Generations of travelers from all over the world continue to find peace and tranquility at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, an award-winning resort that embodies the authentic spirit of the Southwest with its rich history, desert-inspired design, adobe-style architecture, and nostalgic charm. Originally opened on December 15, 1936, by entrepreneur Jack Stewart, the resort is celebrating its 85th anniversary by offering a lavish $85,000 package and showcasing its charming history and decades of memories through #CamelbackInnHindsight all year long.

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Camelback Inn began with a dream – a vision of an Inn that would entice travelers seeking experiences that were unique to the Sonoran Desert. Stewart turned his dreams into reality after persuading investors — including his friend John C. Lincoln, president of Lincoln Electric Co. — to finance construction of the Inn, located 12 miles down dusty roads from what was downtown Phoenix at the time. The Inn originally cost $75,000 to build and accommodated 75 guests. Early guests included many celebrities and business leaders such as Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Bette Davis.

J. Willard Marriott and his family shared a deeply rooted connection with Camelback Inn, vacationing there since the 1940s. Marriott Hotel Corporation acquired the Inn from Stewart in 1967, making Camelback Inn the first resort in the company’s portfolio, and expanded the property from 118 to 453 guest rooms. To this day, the resort remains a longtime favorite of the Marriott family.

“Camelback Inn is a place that is near and dear to my heart as I grew up vacationing there as a child with my family,” said Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International. “My father, J. Willard, loved the outdoors and loved to ride horses for many years at Camelback. My family has celebrated birthdays for more than 50 years at Camelback.  It truly is a second home for our family. We love the place and are grateful for the terrific staff that has cared for us through the years.”

Set on 125 acres of Sonoran Desert terrain in affluent Paradise Valley, Arizona with views of iconic Camelback Mountain, the landmark resort’s perennial motto is “Where Time Stands Still.” The property prides itself on inviting travelers to take a deep breath, pause and enjoy the surroundings while exploring hiking and biking trails, lushly landscaped gardens, and quiet places for mindfulness dotting the property. Camelback Inn’s goal is to preserve the resort’s nostalgic character and to retain the ambiance of a peaceful setting while staying true to the authenticity of the Southwest. The original adobe-style bricks made on-site in 1936 are still present in the lobby and at Rita’s Cantina, while the lobby’s long-standing fireplace and wood rail balcony are constant reminders of the resort’s time-honored hospitality. Over the years, Camelback Inn has been a sought-after destination for former presidents, heads of state, and Hollywood luminaries.

“We are excited to celebrate the history of Camelback Inn with our treasured guests and local community as we toast to 85 years all year long,” said Camelback Inn General Manager Paige Lund. “Our timeless resort provides a space for travelers to gather together and reminisce on past visits, create new memories, and look forward to their next unforgettable getaway.”

85th Anniversary Package (link to book here):

Guests yearning for luxurious outdoor adventure, a wellness-infused escape, and intimate dining experiences can book the lavish 85th Anniversary Package for $85,000, which includes:

• Room accommodations in the expansive Jackrabbit Suite (with a private pool) plus nine additional guest rooms for seven nights

• Welcome reception in the Jackrabbit Suite for up to 25 guests

• 20 spa treatments at The Spa at Camelback Inn

• Private guided hike on Camelback Mountain for up to 25 guests

• Private Yoga session for up to 25 guests

• Nine holes of golf at Camelback Golf Club for up to 12 guests

• Private dinner in the lushly landscaped Chef’s Garden for up to 25 guests

• 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy Reward Points

• Guided tours of the expansive resort grounds including Mummy Mountain Western Town, various quiet places for mindfulness and Birding 101

• Daily breakfast four up to 25 guests for seven days

• Off-property excursion for up to 25 guests

Follow along on Instagram @camelbackinn and share your #CamelbackInnHindsight memories. For more information on JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, please visit camelbackinn.com.