You’ve seen the photos. The towering palms, that glowing Mediterranean stone, and the massive silhouette of Camelback Mountain looming in the background. It looks like a postcard from a wealthy 1920s uncle you never knew you had.
But honestly? Most people driving down Camelback Road pass the entrance without even realizing what’s tucked behind those gates. They think it’s just another fancy Phoenix hotel. It isn't.
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa Scottsdale (technically Phoenix, but let's be real, it's the Scottsdale vibe everyone is after) is weird in the best way possible. It doesn't feel like a hotel. It feels like you’ve accidentally trespassed into a private estate from the Jazz Age.
The Ghost of Delos Cooke
Back in 1929, a guy named Delos Cooke—who was a big-shot railroad executive and nephew to J.P. Morgan—built this place. He called it El Vernadero.
He didn't build it to be a resort. He built it as a winter getaway for his wife, Florence, whose health was struggling in the brutal New York winters. Basically, it was a "get well soon" gift on a massive scale.
🔗 Read more: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
The history here is thick. You can feel it in the original mahogany doors and the Spanish tiles that haven’t been swapped out for modern replicas. There are 24 hand-painted tiles in the Mansion Courtyard, each representing a different Spanish province.
Delos only got to enjoy it for about two years before he passed away. Florence stayed on, but eventually, the property changed hands, and by 1948, it opened as an inn. Since then, it’s hosted everyone from Groucho Marx to Frank Sinatra.
What You’re Actually Getting
If you're expecting a sleek, glass-and-steel Marriott experience, you're going to be disappointed. Go to the W for that.
Royal Palms is about "old school" Arizona. The rooms are quirky. Some have 1930s-style fireplaces; others have patios that open directly into citrus groves. If you go in the spring, the smell of orange blossoms is so strong it’s almost dizzying.
💡 You might also like: Bryce Canyon National Park: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hoodoos
T. Cook’s, the flagship restaurant, is still the heavy hitter here. Most resort food is... fine. T. Cook's is actually good. They do this Mediterranean-leaning menu that doesn't try too hard. Think wood-fired everything and a sea bass that people talk about for years.
The 2026 Reality Check
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price.
Looking at recent 2026 feedback, some guests are starting to notice the age. You might find a loose tile or a shower head that isn't exactly high-tech. Is it "tired"? Some say yes. Others argue that’s just the "patina" of a historic property.
Currently, the resort is leaning hard into wellness to keep up with the competition. They've updated the Alvadora Spa with some pretty wild tech, like the Wellsystem Wave (dry hydrotherapy) and V.E.M.I. therapy, which is some sci-fi level stuff for your nervous system.
📖 Related: Getting to Burning Man: What You Actually Need to Know About the Journey
But the real magic isn't in a machine. It's the "Via Cappello" dining. They have these tiny, hidden stone alcoves and "lovers' corners" scattered around the 9-acre property where you can have a private dinner. It’s peak romance, though it’ll cost you a mortgage payment.
Is it worth it?
Honestly, it depends on what you value.
- The Pros: Incredible privacy, world-class history, and an atmosphere that feels miles away from the generic desert resorts.
- The Cons: It’s expensive. Valet is $38 a day. The rooms aren't "modern" in the way some people expect for $800+ a night.
If you want a resort where you can get lost in a garden and sit by a fireplace with a cocktail from the Mix Up Bar, this is it. If you want a giant water slide and a 50,000-square-foot fitness center, look elsewhere.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Ask for Barbara: She’s the resident historian. If you want to know which room Frank Sinatra liked or the story behind the "Lady of Spain" mural, she's your person.
- Timing is Everything: February and March are peak season, but if you can handle the heat, the summer rates are a steal. Just stay in the pool.
- The "Hidden" View: Go to the upper level of the fitness center. It’s small, but the windows frame Camelback Mountain better than almost any other spot on the property.
- Skip the Standard Room: If you’re going to spend the money, spring for a Casita. The "Estate Rooms" are nice, but the Casitas give you that private villa feeling that makes the resort famous.
Don't just stay in your room. Walk the grounds at night. The way they light the fountains and fireplaces makes the whole place feel like a movie set. It’s one of the few places left in Scottsdale that hasn't been scrubbed of its soul by corporate branding.
Next Steps:
- Check the official site for "Royal Romance" packages if you're planning an anniversary.
- Book T. Cook’s reservations at least two weeks out; it fills up even on weeknights.
- If you're sensitive to noise, ask for a room away from the construction on the villa refurbishment project, which is scheduled to run through late February 2026.