visiting scottsdale in january - it does not get any better than this! i arrived at the phoenix sky harbor airport and stepped outside into the warm air and sunny skies, leaving behind a cold and snowy day back home. a short 12 miles to the aaa five-diamond resort, i arrived into a dynamic environment where sun washed stone and bright green cottonwoods rise up to meet the pale-blue sky and majestic purple mountains just before sunset.

as i entered the lobby, I was greeted by a wonderful warm staff that was eager to assist me from check in, to directions, and luggage. after a speedy check in, i walked through the lobby, past some lovely shopping, nice outdoor water features with fire pits and comfortable seating outside the stone rose lounge created by nightlife entrepreneurs rande gerber and scott gerber and then up the elevator to my room.

the fairmont scottsdale offers 649 richly appointed guest rooms with well-defined living and work areas, terraces, wet bars, refreshment centers and oversized luxury bathrooms - wow, i should say so. i was not disappointed! the outdoor entrances allow you to take in the view of the wonderful grounds as you walk to the conference space (61,000 sq ft) close by. ideally they meet and feed up to 400.

i had the pleasure of joining my colleagues and the delightful sales staff of the hotel for dinner one evening in the bourbon steak restaurant private dining room and acclaimed chef michael min representing the height of scottsdale dining through contemporary american fare, with a focus on all natural, organic and hormone-free cuts of beef impressed us all.

the fairmont scottsdale is relaxed elegance mixed with fun. - you will not want to miss including it in your next rfp for arizona!