Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Approximate driving time is 20 minutes and distance is 9 miles.

Driving directions from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Take the 44th St N exit and continue on 44th St for about 6 miles. Turn right (east) onto Camelback Rd and turn left onto Phoenician Blvd/Jokake Blvd.

Getting there: Guests can pre-arrange pick-up by the hotel’s contracted Town Car service for more than $36. Alternatives include taxis ($16–25), rental cars (starting prices $26–35), or unscheduled limousines from the airport (starting prices $16–25 for up to 2 passengers and $7 each additional person.)

Getting around: The hotel is in a residential area and a mile away from shopping and dining sites, so walking (especially in the heat) is not the best way around. The hotel’s sedan service is available 24 hours a day, but many visitors rent a car to travel around to the area’s wide range of attractions. Guests can also taxi to downtown Scottsdale and hop on the air-conditioned trolleys which stop at many sites including Old Town and the arts districts. Trolley rides are free and run Monday–Saturday from mid-November through the end of May.

Guestrooms average 600 square feet. Thoughtful extras include dimmers on all lamps, a private bar, and premium imported linens. All rooms feature 32-inch flat screen TV sets, CD players, waffle-weave robes, oversized Italian marble baths, and designer toiletries. The hotel offers twice-daily housekeeping.

Windows on the Green - Southwestern-style dinner is served Thursday through Monday in a warm interior with a carved travertine fireplace, regional paintings, and Native American pottery. Appetizers include grilled portobello mushroom and goat cheese taco, chipotle salmon and caper tartare. Entrées such as Colorado rack of lamb and sweet arugula linguine are complemented by tortilla soup, mixed green salads, and baked potato pie.

Oasis - Open daily, from late morning to late afternoon. Cooling misters keep guests comfortable at this casual poolside café where sandwiches, salads, sirloin burgers, grilled food, and snacks are served along with a wide selection of beverages.

Canyon Pool Grille - Open every day, from late mornings to late afternoons for poolside dining. The menu offers light items including grilled chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot-dogs, along with a long list of beverages.

Thirsty Camel Lounge - Open every afternoon and evening, with live entertainment by a pianist. Besides a wide variety of beverage choices, the lounge offers appetizers and snack items such as shrimp cocktail, a seasonal fruit and cheese plate, and crisp tortilla chips.

Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor - The resort's house-made ice cream is served along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Sandwiches, pastries, and espresso drinks are offered in an ambience that evokes an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Take-out packaging is available for most items.

19th Hole Snack Bar and Patio - Grilled sandwiches, sirloin hamburgers, and salads are served every day from early morning to early afternoon. Large windows overlook the golf course's fairways and manicured putting green, flooding the elegantly casual, wood-trimmed interior with natural daylight.

The Praying Monk - Booked for private parties only. A European-style wine cellar with vaulted ceiling, brick trim, and old-world antiques. Designed for celebrating special occasions. Tapestry-upholstered seating for up to 16 guests.

Lobby Tea Court - Classical music accompanies afternoon tea served in traditional English fashion every day. Pastries, scones, finger sandwiches, and a selection of fine teas are offered.

Amenity highlights: The Centre for Well-Being Spa offers a comprehensive selection of skin treatments, body massages, beauty treatments, and hair styling. Guests can wander through a 2-acre cactus garden, admire an extensive international art collection, and enjoy nine swimming pools (including a children's water slide), a 27-hole championship golf course, and 12 secluded tennis courts.

Insider tip: Beautiful red rock Camelback Mountain borders the hotel. Hikers enjoy excellent trailside views along with desert animal and plant life. Hikes start at the Echo Canyon Recreation Area, which provides shady areas for picnics. Parking is limited—knowledgeable hikers plan a little extra time to find a space if planning a sunset hike.

The concierge staff can arrange personalized tours of regional attractions such as the red rocks of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and authentic western "ghost towns."

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.