Scottsdale is a ritzy district of Phoenix, and the Royal Palms fits right in. Rumoured to have been a favourite with past presidents, there is an air of luxury to this hotel. There are 119 rooms, casitas and villas all located within several walled gardens, in what looks like a large Mediterranean villa. With its little courtyards, red-tiled roof areas and small water features, even though it is in Arizona, the Royal Palms has a very European feel to it.
Its restaurant, T.Cooks, is a legendary romantic venue in its own right. Serving up culinary treats with a flavour of the Mediterranean, it can easily feel like you're in Spain here. We enjoyed an antipasto plate served with a selection of pickled vegetables — the meat is cured in-house and the vegetables were hand pickled for months by executive chef Lee Hilson. The choices are all so tempting and if you find it too difficult to pick one, there is an option for those who might like to try a little of everything from the grill. This "Fireplace Platter" allows you try small portions (for two to share) of "Poulet Rouge" chicken, pork tenderloin, slow roasted lamb and paella.
The hotel's location, by Camelback Mountain, is great, but the walled gardens can make it feel a little enclosed and thus claustrophobic. There is a swimming pool, but on the weekend we were staying, when the hotel was not full, we had trouble finding a free spot. And, at breakfast when you can sit on the patio to the rear of T.Cooks, it seems overcrowded with tables very close to one another.
The hotel is perfect for a romantic short getaway, but there aren't too many things to do around the hotel and you might find yourselves twiddling your thumbs if you were to stay too long.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa, 5200 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018 (+ 800 672 6011; royalpalmshotel.com). Room rates start from £292 per room per night.
