Fairmont Scottsdale offers fabulous food,
fairways, and family fun

by Allison Neves

I’m a 36-year old woman with a 58-year old father. Okay, nothing odd there. That’s fairly standard. However, my 58-year old father also has a four-year old and an eight-year old. Not standard. My little brothers can be and have been mistaken for my own children.

So why do I bring this up? After all, this is a travel article, not an expose on the 21st century nuclear family. Well, on a recent trip to the Fairmont Scottsdale, I couldn’t help but think how ideal this spot would be for a fun family get-away. And without children of my own I had to look at this vacation through the eyes of my hardworking and exhausted Boomer parents and their boundless little rug rats.

So, first things first... yes, there are breathtaking views of majestic mountains and desert plains dotted with remarkable Sonoran flora but if my family is like anyone else’s family, the first thing they need is SUSTAINENCE!

At the Fairmont Scottsdale families will have no shortage of food finds and impressive beverage options. Host to world-class restaurants, parents will have the opportunity to choose from international cuisine at the LV Bistro, Mexican food (think kid-friendly tacos and quesadillas) and creative margarita concoctions at La Hacienda, and choice cuts of decadent beef, as well as extravagant sides, including lobster corn dogs and French fries served with a truffle aioli at Michael Mina’s award-winning Bourbon Steak restaurant. Oh and did I mention the wine selection? As guests enter Bourbon Steak they walk through a corridor made up of the world’s finest wines. Hundreds of wine bottles on each side provide mouth-watering and dramatic architectural detail. Awesome. 

Next up? ACTIVITIES! At the Fairmont, families will have their choice of great activities. The hotel staff put together an amazing menu of daily family fun.

The complimentary year-round Kids’ Club program, designed for children ages 5-12, is available year-round, seven days a week, with full and half day programs offered. Certified counselors oversee such activities as potato sack races, hula-hoop contests and fishing derbies in the lagoon. The Kid’s Club is equipped with a Quiet Room with computer terminals and Playstations and a Playroom where children can enjoy board games, arts and crafts. 

And, while the kids enjoy their Club, mom and dad can spend the day swinging the clubs on the links.

Parents can take their pick from the exceptional golf courses in the area including the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, home of the annual PGA Tour's FBR Open --- formerly the Phoenix Open.

The Fairmont’s Golf Concierge can help coordinating transportation for tee times, create personalized itineraries for individuals, golf tournaments or clinics and even organize private lessons at ESPN's Golf School.

And, if golf isn’t your thing, moms and dads can indulge at the resort’s award-winning Willow Stream Spa.

Along with a decadent list of spa treatments to soothe the mind, body and soul, the Willow Stream Spa Facility offers other beautiful amenities including a waterfall treatment area, a stunning rooftop Adult-only infinity pool with private cabanas, and my absolute favorite indulgence, the Eucalyptus Inhalation room. Ahhhhhhhh...

Need some more family time? There’s no better way for kids and parents to enjoy a sunny Arizona’s day than at the pool. The resort’s Sonoran Splash is a 6,000 square-foot water recreation area that features two of the largest resort water slides in Arizona. The area also boasts a kiddie pool and a large sun-shaded sandbox complete with Tonka trucks and beach toys.

Without question, the resort offers beautiful, impeccably decorated rooms typical of the Fairmont’s luxury brand. With 649 rooms available, families can take their choice from a variety of offerings which include anything from the Fairmont’s 525 sq. ft standard room to the 825 sq. ft., two-bedroom Casita Suites.

Centrally located and with affordable flights available from virtually everywhere on Southwest and JetBlue, the Fairmont Scottsdale is perfect for a long weekend. So, Dad... Get Packing!

More information of the Fairmont Scottsdale can be found at: www.fairmont.com/scottsdale