The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

The Phoenician is the grand old resort of the Valley, set along Camelback Road at the foot of Camelback Mountain, and It is a five-star luxury property with 585 rooms. Its scale is part of the experience. There are nine outdoor pools plus a children's pool, a waterslide and cabanas for an extra charge, and pool access runs around the clock. A full-service spa has 24 treatment rooms and requires advance reservations, an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, lessons and a clubhouse sit on the property, and dining ranges from 19th Hole for breakfast and lunch to Kalio Kabobery, The Marketplace, The Phoenician Tavern and the Thirsty Camel lounge. The grounds are extensive, so expect to walk between the pools, the spa and the restaurants. Self-parking and valet are both charged per night, there is an electric car charging station, and a nightly resort fee applies, so check the full price at booking. Dogs up to two per room are allowed within a weight limit for a per-stay fee, and service animals are exempt. Check-in is from 4 PM and check-out at 11 AM.

Location makes the resort easier to use than its size suggests. Scottsdale Fashion Square is about four minutes by car, the Scottsdale Waterfront is about five minutes, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is about 21 minutes away, so guests can base themselves here for shopping, galleries and Old Town dining without losing the quiet of the grounds.

Camelback Mountain rises directly behind the property, which means sunrise hikers can be at a trailhead within minutes and return to a spa and a long breakfast. The Thirsty Camel lounge is a short stroll from the main areas.

Who should stay? Anniversary and milestone trips, families who want a resort with a waterslide and a children's pool, golfers, spa travelers and groups all find something here. It is not the cheapest option in the Valley, and the resort fee and parking add to the cost, but the range of pools and facilities means you can stay on property for several days without repeating yourself.

Winter and spring are the busiest seasons, with the highest rates around holidays and Spring Training, and summer offers noticeably lower prices for travelers who can handle the heat by the pool. Reserve spa treatments and cabanas early, because both fill quickly in high season.

Plan your stay around the property's strengths: start with an early hike on Camelback, spend the middle of the day at the pools, book a late afternoon spa treatment and eat at one of the on-site restaurants. Day trips to Taliesin West, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum are all within easy driving distance. Check the resort's recreation calendar before you travel, because golf and some recreation facilities occasionally close for maintenance, and confirm the current status of any facility that matters to you.