Interview with the General Manager of Royal Palms Resort and Spa

What is unique about your hotel's location?

Set in "The Valley of the Sun", the resort is located in the beautiful Phoenix-Scottsdale resort community, with majestic Camelback Mountain providing a striking visual backdrop. Privacy remains the ultimate luxury at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Enchanting stone walkways curve throughout the property, inviting guests to indulge in a leisurely stroll amongst the fragrant citrus groves and exotic foliage. Set amidst lush courtyards and blooming gardens, our 119 beautifully appointed casitas, guestrooms, suites and villas. Each room is resplendent in Old World charm, many appointed with a breathtaking collection of European antiques, tiles and artifacts. The Royal Palms Resort and Spa ranks among the Top 500 World's Best Hotels in Travel + Leisure.

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your hotel?

As you approach the regal, palm-lined entrance to the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, cradled at the base of Camelback Mountain, you realize this is not your average resort. Statuesque palm trees lining the resort driveway greet you, leading you to a flowing 250 year old antique fountain. Stone-paved paths lead to quaint, secluded gardens which offer tropical flowers, century old benches and peaceful privacy.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

Rejuvenation. Our onsite Alvadora Spa promises a tranquil environment and a revitalizing experience. Within the sanctuary of our private retreat, guests will find themselves transported to a bygone place and time. Celebrating the healthy benefits of herbs, minerals and oils indigenous to the Mediterranean, Alvadora features 10 treatment areas, magnificent views of Camelback Mountain, private patios, salon and 24 hour fitness center.

Dining at its finest. Under the direction of Executive Chef Lee Hillson, Royal Palms Resort and Spa features the award-winning T. Cook's restaurant – serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Located in the original 1929 mansion of the Royal Palms T. Cook's creates a residential dining experience that's comfortable yet elegant. Enveloped by palm trees, citrus, flowers and fountains, it is a true oasis in the desert. Receiving the highest ratings from both national food critics and locals for its select seasonal dishes, the rustic menus feature a wide variety of creative dishes from the Mediterranean and exotic surrounding regions.

Variety. Daily activities outside the resort might include; The Desert Botanical Gardens, The Phoenix Zoo, Taliesin West, The Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Scottsdale Fashion Square and Biltmore Fashion Park, Old Town Scottsdale, jeep tours and hot air balloon rides. Phoenix is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chase Field, the Arizona Cardinals and the University of Phoenix Stadium and the Phoenix Sun at the US Airways Arena.

What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

Providing legendary guest service, the specially trained concierge staff is dedicated to making guests feel as though the resort is a "home away from home." The professional concierge staff is available to assist with a broad range of services from arranging a day trip excursion to making restaurant reservations.

Whether exclusive priority access to some of the Valley's finest championship golf course, desert treks, area restaurant, cooking classes, art and cultural excursions, access to our renowned spa services, we assure every guest experience is complete. The concierge is also able to assist with theatre, concert or event tickets, flight information, car services, shopping, sightseeing, tours.

Does your hotel have a philosophy?

To provide our guest with an exceptional service experience.

What makes your hotel memorable and unforgettable?

The Royal Palms was born as a private estate in the late 1920s and has been transformed from a historic mansion to become an extraordinary destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and solitude. Each guest escapes to a bygone era of elegance and style, discovering the Old World charm and intimacy of a secluded resort.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

Our staffing philosophy is as special as the environment; three staff members for every guest, gracious service and personal attention. Intuitive service is nothing less than the everyday; our staff is carefully trained in attention to detail, flexibility and courtesy. Everything that you need for a flawless stay, at the Royal Palms we strive for perfection while ensuring that your stay is nothing less than unforgettable.

Our luxurious accommodations. Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a romantic hideaway with the rustic splendor of a Mediterranean villa. Exotic palms, unique cacti, citrus trees and flowering shrubs surround our 119 beautiful casitas and guestrooms- each appointed with a breathtaking collection of European antiques and artifacts.

What is the atmosphere of your hotel? What types of guests does it attract?

The atmosphere of Royal Palms Resort and Spa is that of a private residence. Guests who wish to be transported to a place of Old World style, and who seek relaxation and rejuvenation will find it here.

What makes your hotel a destination within itself?

Resort amenities and features include our Director of Romance, T. Cook's Restaurant and Lounge, Alvadora Spa and full service salon, fitness centre, Royal Pet services, Cabana Grill, car rental, limousine and transportation, bicycle rental, babysitting, bilingual staff, business center, same-day dry cleaning and express check-in.

Do you have a favorite meal in your restaurant(s)?

T. Cook's has received the highest ratings from both national food critics and locals for its select seasonal dishes, fire-roasted specialties and elegant surroundings. Enveloped by palm trees, citrus, flowers and fountains, it is a true oasis in the desert. Executive Chef Lee Hillson orchestrates rustic menus featuring a wide variety of creative dishes from the Mediterranean and exotic surrounding regions. Hillson and his culinary team serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Live entertainment and more of Chef's creations can be found on a separate menu in the lounge at T. Cook's, a longtime valley favorite.

A signature dish of T. Cook's is Paella.

Do you provide any welcoming or parting amenities to guests?

Each guest is greeted and welcomed at the front drive by Royal Palms staff. Complimentary refreshments are provided as your room is being prepared. As you are escorted to your room, we provide a tour and history of the property with directions to all facilities. Each guest is provided with our complimentary, signature Neroli toiletries and linens to use while they are staying with us.

MORE INFORMATION:

Hotel Profile: Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Hotel Website: Royal Palms Resort and Spa