Gorgeous grounds with flowers and arched entrances
Big, luxurious rooms with Spanish details and balconies
Great views of Camelback Mountain
10-minute drive to downtown Scottsdale
31,000-square-foot Joya Spa
2 heated pools
Cons
$24 daily resort fee
$10 charge for self-parking
$6 fee for 15 minutes on business center computer
Sprawling property makes for lots of walking
Some complaints of inconsistent customer service
Bottom Line
This Spanish villa-style property with great views of Camelback Mountain is one of Scottsdale's most luxurious desert retreats. The grounds feature pretty floral-lined walkways and arched entrances, and sophisticated rooms have lots of Spanish-inspired details, including dark woods and big mirrors. But all the extra fees can add up.
Elegant styling inside and out, great views, and an exquisite spa
The Montelucia offers luxury and elegance within its Spanish-style stone walls -- and a fantastic view of picturesque Camelback Mountain. Celebs such as President Obama and Toby Keith have stayed at the Montelucia, and it’s easy to see why: The grounds are lovely, the location is secluded, the 293 rooms feature sophisticated decor, and the Joya Spa, Prado Restaurant, and two heated pools are all top-notch. As expected, this isn’t a resort for those who count their pennies: Extra fees abound, and prices in the restaurants are steep. Yet for the well-heeled, the Montelucia is among the top resorts in Arizona, and the location is hard to beat.
The Montelucia is located in the upscale Paradise Valley section of Scottsdale, just off Lincoln Drive and Tatum Blvd. It’s a quarter-mile from Camelback Mountain, in a residential district. Guests interested in hiking can walk to Echo Canyon, where a popular, steep trail leads to the top of Camelback. (The parking lot can fill up early, so this is a definite advantage.) Numerous shops, art galleries, nightclubs, and restaurants are a 10-minute drive away in Old Town Scottsdale. Shuttle service is not offered, but a city trolley stops at Montelucia in the winter months to take guests to shopping in Scottsdale.
15-minute walk or 5-minute drive to Echo Canyon Park, a popular hiking trail
10-minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale
10-minute drive to Fashion Square shopping mall
10-minute drive to the Scottsdale Center for the Arts
10-minute drive to Scottsdale Stadium for Giants spring training baseball
20-minute drive to Scottsdale Airport
20-minute drive to the Heard Museum
20-minute drive to the Music Instrument Museum
20-minute drive to Sky Harbor International Airport
Rooms
Spacious, with Spanish-inspired details and up-to-date tech features
Big, luxurious rooms have a Spanish-y feel in keeping with the rest of the resort. Decor includes dark woods, big mirrors, and metal stud detailing on some of the furniture. The beds are plush and comfortable, and the technology is impressive: Not only are there iPod docks, but the big flat-screen TVs have DVR available for certain channels. But the condition of the rooms isn't perfect; some furniture is showing nicks and scratches, and the carpets could use refreshing.
All rooms include:
42-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels and limited DVR
Multimedia interface for MP3 players, computers, etc.
iPod dock
Divine Beds by Airloom
Wi-Fi and Ethernet dock
Balcony with fan and double chaise lounge
Soaking tub with separate shower and dual shower heads
Stocked minibar (fees apply)
Recycle bin
Safe big enough for laptops
Coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
Hairdryer
Room types:
Deluxe Resort View Guestroom: 400 to 500 square feet; 100-square-foot balcony; king bed; overlooks the resort
Deluxe Poolside Guestroom: 504 square feet; 110-square-foot-balcony; king bed; overlooks the pool
Oasis Poolside Guestroom: 504 square feet; 135-square-foot patio; king bed; overlooks the pool
Full Camelback View Guestroom: 504 square feet; 100-square-foot balcony; king bed; views of Camelback Mountain
Oasis Full Camelback View Guestroom: 504 square feet; 100-square-foot patio; king bed; views of Camelback Mountain and pool
Grand Mountain View Guestroom: 504 square feet; 135-square-foot balcony; king bed; views of Camelback Mountain and pool
One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite: 640 square feet; 100-square-foot balcony; king bed; separate living room and bedroom; sofa bed overlooks the resort
One-Bedroom Oasis Poolside Suite: 640 square feet; king bed; large patio; separate living room and bedroom; sofa bed views of pool and Camelback Mountain;
Camelback Villa: 2,800 square feet; two bedrooms with king bed and two queen beds; two-and-a-half baths; separate living room; large lawn and patio; gym; dining room; views of pool and Camelback Mountain
Andalusian Presidential Suite: 2,800 square feet; two bedrooms with king bed and two queen beds; two-and-a-half baths; marble entryway; private pool and Jacuzzi; separate living room; large lawn and patio; gym; dining room; views of Camelback Mountain; large patio
Features
Two pools and a high-end spa
Two heated pools: The lively Kasbah Pool, with a big Jacuzzi and poolside lounge, and the quieter adults-only Oasis Pool, with a Jacuzzi and views of Camelback Mountain (though some guests have complained that the adults-only rule is not enforced).
Joya Spa features spa services, salon services, fitness classes, and a rooftop terrace pool, which has some of the property's best views of Camelback Mountain. The resort fee covers guest use of the lounge, dry sauna, and wet sauna (but the spa pool is reserved for guests who have treatments).
24-hour fitness center with spinner bikes on outside patio, overlooking Camelback Mountain
24-hour business center (fees apply)
Planet Trekkers Kids Club offers theater, gaming systems, computers, billiards, air hockey, foosball, life-size chess, and day camp activities for children five to 12. The first hour is free for resort guests, as well as for any guests dining at Prado or getting a treatment at Joya. After that, it's $35 for a half day or $70 for a full day.
24-hour concierge
Free newspaper
Wi-Fi available throughout the property (use is included in the daily resort fee)
Preferred pricing and tee times with area golf courses
101,00 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space
$24 daily resort fee covers use of Wi-Fi, spa facilities, and the kids' club.
Valet parking
Laundry facilities
Food
Upscale eateries including Prado Restaurant
Prado Restaurant serves American and Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Entrees range from $20 to $38.
MBar serves appetizers and sandwiches.
Crave Cafe serves coffee, pastries, and bottled wines.
ROQ serves American dishes in an outdoor setting with views of Camelback Mountain. Entrees range from $21 to $39.
Julia Baker Chocolate & Dessert Boutique serves desserts, chocolate, and drinks.
Joya Terrace and JJuice Bar is located on the roof of the spa, with views of Camelback Mountain, and serves healthy dishes and juices to go with the Joya Spa experience.
Room service available 24 hours
Many dining options are available nearby in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Bottom Line
This Spanish villa-style property with great views of Camelback Mountain is one of Scottsdale's most luxurious desert retreats. The grounds feature pretty floral-lined walkways and arched entrances, and sophisticated rooms have lots of Spanish-inspired details, including dark woods and big mirrors. But all the extra fees can add up.
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