Premier Casita

The Premier Casita is a resort-view casita with desert views. The resort sits in the Sonoran Desert at the foot of Pinnacle Peak in far north Scottsdale. The room is reached by exterior corridors, in keeping with the casita-style layout of roughly 30 separate buildings.

You can choose 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds. The casita measures 500 sq. ft. and sleeps up to 4 guests. A free rollaway/extra bed and a free crib can be arranged. The bedding is premium and hypo-allergenic, with a down comforter.

A private plunge pool is a feature of select suites at the resort rather than of this casita. Premier Casita guests use the resort's three heated saltwater pools: a large bi-level main pool, a children's pool and an adults-only pool joined to the main pool by a negative-edge waterfall. Pools are open 24 hours a day for overnight guests and heated year-round. Poolside cabanas are complimentary and first-come, first-served, and a limited number of premium cabanas can be reserved for a fee.

The bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower. It is stocked with designer toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, towels and a hair dryer. Turndown service is part of the evening routine.

It suits all three. Families get a free crib, a free rollaway bed and connecting rooms, plus a children's pool, a playground and the complimentary Kids For All Seasons club for ages 5 to 12 (daily 9:00am to 5:00pm). Couples can use the adults-only pool and the spa, which has three couples treatment rooms. For longer stays, the casita has a desk, a 60-inch TV with a DVD player, and a refrigerator and microwave on request.

A mandatory daily resort fee (quoted at roughly $57 to $63 per night, depending on the booking source) covers concierge service, fitness center access, pool access, in-room bottled water and in-room coffee. Free Wi-Fi is available in the room and public areas. Breakfast is extra. Parking charges differ between sources, so check the current parking rate with the resort when you reserve.

In-casita dining runs 24 hours, with breakfast, all-day, dinner and late-night menus. On property you will find Proof, an all-day American canteen, and Saguaro Blossom, the poolside restaurant serving lunch, snacks and cocktails from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Talavera is the Spanish steakhouse, open Wednesday to Sunday evenings. Onyx Bar & Lounge serves cocktails and small plates from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is about a 40 to 45 minute drive. The resort does not provide complimentary airport transfers, and a rental car is practical because the resort is in a remote part of north Scottsdale. Check-in starts at 4:00 PM and runs as late as 2:00 AM. Check-out is at 12:00 PM. The main guest must be at least 18, and a credit card and photo ID may be required.

Pinnacle Peak Park, with hiking trails, is under a mile away. Troon North Golf Club is about a 6-minute drive, and guests get preferential tee times and a free shuttle. The resort lends free bikes and hiking poles. Up to 2 dogs or cats per room, each up to about 30 lbs, are welcome with no additional pet fee. The premises are 100% smoke-free.