I've lived in the Scottsdale area from age 7 until now, at 23...needless to say this area bores me and I miss the western vibe it traded in for a snobby one...but I think I found a gem of a getaway, even in a town I'm so tired of. My husband and I really like having a hot tub in our room...he's leaving for Naval training for several months and we just had a baby, so a little romance was definitely needed.

I looked everywhere for a room with a tub for two and either the hotels had mixed reviews or they just weren't very romantic at all. I came across this hotel and I'm so glad I did. It is expensive, yes, but during the summer it isn't so bad for all the quality you get. Everything is so intricate and in my experience, the staff was attentive and incredibly polite. As soon as you get there, your car is whisked away by valet...which is nice, but if you're an introvert you may not like calling valet everytime you want to go out (but why would you leave this romantic haven anyway?).

We got a room with a 2-person tub and it was the most mood setting room I've ever been in. I've stayed in hotels all around the world and this was probably the best for a romantic couple with a middle class income. Every detail in the room looked like a precious antique, right down to the box that holds the sugar for your coffee. Everything was just classy and interesting to the eye. The attached pictures really don't do it justice, as my flash is harsh. The room looks softer, larger, and more romantic in person than what the pictures provide.

Our bathroom was gorgeous with candles already placed around the tub. We could dim any light we wanted to in the bathroom. The room itself had a huge bed (I'm used to the one we have at home, but my husband loved it), a decent sized TV and beautiful furniture. We had a patio where we sat and watched a large monsoon the first night. It felt like we were in some Columbian mansion or some exotic retreat with all the decor on the buildings. It's a treat for the eye. My husband and I took a break from our room and wandered around the grounds, which had hidden fountains and benches as well as a larger garden to walk through.

Room service food was not only very tasty and professionally prepared but they took the time to make it look good too! It was obvious the whole staff in this place wanted to put their talents into their jobs. The pool was beautiful too, but I just had a baby so that was not an option I was interested in ;). The only complaint I can think of, is that we were on the bottom level, so at about 7am I was woken up several times the first morning by people trampling around upstairs. I'd recommend the upper floor...but the next morning wasn't loud at all.

Overall, if you're looking for a romantic trip where the focus is on each other, then this place can provide the perfect scenery...if you're the type who has a budget and is just looking for somewhere to throw their stuff for the day, then you could probably find something to better fit your needs.

My wife and I decided to visit Phoenix to get a break from the humidity where we live. After much research, we settled on the Royal Palms. We were not disappointed.

On arrival, the valet staff were cheery and helpful, even offering to run small errands for us, such as a trip to the corner store, etc. The check-in process was smooth and the gentleman helping us with our bags was well informed about the resort's features, history, and amenities. The property is lush and well planted - a tropical oasis in the middle of the dessert. Beautiful.

The rooms were clean, warm and inviting. The view of Camelback Mountain from our room was very romantic. The housekeeping staff were very thorough and the nightly turn-down service was a nice touch.

I was suffering from a cold so we decided to stay in one evening. My wife ordered room service and when the wait staff arrived and noticed the cough syrup on the table, he showed genuine concern, explaining that the Royal Palms took illness very seriously and he would be happy to have the chef prepare some chicken soup and a hot toddy.

Caring and attentive service was found throughout the property, with the pool attendants offering the best service. They were always ready to fill a drink, bring a glass of water, find a chair, refresh towels, etc. The pool bar closes a little early (6pm?) but the pool and hot-tub remain open all night. Great relief from the heat. The pool area was basically adults only. There was an occassional kid, but I got the impression children weren't encouraged. In fact, I overheard one of the valet's radio the pool attendant to let him know that "Shamu" had arrived (a family with an inflatable whale). They put a stop to that and we never did see Shamu or the kids.

The restaurant was exceptionally good, although I did have one negative experience when I chose to sit outside to eat. We sat for about ten minutes and never did see any wait staff, even though the maitre'd assured us there was service on the patio. To be fair, it was very hot and nobody in their right mind would want to be outside and I was sick and didn't wait very long before leaving to head to our room.

The lounge, adjacent to the restaurant had a great selection of drinks, a funky vibe, and great entertainment. It was hard to find a seat, but once seated the service was very attentive.

My wife and I both had spa treatments while we were there. The spa was nothing spectacular, but very comfortable. Noticing I had a terrible cough, the masseuse even took the time to call me the next day to give me the name of a cough syrup his doctor had recommended to him.

I noticed that some travellers complained about the $22 per day resort fee. This fee includes valet parking and all tips. It is a bargain - you would spend that much on valet in most hotels.

Speaking of valet, if you call ahead before leaving your room, the valets will have your car ready and waiting with the air conditioner on.

I fell in love with the place and will definitely be back.

Just returned from a wonderful holiday touring Arizona, Nevada and Utah and the Royal Palms Resort and Spa provided the neccessary calm and tranquility in an otherwise hectic schedule. The suite was large large and beautifully appointed and all of the staff went out of their way to be helpful and welcoming. Although the temperature was 114 degrees, the pool was open 24 hours and provided a relaxing way to cool off. The food was excellent, as was the live music in the lounge. The gardens were beautiful, the Camelback Mountain provided a dramatic backdrop and the hotel was exceptional. More like staying with rich relatives in sunnier climes than staying in a hotel (If only I had some).

My fiance and I booked our trip to Arizona on a whim, acutally - after a few too many glasses of wine one night. We had never stayed at the Royal Palms but after finding a great packaged deal and reading how highly rated the hotel is, we decided to take advantage. (Not until the next day did we realize we'd be going in the scorching summer heat). Despite that, what a FANTASTIC trip!!! I have nothing but excellent things to say about the Royal Palms. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, the grounds are unlike any I've ever seen, and the rooms were comfortable and private. There was such attention to detail from the minute we arrived. Really, the privacy, service, atmosphere and detail are more along the lines of a top notch b&b than a hotel.

Valet parking is included with your stay, which is very nice. If you do book through a site like Travelocity, note there is a $22 per night fee for gratuity, so there will be some extra expense involved once you arrive. The pool does look a little small, but we found that it was definately enough room for the amount of guests. I would highly recommend the Royal Palms!