Arizona The Resort State, Healthy competition among properties raises the bar
Luxury meeting options in The Grand Canyon State are as vast as, say, the Grand Canyon.
Stellar resorts with Native American-themed spas, name-brand golf courses and breathtaking desert scenery are hardly new in Arizona. The Wigwam, outside Phoenix in Litchfield Park, turns 86 this year, and JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa helped set the tone for the brand’s resorts throughout the world when it opened in 1967.
“Having such a variety of luxury resorts throughout the state puts us in a wonderfully unique position to market Arizona as a resort destination,” says Debbie Johnson, director of Arizona Office of Tourism. “Our resorts offer such a wide range of amenities, including golf, dining, spas, pools and recreational activities, as well as some of the most luxurious rooms and suites available. This is particularly important to the Arizona Office of Tourism because meetings bring in business travelers, which provide us the opportunity to showcase our state to a different type of visitor.”
From Tucson to Sedona, and with an impressive collection in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Arizona features so many luxurious meeting properties that it could easily change its name to The Resort State.
“With so many luxury properties in the great state of Arizona, it forces all resorts to push the boundaries of luxury and innovation each year,” says Stephanie Sanstead, director of public relations and marketing communications for Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler. “This certainly elevates the overall guest experience and satisfaction.”
The Phoenician
The Phoenician, Scottsdale
The AAA Five Diamond Scottsdale property has expansive indoor and outdoor event space, measuring 160,000 sq. ft. The glamorous Camelback Ballroom Complex features a 15,000-square-foot ballroom. With a veranda for receptions and outdoor breakout sessions. This unique feature of this property is the variety of accommodations. There are 643 total accommodations. The Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Canyon Suites has 60 guest rooms and suites. Serving as a resort within the resort. Guest rooms in the main building and The Canyon Suites will be remodeled starting this summer. With that said three nine-hole golf courses, 10 restaurants and bars. Eight swimming pools, a spa and an art collection make The Phoenician magical.
