Excitement was abundant at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix on Thursday night as people gathered to celebrate the treasured Arizona landmark’s 70th anniversary.
The event celebrated the history and future of Royal Palms in one of their newly redesigned outdoor spaces, the Orange Grove, a courtyard which features trees over 100 years old. A four-piece jazz band set the tone for the evening, singing classics by Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams while guests conversed and enjoyed craft drinks, freshly-prepared dishes at action stations throughout, and an assortment of desserts. Empty wine bottles sat atop round tables scattered in the space, decorated with square photos of people and the resort celebrating moments through the years.
“As a treasured locale within the community for 70 years, we’ve provided the setting for countless events,” said Geoff Gray, general manager of Royal Palms Resort and Spa. “The fruit of which was showcased at the event as a collection of photos submitted by past guests. For the last few months, we’ve asked for these images and encourage the community to continue to share their moments of joy at the Royal Palms as a way of making their own mark on history.”
Since Florence and Delos Cooke built what is now the Royal Palms as their home in 1929, the resort’s rich history and personalized service continually invites visitors to a stay like no other in the valley. The luxurious resort immerses guests through top-notch dining, accommodations with distinct style, and resort activities surrounded by a lush environment teeming with history. The resort also has more than 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and wedding space with dynamic venues to host events from intimate gatherings to large groups.
The resort’s dynamic history, Spanish Colonial-inspired design with Mediterranean touches and breathtaking landscapes are part of what attracts Arizonans and visitors. “Our picturesque setting invites guests to walk in the footsteps of history, celebrities, and presidents,” Gray said. Guests are transported through the resort’s winding stone paths, fountains in courtyards, outdoor fireplaces, 100-year-old rustic doorways and hand-painted tiles, and abundant flowers residing in flourishing gardens. Guests and visitors are treated to an expanse of beautiful scenery including acres of citrus trees.
Royal Palms recently completed a $3.7 million renovation in 2017, updating features and providing modern-day comforts while preserving historical character. The renovation included all 119 guest rooms, the Mother-of-Pearl swimming pool and lounge area, event lawns, and landscaping of almost 200 palm trees across the nine acres. “Our recent renovation design reflects the resort’s rich history, emblematic details, and iconic location at the base of Camelback Mountain,” Gray said. “It is with great honor and pride, as stewards of this historic estate, that we keep the ageless, distinct character of the Royal Palms,” Gray continued. “We’ve taken great care to couple the heritage and story of the resort with refreshed accommodations, new event venues, sophisticated surroundings and an elevated guest experience.”
For 70 years, the resort has maintained its quaint atmosphere, and offers personalized services to enhance guests’ stay. “Our colleagues at Royal Palms are dedicated to curating unique experiences. We celebrate opportunities to do something deeply personal for guests, as well as fellow colleagues, engendering a culture of care. This makes thoughtful acts of kindness an everyday event,” Gray said. “Guests come to Royal Palms to celebrate priceless occasions and we work to make sure every moment is perfect.”
Gray is confident about the resort’s future as a fixture of historical significance and a destination for residents and travelers alike.
“With care and commitment to each other, our guests and our community, I hope the Royal Palms continues to host the most significant milestones in our guest’s lives. In another 70 years, we’ll be celebrating decades of new stories and an enduring tradition of lasting memories.”
