Family Getaway at The Phoenician
By Mandy Holmes, Founder of The Real Housewife of Scottsdale, (@therealhousewifeofscottsdale)
Planning to take the brood on a family getaway or staycation? Then you’ve come to the right place. From sparkling pools, complete with a waterslide and splash pad, to kid-friendly amenities like dive-in movies and The Funicians Club, there’s no shortage of things to do at The Phoenician!
Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician gives desert-dwelling families like ours the opportunity to indulge in activities geared toward kids of all ages, while providing fantastic grown-up options while the kids are busy.
For the record, we have a 5-year-old so the Funicians Club provided hours of entertainment, including a 180-gallon salt water fish tank, 60″ flat screen with surround sound, video games, a resident Tortoise and Bearded Dragon (that you can feed!), a ton of books and games, and a full-size Lego and magnetic wall. We spent a couple hours here and JZ was able to mingle with other kids his age, even meeting some new friends that live on the other side of the world. If you have older kids, hit up the Activity Center at The Phoenician Athletic Club that houses a ping pong table, shuffleboard (that brought back college memories!), foosball, video games (#fortnite) and pool.
Pro Tip: Hit up the Hoppy Hour at The Funicians club late in the afternoon where kids can pick out their own stuffed bunny to decorate and name
Of course, our family spent a considerable amount of time splashing in the 5 pools on-site while navigating the waterslide, treehouse, and splash pad, complete with water cannons and buckets dumping water to keep everyone cool. What I appreciate most is how expansive the pool area is so kids can play without feeling like they are on top of each other. The cuisine served poolside is light and offers a variety of items for kids and grown-ups alike. I highly suggest the Caesar Salad, Shrimp Kabobs, Quesadilla, and Guacamole.
Pro Tip: The adult beverages are perfect for a hot Arizona day, especially the Strawberry Pina Colada and Spicy Skinny Margarita!)
Every guestroom at The Phoenician is roomy and surrounded by breathtaking Sonoran views which make for watching a beautiful sunset every night. There are eight dining venues to sample, including the popular J&G Steakhouse and Mowry & Cotton, making the resort a foodie’s paradise.
We opted to dine at The Phoenician Tavern thanks to the casual environment and kid-friendly menu (since we have a very picky eater on our hands!) The food was great and JZ especially loved the kid’s mac and cheese. We enjoyed the spicy fried pickles, cheese fondue with pretzels, and crab roll to give you an idea of the fare.
Pro Tip: According to our little guy, The Phoenician Tavern is home to the best chocolate milk in the world
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When the sun sets and the kids are asleep, the Dueling Pianos at The Phoenician Tavern provide a fun and lively date night for mom and dad! Complete with chart-topping hits and talented performers, the pianists blend live music with interactive commentary and comedy for an interactive night out.
Pro Tip: Come early for a seat up-front and be ready to yell out names of your favorite songs!
Overall, our 24 hour staycation was a hit for the whole family. Whether you have kids, are a kid at heart, or are looking to have a kid-free vacation- there is something for everyone at The Phoenician!
Guestroom Reservations
Call (480) 941-8200 or visit the reservations page.
Restaurant Reservations
Call dining reservations at (480) 423-2404 or reserve on OpenTable.
Spa Reservations
Call The Phoenician Spa at (480) 423-2452.
Golf Reservations
Call The Phoenician Golf Club at (480) 423-2450 or reserve online.
