Royal Palms Resort & Spa
The Royal Palms was restored in 1996 and since that time has enjoyed a new wave of accolades with the completion of its new Monte Vista Enclave. Once called the modest Valencia Wing, this newly revamped "enclave" offers a variety of rooms and suites with superlative comfort and delightful southwestern flair. Returning guests quickly discover that this vibrant property remains a top pick in and around Phoenix.
Guests arrive through imposing gates and are greeted by a cadre of valets in front of the main building's large mahogany doors. Inside, a small, residential-style room with French windows and a fireplace houses the registration desk. Once guests are checked in, bellhops guide them through the mazelike property to their rooms.
Outside, traditional Moorish and Italianate tiles, 16th-century fountains, reflecting pools and outdoor fireplaces mark the elegant villa, and silhouettes of date palms and orange trees punctuate the horizon. Verdant landscaping fringes the paths, fountains, casitas and original mansion. (This is understandably a favored site for weddings.)
Public rooms show eclectic art and antiques, some dating from the 14th century. T. Cook's is locally renowned for its rustic Mediterranean cookery taken straight from Barcelona and Tuscany. Under the caring eye of a charming maitre d'hotel, it nestles beneath a peaked ceiling, and heavy drapery ensures intimacy. Alfresco dining is also available on the patio, and the Cabana Grill beside the pool provides guests with a casual setting throughout the day.
The spacious cocktail lounge features piano or guitar music several nights a week in season. Guests spill onto the charming patio (heated when necessary). The bar—the former Cigar Bar—may have outlawed smoking, but guests can still unwind here with a cocktail and admire the lovely leather floor, beside the fireplace.
Upholstered chaise longues, umbrellas and stately palms surround the large oval pool, which has Camelback Mountain for a backdrop and a corner bar for drinks.
A tennis court and a 24-hour fitness center with outdoor cardio equipment are also on hand, but meditative relaxation and spa treatments are the focus here rather than exercise. The spa features a watsu pool, six treatment rooms, a rock room with Vichy showers and a grotto waterfall shower.
A large library, an elegant boardroom and plenty of outdoor function space add options to the business center and meeting rooms, the largest of which seats 100. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available everywhere in the resort. Valet parking is complimentary, but guests can self-park as well.
When considering the complimentary parking and Internet access, guests must first discount the fact that the hotel charges a $22 resort fee, which includes the aforementioned features, as well as local phone calls, fruit bowls, turndown service, daily newspapers, shoeshine, access to the spa—sans services—and all gratuities.
Lodgings display an attractive amalgam of southwestern and Mediterranean influences. Many of the rooms boast antiques, artifacts, and fine tile and trompe l'oeil accents. The newest units in the Monte vista Enclave are a mix of standard and deluxe accommodations, and a dozen suites. Of the latter, the new Spa Suites are the ones to request; these boast big beautiful baths and deluxe amenities, such as Egyptian cotton bedding and exclusive Neroli toiletries.
All rooms have new plasma screen TVs, cordless phones and hair dryers. The 62 Casitas cluster around attractive courtyards and have canopied beds, fireplaces and French doors opening to walled patios with fine mountain views. Room service is round-the-clock. Pets are not permitted.
This hotel's consistently high service standards, regular maintenance and richly appointed eclectic accommodations make it one of the region's most delightful for romantics.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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