Is The Phoenician, Scottsdale worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — The Phoenician, Scottsdale is worth it if you want a large, full-service resort with multiple pools, on-site golf and a sizable spa, especially for families or guests who plan to use the resort’s activities. It’s less compelling if you want a small, budget property or free parking/airport shuttle — expect resort fees and additional charges for some services.
In this guide
Location and setting
The Phoenician, Scottsdale sits at 6000 E Camelback Rd in Paradise Valley at the base of Camelback Mountain. The resort borders the Cholla Trail trailhead, so hiking access is immediate for guests who want a nearby trail.
Nearby destinations include Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Fashion Square, both reachable in just a few minutes by car; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about nine miles away (roughly a 17-minute drive under normal traffic).
If you plan to explore beyond Scottsdale, Sedona and the Grand Canyon are day-trip options but require long drives; the property also offers guided local experiences such as a bike tour of Old Town and a guided hike for registered guests.
- Address: 6000 E Camelback Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ
- On-site trail access: Cholla Trail (guided hikes for ages 14+ offered)
- Nearby: Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Camelback Mountain
| Place | Approx. travel |
|---|---|
| Old Town Scottsdale | Minutes by car (short ride) |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) | About 9 miles / ~17-minute drive |
| Scottsdale Fashion Square | Minutes by car |
Rooms and suites — what to expect
The Phoenician offers a wide range of room types from Superior Room and Deluxe Room options up through Grand Room and multiple suite configurations (including Junior Suite and Suite, 1 Bedroom variants). Room sizes and views vary; some rooms are advertised with pool view or mountain view.
Accessible room types are available (roll-in showers, transfer-shower options) and families can choose room types with two beds or sofa beds in Junior Suite configurations. In-room Wi‑Fi is available and enhanced high-speed internet is included with the daily resort fee.
- Room names include: Superior Room; Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed; Grand Room, 1 King Bed, Pool View; Junior Suite, with Sofa bed; Suite, 1 Bedroom (and Kitchenette options).
- Accessible options: Superior Room (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-in Shwr), Deluxe Room (Transfer Shower) and others
- Suites include larger living areas and terrace/balcony options
| Room examples | Notes |
|---|---|
| Superior Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds; standard guest option |
| Grand Room, 1 King Bed, Pool View | Larger room (~600 sq. ft.) with pool view |
| Junior Suite, with Sofa bed | King bed plus Double Sofa Bed — more living space |
Pools, families and on-site activities
The property features multiple pools (advertised as six to nine pools across sources) including a family zero-entry splash pool deck, a 9,000-square-foot white sand splash/beach area, a 197-foot water slide, and a dedicated Adult Pool restricted to guests 18 and older.
The resort offers many family-friendly amenities such as a playground treehouse, game room, and children’s splash areas, while also maintaining adults-only spaces (the Adults Pool and the spa rooftop pool reserved for spa guests). Day passes and some pool access rules may apply for non-overnight visitors.
- Pools: family splash areas, water slide, Mother of Pearl tiled pool, adults-only pool
- Activities included with resort fee: daily craft beer tasting, two-hour bike rentals, daily outdoor yoga, one hour of tennis (and reported pickleball) use
- Other on-site activities: guided Cactus Garden Tour, self-guided art tour, guided bike and hiking experiences
| Feature | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| Zero-entry splash pool & white sand splash pad | Families with children |
| Adults-only pool | Guests 18+ seeking quieter time |
| Spa rooftop pool (spa guests only) | Guests receiving spa services (18+) |
Dining and bars
On-site dining covers a range of styles: J&G Steakhouse (steakhouse, smart-casual dress, 21+ for indoor dining), Mowry & Cotton (modern American, all-day service), The Phoenician Tavern (pub fare near the golf clubhouse), Thirsty Camel (cocktail bar with Camelback views), Afternoon Tea in the main lobby, The Marketplace cafe, and the 19th Hole golf grill.
