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What it’s like to stay at one of the cheapest luxury resorts in the U.S.

1 day ago

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It’s usually my four-year-old son Jimmy I’m pulling out the stain stick for, but on my family’s flight to Arizona, the stain stick went straight to my husband, who juggled “Bluey” on an iPad with a coffee cup. Early morning travel with a toddler is tough work, after all. We were en route to Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, where all was soon forgotten as we were introduced to amenities like free DIY laundry stations sprinkled across the 40-acre property.

At this hotel, one of the least expensive Four Seasons in the country, those laundry stations blend in expertly with the 212 one- and two-story Adobe-style casitas that instantly provide a sense of place—and calm. While the other Four Seasons I've stayed at were situated in city centers and several stories higher, the rooms and suites here give off a vibe that’s still luxe but far more laidback.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is nestled into the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, which is visible from many rooms and while strolling the grounds. There’s no sound or light pollution, making this feel like an oasis just an hour’s drive from the airport in Phoenix.

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From nature to fitness or arts and crafts, there’s fun for all ages at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

At check in, staff told us about free guided stargazing with an astronomer and explained that the daily roster of free or low-cost activities for all ages was in the lobby and a copy was also in our room.

I was interested in the $10 yoga, while my husband perked up for the guided morning hikes. For my four-year-old, there was the Kids For All Seasons kids club, where there are complimentary arts and crafts activities, and several rooms with activities for all ages. He delighted in the collection of costumes and diverse selection of Barbies while doing his best Ryan Gosling impression. For older kids, there’s air hockey and video game rooms for platforms like Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation.

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The walking trails at this Four Seasons Resort are super family- and kid-friendly

Even with a $47 daily resort fee (which includes a shuttle to Troon North Golf Club, use of the clubs at the driving range, tennis, and pickleball), Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North still shakes out to be one of the brand’s least expensive U.S. hotels. Rates this summer have been as low as $369 per night.

I loved the resort’s paved path that creates a mini “hiking” trail for younger children, and the grounds are fun to explore for flora and fauna that’s otherworldly compared to our home on the East Coast. My son enjoyed spotting flowering cacti, curious quail, and skittering lizards.

Sipping and dipping in the sun at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

One of the main draws at this Four Seasons is its four pools, all of which are shallow enough for babies or toddlers just getting their sea legs. Even with pool noodles and floats and lots of families with kids, the peace and quiet of the desert meant it was relaxing to chill out and catch rays after a chilly spring for us Bostonians.

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Thoughtful touches included complimentary swim diapers in the restrooms and a small stand to buy supplies (like children’s goggles) that may have been left at home.

The resort’s casual restaurant is perfect for littles with big appetites

Four Seasons’ hallmark is providing a sense of locality and that doesn’t stop at aesthetics. Besides the grounds’ fragrant floriculture, carefully placed smokers give off an aroma that’s decidedly Southwestern. That extends to Proof, the resort’s casual restaurant, where the signature dishes are barbecue. Wet wipes were just as useful for my husband as for mny son, and we feasted on slow-smoked ribs.

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There’s a kids menu with staples like grilled cheese and chicken fingers, and each time we were seated my son got crayons and child-sized cutlery. We were also impressed with the attention to detail when it came to food allergies. The chef came out to reassure us personally during a busy breakfast shift about the safety of the gargantuan-sized pancakes and waffles.

Small touches add up to a bigger picture

“Little” surprises added up to a bigger sense of delight for us all. At Proof, there’s a fun “candy bar” at the bar, where sweets like jelly beans and rock candy lollipops are $3 a pound.

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Staff sought out my son to give him bubbles and stuffed animals just after check in, and there was a child’s sized robe and slippers in our room. In every common area, there was someone offering us ice-cold bottles of complimentary water—and as an early riser, I loved the complimentary 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. coffee station with yummy muffins.

Enjoying a room with a view—and then some

We’re more a family to get out and explore versus spending lots of time in a hotel room, but lounging in the premier casita’s 500 square feet was pretty tempting. The room category is typically just $20 to upgrade to from the resort’s "smallest" 480-square foot room, and the premier includes a neat outdoor patio with a TV. But even my son wasn’t tempted to turn it on, and opted instead to spot birds, bunnies, and lizards.

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We loved that the spacious bathroom included a tub for toddlers, and that a gas fireplace is standard in every room (not just upgraded accommodations, like it would be at most hotels). Although my son slept with us in the king bed, the pullout couch was super cozy and we could easily have stayed here with two kids.

There’s plenty to explore further afield from the resort

Arizona is renowned as a golfer’s paradise, but we had a ball pursuing more activities unique to the region at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, where we did light hiking and marveled at cacti of all shapes and sizes. Late April into June is when these beauties bloom, and we spotted hundreds of pops of color. There were even more hues at the butterfly pavilion, where my son gasped at pollinators flying inches from us.

Later at the free-admission McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, we wandered an authentic Pullman car and marveled at curios from the mavericks who founded the Southwest. In addition to several playgrounds, we delighted in the massive indoor model railroads and rides on the carousel and small steam train (ride tickets are just $2.50 or $3). Thankfully, travel is faster than a train these days, and we've already talked about making a return Arizona trip, especially to revisit one of the country's most affordable Four Seasons resorts.