Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Excellent check-in, friendly and welcoming staff upon our arrival. We took a golf cart to our building, we stayed in G building close to the Sunset Beach Pool. This pool was excellent for young families with a zero entry close to the sandy beach. We had a 2nd floor view of the Casitas and it was very peaceful in the morning and evening to sit outside . Room was spacious and well designed. Comfortable for a family with 2 young children. La Hacienda (Mexican) restaurant was great, the food was delicious, drinks and food were delivered pretty quickly. Staff were friendly and welcoming to families. The fishing derby was fun, our kids tried fishing for the first time and loved it. They didn't catch anything but enjoyed watching other children when they did! The Sonoran Splash pool had amazing waterslides that were a hit with our kids and the pool design created different areas to play in. The water temp was perfect so the kids could play longer! We always found plenty of lounge chairs available regardless of the time we arrived! Poolside service was ok, the servers were friendly and drinks arrived quickly but wait times for food were plus 30 mins. There was a movie night Friday and Saturday in the Fragrance garden. Fantastic set up with fire tables and lounge chairs for the kids, amazing service, kids loved the popcorn and soda. They played a different movie each night, both were family friendly. Ironwood was closed for dinner our entire stay and we felt there was a lack of family friendly dinner options other than the Mexican restaurant. Our kids didn't want Mexican more than once so we ended up eating dinner at the Plaza bar twice and the food was consistent both times. I had the wedge salad and my husband had the cheeseburger both times, both delicious. They had an unofficial children's menu and our kids enjoyed the food. Service was friendly and the food arrived quickly. We enjoyed using the trailblazers kids club in the afternoon for a break from the pool. We enjoyed the many fire tables and wood burning fireplaces throughout the resort. What a great idea to have so many gathering places! The daily housekeeping service was consistent but the nightly turndown service was not. One time they arrived after 9pm and we were already in bed! The other times they arrived either while we were getting ready for dinner or while we were out for dinner. One time they left 4 chocolates, another 2. One time they left water at the bedside table and another they did not. I would like to mention that one of the housekeeping supervisors was absolutely amazing when our daughters favorite stuffed animal got sent to the laundry when the sheets were changed. After I called she immediately went searching for it in the laundry and rescued it and returned it within 15 mins! She made our little girl very happy!! We visited the breakfast buffet at Ironwood twice. The eggs, potatoes and meat selections at the hot station were unfortunately cold, either the burners were not turned on or the lids had been left open. We absolutely loved the cold stations including the fresh donuts! The service was friendly and fast both times. Overall we loved visiting the princess and plan to do so again in the future.

The positive first - the staff is very friendly and attentive, and the property is very clean and nice. We’ve stayed here before, and had a great experience, but our mistake was that we came during spring break. If you’re with a family, it’s great, but if you are expecting a quiet experience, not so much. Kids everywhere and we couldn’t get away from the noise. WE stayed at the Privado, which is their “hotel in a hotel”, which was at the end of the property. They sell an upgraded experience, but frankly, it’s no different than the Fairmont Gold, and very expensive. You also pay for the experience, which means that you get minimal snacks and muffins in the “clubhouse” and free waters and cokes. The kids loved this, which means it’s full of kids and families, again, no place to sit down and enjoy a peaceful coffee. We’ve learned our lesson. Very expensive stay that was frustrating.

Very nice staff who express concern amidst a comedy of errors. From the moment of check-in (we arrived at 2:30 our room being last one to be ready (30 minutes after official check-in time) 4:30 in the Privado area despite being told they had placed a rush on it. First night one of the two sinks was clogged but remedied by staff within the hour. A short time after returning to the room the other sink did not drain. First morning: no running water from one sink and non-working shower. Again service arrival was satisfactory and friendly. Given the non-functional shower a room move request was made. Request to be moved rooms was accommodated but could not be done understandably until after check-out time. After attending Spring Training game we returned to Privado at Fairmont and after undergoing another rather lengthy check-in process a different room was granted. However, prior to leaving for Spring Training game, we had been assured the luggage would be retrieved from original room and placed in new room.Surprise. No luggage. After further time at the Privado check-in area I was able to receive assistance to transfer the luggage to new room. Again the assistance was pleasant.

We chose this resort as a different option for a vacation in Scottsdale. (We’ve stayed at the Kierland & Gainey Ranch in the past.) Big mistake coming here. There are two problems with this resort. The first involves the food. Every single restaurant is designed for a “foodie”. There are almost no regular options. Examples include brussel sprout tacos & omelette with kale. What’s wrong with offering classic breakfast options like choose-your-own omelette? How about having standard pancakes / bagels with lox / waffles on the menu? For dinner, especially at the Mexican-themed restaurant, why not offer fajitas / quesadillas, etc.? Kid menus do have a few of these options, but why force adults to eat “foodie” options? The coffee is also terrible. It’s ridiculously weak. Why can’t the serve strong coffee? The other problem is the staff at the restaurants & at the bar at the Princess pool. They treat guests as if the guests are lucky to be staying at the hotel. The servers begrudgingly take the orders and then take forever to bring them out. The housekeeping staff is very nice, but they move your stuff around, like wires & devices. Why do they feel the need to unplug guests devices and move them to other locations? Several times we thought we lost items, only to find them grouped together in places we hadn’t left them. They also don’t restock soap. The Princess management should go to the Westin Kierland to see what normal, good menus look like. They should also see how other hotels make more family-friendly areas (more public fire pits, s’mores packages, etc.). The Princess is only worthwhile if you golf. It’s a completely wrong vacation spot for families wanting a normal vacation. Such a shame!

Maybe it is timing but there were 2 large conventions while on property and it felt like being at a fraternity party. 25-30 year olds every where who were loud and intoxicated. Property is huge and rooms nice. Service disappointing, concierge were worthless. Have stayed at multiple 5 star properties around the world and this is not.