The hotel has opened its own Fairmont Gold lodgings--ultra-swank accommodations that act as a separate luxury hotel within a hotel. The Gold rooms consist of 69 newly-renovated guest rooms, three parlor suites and a 2,100-square-foot private lounge on secluded grounds.
But the piece de resistance of this special set is the Casa Dorada--a 3,700-square foot super-suite located on a private enclave of the resort grounds.
More on this super-suite (with photos!) after the jump.
Want to swim in a martini olive-shaped pool? If you're a lover of martinis, then you should probably check into the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona where you'll get all the Fifties-era trimmings, history, and funky retro-chic flavor you could want. Oh yeah, and there's that oddly-shaped pool.
The V-Ho has earned its place in history. It opened its doors in 1956, and became the crash pad du jour for the Hollywood elite. It also made hotel industry waves for being the first to feature central air conditioning and TV sets in every room.
Narrowly escaping the wrecking ball during the 70s, it got a total renovation in 2005; it's now known as America's best-preserved mid-century modern hotel, if you dig modern architecture.
Thanks to Hotel Maven BK we have this snap of the W Scottsdale which was supposed to open in April but is now opening at the end of May.
Judging from this snapshot we have some skepticism about that May opening but BK says:
The W Scottsdale seems to be coming along well. Looks like a lot needs to be done before that supposed May opening, but they are well on their way.
When the hotel does open, it will have a Sushi Roku restaurant, as well as all the W accoutrements including a Bliss Spa, a Wet pool area and Whatever/Whenever service.
When they broke ground back in November 2005, the $110 million hotel had hoped to open by early 2007 just in time for Arizona' huge winter tourism season. But the target date has since been pushed back a number of times, and now it appears the opening will coincide not with snowbirds but with sun worshipers.
According to General Manager Leon Wood, W Scottsdale is now slated to open May 27. That's more than a month later than the previous April 18 opening. This is big news because the delayed opening means that W will be banking on visitors willing to fork over big bucks (try $659 to $759/night) to stay and play when temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees F.
Perhaps with the W's "cool, cool Wet Pool" and the "natural water elements throughout" no one will notice the heat...
With the Super Bowl room scramble over, it looks like Scottsdale continues to bask in the tourism-gods glow. The sunny city is the home of the latest announced Edition Hotel from team Marriott-Schrager.
Set for a 20-acre parcel in North Scottsdale (adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley Resort and residential complex), the upscale boutique hotel will include 150-225 rooms, and, according to the announcement, will have a design and character befitting its social and cultural surroundings. In addition, all Edition hotels will be designed to be "the most aesthetically pleasing in their markets" and "the most environmentally responsible."
With signed development agreements and support of the city council, the project is expected to open in 2010 -- beating out the previously announced Chicago Edition opening and possibly the South Beach Edition as well.
Sushi Roku, a popular LA sushi chain, is opening up its fifth location in the new W Hotel & Residences Scottsdale in late April 2008. There are already Sushi Rokus in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Las Vegas (in the Forum Shoppes.)
Brought to the hotel by the Innovative Dining Group, Sushi Roku will be helmed by executive chef Tim Fields (formerly of the Boulders Resort) and will feature traditional sushi/sashimi option as well as some Sushi Roku faves. It will also serve up breakfast with entrees like the Fresh Herb and Cheese Omelet ($14) and Homemade Oat and Almond Granola ($11). Gotta love those hotel prices!
The 6,000-sq-ft. restaurant like all other Rokus has been designed by the group at Dodd Mitchell's DMD & Associates. Natural materials, including large boulders, teak woods, and black slate will give the place its signature Roku look.
Fortunately hotel guests will be able to benefit from some in-room dining.
In addition, room service choices will incorporate a selection of sushi items from the Sushi Roku restaurant menu, including tantalizing options such as "Sushi in Bed."
Considering that we order Sushi Roku takeout from the Santa Monica location somewhat frequently, "Sushi in Bed" actually sounds delightful.
As for the W Hotel itself, the place will open on March 20, 2008. Expect all standard one word W services and amenities--Bliss, Wet, Sweat, etc.--to be in there.
As if the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort wasn't fa-bu-lous enough. Coming in March 2008, Fairmont will launch a new, even higher-end option for Scottsdale Princess guests, Fairmont Gold:
Guests of the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will have a glittering new option for the ultimate in unique and personalized service with the announcement of the resort's exclusive "hotel within a hotel," Fairmont Gold. The Fairmont Gold offering focuses on delivering the highest level of personalized service and pampering to the most discerning travelers.
The $6.7 million Fairmont Gold concept will feature a 2,100 square foot private lounge where Gold guests can utilize a private check-in and check-out area, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, afternoon gourmet coffees and teas, evening hors d'oeuvres, and a fully stocked honor bar.
The 68 renovated 600-square-foot guest rooms will showcase "residential-style décor" such as stone flooring, stained woodwork, recessed lighting, a LCD high definition LCD television in both the sitting area and bedroom, and secure, high-speed wireless Internet access. Rooms will also feature views to the Stadium Course of the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale.
Nevertheless, expectations are always high at a Four Seasons, and the FS Scottsdale doesn't disappoint. According to TripAdvisor, it's now the #2 place to stay in the city. Although, technically, it's not in the city. The resort lies nestled high in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, 20 miles from Downtown Scottsdale.
And for many, the hotel's location is one of its major draws, even beating out its Westin competitor:
The seclusion and true desert sense of being up in the foothills away from the city is what makes this resort special. How many other resorts have their own hiking path that leads up to a peak in which you can hike and see the surrounding valley? The last time I checked, all the Westin Kierland offers is a view of the Crate and Barrel across the street.
But the location can be a bit of a bummer if you're not the type who can entertain themselves at the pool all day or with the nearby golf options so we personally recommend renting a car.
As for lodgings, the hotel is set up as 25 clusters of individual casita-style cottages, each with private terraces or balconies to take in the desert views. It also offers a myriad of tempting amenities and impeccable service.
And although some travelers have knocked the resort of late for its ongoing renovation project, others found an upside to the construction:
I have to say it was even BETTER than what we had experienced last year. Because of the renovations, the staff was even more solicitous and attentive than on our previous visit which I never thought possible.
Rates for a standard room start at $475 through Jan. 17th when they increase substantially, until the heat brings them down again.
Have you stayed at either the Four Seasons Scottsdale or the Westin Kierland? Let us know which one is best.
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by juliana
