Today's Travel News
· September 11, 2003 ·


For More About
Where To Go Next

· What's New in Greater Phoenix?
T+L Ranks Phoenix Hotels in Top 100 for U.S. and Canada

(September 11, 2003) - Greater Phoenix is home to many luxurious resorts, three of which were named among the world's best by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

The Boulders Resort & Spa (#43), The Phoenician Resort & Spa (#45) and The Royal Palms Resort & Spa (#68) were all honored as part of the top 100 hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Other Arizona properties among the elite included the Enchantment Resort and the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, both in Sedona. The rankings were compiled using questionnaires filled out by select readers of Travel & Leisure magazine. The hotels were judged on criteria including rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value.

For more information, visit www.travelandleisure.com.

Pointe South Mountain Resort Wins Gold Key Award
Readers of Meetings & Conventions magazine have selected the Pointe South Mountain Resort as a winner of the magazine's prestigious gold key award for top meeting and convention properties in the industry. Readers based their votes on staff attitude, top meeting rooms, quality of guest services, food and beverage service, proficiency of handling reservations, availability of technical/support equipment and range of recreational facilities.

Pointe South Mountain Resort is one of 24 independent, upscale and luxury hotels, resorts and golf clubs in the United States managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, a privately held company located in Englewood, Colorado.

For more information visit www.pointesouthmtn.com or www.destinationhotels.com.

For media information only, contact Jennifer Whittle or Nicole Kelley at Mullen Public Relations at (602) 222-4343.

Arizona Biltmore Seeks Memorabilia for 75th Anniversary Celebration
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is turning 75-years-old in 2004 and they're looking for memorabilia to commemorate the occasion. The Biltmore has issued a "Call for Memories" to locate memorabilia and uncover intriguing anecdotes to recount the rich history of the resort.

The Arizona Biltmore believes there are people around the country, particularly many past guests, with vintage photos taken at the resort, logoed items and hotel memorabilia from the early years, unique stories of something that happened or a star they met at the resort, and more - which can be woven into the 75th anniversary celebration.

A special e-mail address has been set up for the Call for Memories: memories@arizonabiltmore.com or write to: 75th Anniversary Committee, The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

The Four-Star Arizona Biltmore, nestled on 39 acres at the foot of majestic Squaw Peak, is one of the most recognized resorts in the world. After 74 years, it remains the historic "Jewel of the Desert" and Arizona's best-known luxury resort.

For more information contact the Arizona Biltmore at (800) 950-0086 or at www.arizonabiltmore.com

For Media Information contact Marian Gerlich/Ed Placidi, P&G Communications, at (818) 786-8687 or e-mail pgworld@aol.com

Mary Elaine's Wins Wine Spectator Magazine's Grand Award"
Mary Elaine's, The Phoenician's critically acclaimed fine dining room has received Wine Spectator Magazine's Grand Award for the third consecutive year.

The restaurant was awarded the accolade based on its $3 million wine collection, which features a mind-boggling line up of more than 44,000 bottles and 1,800 labels.

The Grand Award is Wine Spectator Magazine's top honor and is based on three award categories including wine list breadth and depth.

Overseen by Chef de Cuisine Bradford Thompson, Mary Elaine's offers Modern French cuisine and is located on the top level of the Phoenician, commanding dramatic city and valley views in an opulent setting. The wine list is served by a staff of five certified sommeliers, including Arizona's first Master Sommelier Greg Tresner.

The Phoenician is located on 250 acres of lush desert terrain at the base of Camelback Mountain, and it is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as part of the Luxury Collection. For more information contact the Phoenician at: (480) 941-8200 or visit the website at: www.thephoenician.com

For media information contact Debora Bridges at: (480) 423-2657, fax: (480) 947-4311, or e-mail: debora.bridges@starwoodhotels.com

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Receives Pinnacle Award
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has received the prestigious Pinnacle Award for 2003 from the readers of Successful Meetings Magazine for the second consecutive year.

In the January 2003 issue of Successful Meetings Magazine meeting planners were asked to choose outstanding hotels and resorts that met their high standards of excellence based upon overall service level; quality of meeting rooms and equipment; recreational amenities; quality of food and beverage; exhibit space; business services; technical facilities and services; and location. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale received the Pinnacle award in the category of meeting and incentive properties.

Situated in the high Sonoran desert, adjacent to renowned Weiskopf & Morrish-designed courses of Troon North, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is surrounded by serene desert beauty and breathtaking views.

For more information contact the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at (480) 515-5700 or visit them on the web at www.fourseasons.com

Wyndham Phoenix Offers Free High-Speed Internet Services
The Wyndham Phoenix recently completed installation of new high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms, common areas and more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space. To introduce the technology The Wyndham Phoenix is offering the service free to all hotel guests through complimentary guestroom connections.

