We golfed at TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, what an experience playing there! Play it if you can!

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess was the first place we stayed on our Tauck tour of the Canyonlands and all I have to say is wow! What a beautiful hotel, the landscaping and flowers are gorgeous & the hotel's hacienda-like layout is so open and airy-there was always a nice breeze blowing (even in the July heat.) The pool was terrific w/ its chaises, lounge chairs & cabanas & the pool bar was very convenient. It was a great place to relax & recover from our jetlag. Our room was huge & very well appointed w/ a nice view of the pool area, the bathroom was very large & there was also a good size closet. We had lunch & dinner in the restaurant and both meals were well prepared & delicious. Check-in was handled very smoothly at the front desk & bell services took all our bags & escorted us to our room then explained all the features in our room-where the a/c was, where the robes & extra towels were, etc. All in all one of the best hotels we have stayed at (& we've stayed in castles, at the Four Seasons, etc) and our only complaint was that we could only stay one night! We absolutely loved this hotel & if we are ever back in Scottsdale I know where we will be staying!!