Phoenix Arizona

Our annual trip to Arizona-- this time we stayed at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix and we hiked Piestewa Peak and Quartz Ridge.  We had an amazing time!


Hotel: 5/5 We stayed at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel (Waldorf Astoria). This is a historic hotel that recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation.  We stayed in one of the Citrus Club Rooms in the Octilla Wing. Our room had two queen beds, a patio overlooking the Octilla pool with firepit and a spacious bathroom.

Pools: 4/5 The pools were great, there were small pools by each of the "wings" and then a larger central pool, Paradise pool with 3 waterslides.  The biggest waterslide looked terrifying and my 7 year old was too short to go on it but she enjoyed the smaller ones.  There was pool service at Paradise pool and a bar that was open on the weekend at our smaller Octilla pool.  The hot-tubs were crowded but warm at both.




Citrus Club: 5/5 This featured food offerings throughout the day and excellent food. We ate for all of our meals and had complimentary smoothies/ soda/ gatorade for the kids and beer/ wine/ cocktails for the adults.  There is a beautiful outdoor space (photo) that we utilized for every meal.  The inside had a table shuffleboard, puzzles, and games the kids enjoyed playing.  I think this is definitely worth it to upgrade due to how expensive the normal food is at the resort.  



Spa: 5/5 This is one of the best spa areas I have ever been to.  The outdoor area features a hot tub and cold (ice-cold) plunge.  There are several lounging areas and even pillows and blankets.  I enjoyed a deep tissue massage.

Hiking: Here are the hikes we enjoyed (ages 7 and 10)

Piestewa Peak: 5/5 this was a short but difficult hike and I am amazed my kids made it but we did it.  The view was incredible from the top.  It was about 1.2 miles up and 1.2 miles back and took us around 3 hours to complete.

Quartz Ridge Trail 8A: 4/5 This was a very rocky trail with good views.  My favorite part was after you reach the peak you keep going down the mountain and are surrounded by cacti only and cannot see any other people, buildings, or cars. Very peaceful.  This took us about 2 hours but my 7 year old did not make it the whole way.

Overall we had an incredible time and would highly recommend this resort & hiking.



 

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