The new Cisco network features unparalleled security and reliability and speeds up to 600 Mbps allowing guests to stay connected to their offices and homes.

The Wyndham Phoenix is a 19-story high-rise hotel conveniently located at 50 East Adams Street in downtown Phoenix and only a short walk to Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, America West Arena, Bank One Ballpark, Dodge theatre, Phoenix City Hall, and numerous banking and government offices.

For more information contact the Wyndham Phoenix for reservations at 800-WYNDHAM or visit them on the web at www.wyndham.com. For media information contact Lorena Nieto at (602) 333-5111 or e-mail lnieto@wyndham.com.

Curbside Concierge Offered at Chandler Fashion Center
Chandler Fashion Center is now offering Curbside Concierge, a lunch and dinner pick-up service for visitors staying at nearby hotels and resorts in Chandler. Visitors may call in an order for two or more people at participating restaurants and then pick up the order at Curbside Concierge. Participating hotels and resorts can also accommodate guest with transportation to and from the mall at no additional charge.

Participating Curbside Concierge restaurants include BJ's Restaurant & Brewery, California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Garduno's Restaurant & Cantina, Marvos, Paradise Bakery and Café, Ranch 1, Richie's Neighborhood, Ruby's Diner, Steak Escape and the Wildflower Bread Company.

For media information contact Westcor tourism manager, Kate Cavaliere at (480) 994-8048 or e-mail kcavaliere@westcor.com

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale and Arizona Cowboy College Team Up to Offer "Rough It & Relax"
Guests can start off by roughing it at the Arizona Cowboy College, a "no frills" camp and working cattle ranch that gives students the opportunity to work alongside real, modern-day cowboys as they learn the essential skills to horse-handling, roping, round-up, doctoring, shoeing, branding and more.

Arizona Cowboy College offers a six-day session for $1500 per person, which is pre-scheduled one week each month September 2003 - June 2004 and is limited to six participants. A three-day session is also available for groups of six at $750 per person. A one-day "teaser" is available for slightly larger groups, up to twelve participants, is available for $250 per person.

Arizona Cowboy College - based at the Lorill Equestrian Center of Scottsdale - was founded in 1989 by Lloyd and Lori Bridwell and Rocco Wachman. Since it's creation, more than 750 people have experienced the taste of the cowboy life.

Afterwards guests are invited to relax at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. There they can rejuvenate themselves after a hard day's work in the Resort's award-winning 12,000 sq. ft. spa or lounge poolside with complimentary Evian spritzes, chilled towels and fruit kebobs.

Casita guestroom rates at the Four Seasons start at $325 per room, per night and fall rates for groups utilizing 10 or more rooms begin at $295 per room, per night. Both rates apply Oct. 1 - Dec 21, 2003.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and Arizona Cowboy College will work with both individual and group travelers to customize the ideal "rough-it and relax" experience.

For reservations or information call (480) 513-5039 or (888) 207-9696. To learn more about Arizona Cowboy College sessions, kindly phone the resort concierge at (480) 513-5075, visit www.cowboycollege.com or call Lorill Equestrian Center at (480) 471-3151.

For media information contact Nikki Lequin, Director of Public Relations at (480) 513-5014 or e-mail nikki.lequin@fourseasons.com.

The Phoenician Caters to Growing Segment of Spa-Going Males
The Phoenician Resort is offering several new massage treatments and services with men in mind. The new services include Acussage, Table Thai, Sports Massage, Sports Yoga, Gentleman's Facial and Men's Wellness. Pilates for men is also available.

Acussage is the ultimate for stress and chronic pain relief incorporating aspects of acupuncture with massage therapy.

Table Thai uses no oils and the guest is fully clothed, perfect for mid-day or lunchtime appointments.

Sports Massage can be experienced before or after exercise and is designed to improve flexibility, relieve muscle pain and spasms, restore suppleness, improve circulation, identify tender areas, and speed recovery from muscle exertion.

Sports Yoga enhances all facets of the game while increasing flexibility, strength, alignment and body awareness.

The "Men's Prerogative" Retreat includes a 50-minute massage of his choice and a 50-minute facial and scalp treatment.

The Phoenician is home to the Centre for Well-being, a peaceful sanctuary showcasing a serene Meditation Atrium. Men's and ladies' locker rooms, each with mother-of-pearl whirlpool, sauna, steam room and Swiss showers and expansive glass walls offer stunning views of the resort. The Phoenician is located on 250 acres of lush desert terrain at the base of Camelback Mountain, and it is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as part of the Luxury Collection.

For more information and spa appointments call the Centre for Well-Being at (480) 423-2452 or (800) 843-2392 or visit www.thephoenician.com.

Media Contact:
Stacy Reading
(602) 452-6252
sreading@visitphoenix.com
Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association