Menus and hours vary by venue; some spaces offer private dining and event rooms. Reservations are required at J&G Steakhouse and certain dining venues — check the restaurant pages for hours and reservation rules.
- J&G Steakhouse: Dinner service; reservations required; smart casual; indoor dining 21+
- Mowry & Cotton: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (weekend brunch served)
- Thirsty Camel: Cocktails & mountain views; food service in afternoon–evening
- The Marketplace: Coffee, pastries and grab-and-go options
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| J&G Steakhouse | Dinner; steak and seafood; reservations recommended |
| Mowry & Cotton | Breakfast–Dinner; casual American |
| Afternoon Tea | Thursday–Sunday, 2:00–3:00 p.m.; traditional tea service |
Spa, fitness and wellness
The Phoenician Spa is a three-story, 22,000+ sq. ft. facility with 24 private treatment rooms, vitality pools, a Nail Lounge and an adults-only rooftop pool reserved for spa guests. Spa hours and policies are specific: locker rooms open at 9:30am, first treatments begin at 10:00am and the last treatment ends at 5:00pm.
The Athletic Club fitness center is available 24 hours to guests and includes Matrix equipment and a Movement Studio; spa guests receive complimentary access to fitness areas and classes tied to their spa appointment.
- Spa access is reserved for guests receiving qualifying treatments (massage, facial, body treatment, or combined manicure/pedicure)
- Rooftop pool at the spa opens at 9:30am; food service hours and cabana rentals are handled through the spa
- Fitness center (Phoenician Athletic Club) open 24 hours; first morning class complimentary to resort guests (additional classes may carry a fee)
| Facility | Key detail |
|---|---|
| The Phoenician Spa | 3 stories, 24 treatment rooms; spa-only rooftop pool |
| Athletic Club | 4,600+ sq. ft.; open 24 hours; Fitness on Demand |
| Nail Lounge | 6 pedicure loungers and 4 manicure stations |
Costs, fees and practical considerations
Expect a daily resort fee (recorded as $55) that includes specific amenities: daily craft beer tasting for two, two-hour bike rentals for two, daily outdoor yoga, one hour of tennis court time and racquets for two, and enhanced high-speed internet. This fee is separate from nightly room rates.
Parking and other services carry extra costs: overnight valet and self-parking rates are posted (valet and self-parking fees listed on the property pages), and there is a non-refundable pet cleaning fee for dogs. The property does not offer a complimentary airport shuttle.
- Daily resort fee covers a set package of activities and enhanced internet (check current rate and inclusions at time of booking)
- Parking: valet and self-parking fees apply; visitor parking and validation rules vary by duration and dining validation
- Pets: dogs under 40 lbs allowed (up to two per room) with a non-refundable deep-cleaning fee; pools and restaurants generally restrict pets
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Daily fee includes specific activities and enhanced internet |
| Parking | Valet and self-parking available for a surcharge |
| Airport shuttle | No complimentary airport shuttle — use rideshare, taxi, car service or on-site Go Rentals |
Who should (and shouldn’t) stay here
Good fit: families who want pools, slides and kid-friendly activities; couples or adults seeking a large spa and an adults-only pool; golfers who want on-site championship golf; event planners who need large meeting and wedding venues.
Less good fit: budget travelers who want fewer extra fees or a small intimate boutique hotel experience; travelers relying on public transit or complimentary airport transfer (the resort does not provide a free shuttle). If you plan few on-site activities, the resort fee may feel less worthwhile.
- Stay here if: you want lots of on-site amenities, golf, spa services, and family-friendly pool options
- Consider elsewhere if: you want a low-fee, no-resort-fee hotel or free airport shuttle
- Event planners: the resort has extensive indoor/outdoor event space including the Phoenician Grand Ballroom and multiple lawns and patios
| Traveler type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Family with kids | Strong match — splash pad, slide, playground |
| Couple seeking quiet boutique stay | Consider alternatives — property is large and activity-focused |
| Meeting/wedding planner | Good match — extensive event space and private dining options |
