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W Scottsdale and Neighbors Still Can't Seem to Get Along

Where: 7277 East Camelback Road [map], Scottsdale, AZ, United States, 85251

Things are getting heated between the W Scottsdale and its neighboring residents who are still pissed off that the hotel's outdoor bar keeps them awake at night. But that's not all they are mad about. Apparently, the hotel's partying guests are leaving trash in the 'hood too. From the Arizona Republic:

Resident Jim Anderson said bass from the music creates a beat of thumps that shake the walls of his property. And when the party shuts down, he says, people trash the neighborhood. On a recent Monday afternoon, Anderson combed through the lawn outside his home, filling an empty Milwaukee's Best beer carton he found on the street with garbage "from the pigs this weekend." He regularly picks up litter and has thought about "dumping it in their (the hotel's) lobby."

Egads! We really hope he doesn't do that. The W and the residents are just going to have to work things out. Maybe they can listen to Ben Bethel's suggestion which he posted in comments at the bottom of the Republic's article. He's the owner of the Clarendon Hotel.

However, we do have one question that's been nagging at us here: Why are W Scottsdale party guests drinking from a carton of Milwaukee's Beast Beer? That's just gross. What's next--Natty Light on the front lawn?

[Photo: Sherrie Buzby/Arizona Republic]

Tags: Arizona Hotel Reviews / Hotel Renovations / Hotel Pools / Ben Bethel / → All Tags

Hotel Renovations: The Clarendon in Phoenix Strives for 4-Star Status

Where: 401 West Claredon Avenue [map], Phoenix, AZ, United States, 85013

After four years of operating as a 3-star hotel the Phoenix Clarendon has announced not only its new membership in Luxe Worldwide Hotels, but its plan to obtain 4-star perfection. Looks like Ben Bethel's plans for the hotel are finally coming to fruition.

At the end of the month the Clarendon will up the ante by adding 50 new guest rooms and opening a casual Asian-fusion restaurant. In October they will unveil a new pool that will be a welcome oasis in the middle of the southwest desert and features multiple fountains, hand-laid mosaic and gold inlay.

By 2008 there will be new heating and cooling systems, granite showers and even an exclusive ultra-luxe Turkish micro-spa.

And we suspect, a new 4-star rating to match.

Related Stories:
· Hotel Stories in Phoenix [Hotel Chatter]
· Hot Hotelier News: A New Kid on the Block, Ben Bethel [HotelChatter]

Tags: Hoteliers / Ben Bethel / Hot Hotelier News / → All Tags

Hot Hotelier News: New Kid on the Block Ben Bethel

Where: 401 West Clarendon [map], Phoenix, AZ, United States, 85013

There's a new hotelier on the scene in Arizona and unlike some hoteliers, he's not relying on Daddy to get himself started. But that also doesn't mean he's been slaving away in the hospitality industry either.

Ben Bethel has no real hotel experience. Instead he dropped out of the University of Arizona because he felt he could do more with his "natural skills" than an advertising degree.

So he bought the Phoenix Clarendon Hotel + Suites with two partners in 2004 and later transformed it from a crackden/streetwalker haven into a boutique hotel.

In a recent Q&A interview with the Arizona Republic, Bethel dishes the detes on his job. Some choice quotes:

· I didn't know much about the hospitality industry when I bought the Clarendon, but I found my calling and true passion in life.

· I want people to come to the Clarendon and feel like they're somewhere different and not thrown into some cubicle to be stored for the night.

· I believe that hotels have to pay competitive wages to retain employees. If the Clarendon does well and makes money, all of my employees receive monthly bonuses.

· That's how true boutique hotels should operate: They pay much higher than larger hotels, and employees are treated like family, not just another warm body.

· I'm in the process of buying out a business partner.

That's the latest on Ben. Nothing too juicy, except maybe that last bit about buying out a business partner and his website, but that seems to be down today. We suggest also getting your image into Google surrounded by lots of blondes to up your profile.

Related Stories:
· Owner finds calling in midtown hotel [Arizona Republic]
· Phoenix Clarendon reviews [TripAdvisor]