People often ask me, "What is your favorite hotel?" That's hard to say because we've got 3,000 of them and some of them are absolutely spectacular. But, you know, it goes back to, "Where are your roots?" and "Where have you spent your happiest days?" and it always comes back to Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.
We've been going to Camelback as a family since 1948 -that's a long time. Camelback's got a great history. It was the first resort hotel built in the Scottsdale area of Arizona back in 1936. It had a dirt road in front of it called Lincoln Drive and there were no homes around the area at all. There were no businesses, just little Camelback Inn. It had about 80 rooms then. It's now over 450 rooms.
I remember going there with my parents when I was in high school. We spent a couple of weeks out there in March of 1948 and went back again when I was at the University of Utah and spent a couple of spring breaks down there. Finally we bought it in 1968 and we took our family there. Our grandchildren and children are all going there now for spring break.
And this past week in March we had a wonderful time there. I celebrated my 75th birthday; my daughter, Debbie, her 50th birthday; and my mother-in-law, her 90th birthday. We had 78 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, my mother-in-law, and all my family there. My wife arranged a big band dance for me on my birthday and all the kids were there - we just had a wonderful time.
You know, there's a character at Camelback, his name is Jack Cramer. We call him Captain Jack. He's a bell captain and when you check in at Camelback, he'll tell you all about this history. He'll tell you how it was the first resort in Scottsdale and what a wonderful time you're going to have. He'll tell you all about the new renovations that are coming in the next year with a new BLT restaurant from New York - a steak place - and a wonderful, new Marriott restaurant, a brand new ballroom and all kinds of things going on at Camelback.
It's a great place to stay. We've had a wonderful time staying there for almost 40 years. So, if you're in the Scottsdale area in the future, take a look at Camelback Inn. There's a lot of tradition and a lot of wonderful family memories.
This is Bill Marriott - thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Family Memories at Camelback Inn
I have great memories of The Camelback Inn.You see,I worked there over a few summers,washing windows at the pools,and grounds.I was also a waiter at some of the banquets.My my dad also worked there for many years in the 70`s..even grown up now we as a family have stayed at the many casitas over the years and my daughter`s wedding recepton was there...many happy memories and hopefully many more to come.5 star hotel for sure.
Posted by: Joe Zack | 12/15/2011 at 04:07 PM
I had never heard about the Camelback Inn until just recently when I was fortunate enough to join my sister for a short get-away in September. She had read about the fantastic spa in the major spa magazines and booked her stay. Even though in the past I have stayed at several five-star hotels and can discern a quality place, I was absoluely blown away by the Camelback Inn. From the moment I stepped inside the lobby filled with the history of the desert southwest and the inn itself, to the layout of the casitas, and the amazing spa, I was really humbled by just how beautiful the hotel is. More important, I felt so relaxed and peaceful just being on the grounds. The accommodations, service, and food were truly first rate. My only problem is that I was not staying longer. That will be remedied because I have already booked myself for another stay and cannot wait to come back and enjoy this beautiful place again. Thanks for a memorable vacation. I will be recommending it as "the place" to stay in Scottsdale.
Marianne Erwin, October 3, 2011
Posted by: Marianne Erwin | 10/03/2011 at 01:40 AM
A couple Christmas' ago we spent a week in Arizona and while we did not stay at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, we did have a lovely breakfast there on our last full day in Arizona. Our waiter was fantastic, the food delicious and then, we spent an hour outside looking at the beautiful grounds - I commented to my husband that if it weren't our last day, I would have packed up and moved us to this delightful and to me, very serene resort. He knew then that I had to return, this time as a full resort guest. I am thrilled to say that in a couple weeks, I will be taking our daughter back to Arizona for her Spring Break and yes, so very much looking forward to our stay at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn - my Dream will be coming true soon!!
Posted by: Tina VanValkenburg | 03/16/2011 at 03:38 PM
Last week my husband and I celebrated our 6th anniversary at the Camelback, it was GREAT. Last year we went to the Camelback for the first time and had an awesome time and we decided that we would go back again this year. We both agreed that it is our favorite vacation spot. The staff is #1, the spa is #1 and the rooms and facility is GREAT.
Posted by: Jennifer Gayle | 09/19/2007 at 12:10 PM
Mr. Marriott, What a pleasure to read this post. I too am very found of the Camelback and have stayed there as a child with my family and worked there during a summer internship while I was in college. Currently I work for Maritz Travel Company in Missouri I have stayed at my share of wonderful hotels but the Camelback is by far my favorite.
The Camelback brings back such wonderful memories for me and I remember staying there during Easters and Thanksgivings when your family was also on property. My brother Derek became friends with your son David during one of our visits.
My dad John ******** also loved the Camelback and having all of this 3 children together there celebrating whatever occasion it was. My dad passed away this January and the three of us kids are all heading to the Camelback this May to celebrate the times we had there with our dad. So with that I thank you for the life long memories, character and charm that have lasted all these years at our favorite hotel.
Sincerely,
Shannon Gilbert
Posted by: Shannon Gilbert | 05/10/2007 at 05:42 AM
Happy Birthday Mr. Marriot. I havnt stayed at Camelback but i want to go there. I am a platnum elite with marriot and have been for 4 years. I enjoy all your hotels and hope to continue doing buisness with you.
Posted by: scott casey | 04/24/2007 at 03:22 PM
Mr. Marriott, Happy Birthday!
My parents have been long standing owners at Camelback for more than 25 years. They visit the resort 4 to 5 times a year. I have only had the pleasure of visiting Camelback once, however, I hope to be able to make this part of my family traditon as well as you have. On the front of the T-shirt I have: The camel is and on the back is the camel.
Posted by: chrism | 04/09/2007 at 08:32 AM
Adding my good wishes for your birthday and many more. Camelback Inn is my favorite too. I've stayed at the property a few times and your staff has also been so hospitable. I even blogged about it! http://tinyurl.com/2e2kom
Posted by: Toby | 04/05/2007 at 06:14 AM
Happy Birthday Mr. Marriott. All I can say that I am a Marriott Ambassador. I recommend Marriotts to all my family and friends. Any Marriott property I stay in, I know that I will be treated by a friendly, efficient staff. As soon as I see your picture in the Lobby, I feel so welcomed. My best wishes to you and your family--keep up the good work. Thank you for coming up with the timeshare business, which has enable my family and friends to enjoy wonderful vacations.
Posted by: Nora Mosqueda | 04/05/2007 at 04:18 AM
Mr Mariott, I am very impressed with your hotels and especially with your staff.
Thank you for making my choice easy.
Posted by: Andrew Shea | 04/05/2007 at 03:38 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott:
Happy birthday and thank you for your customer friendly forum. As you shared about your favorite hotel, the Camelback Inn, and reminisced on your past, I thought about Georgetown, Guyana. I sincerely hope that the first Marriott there will be established very soon and the Guyana flag added in the Headquarters lobby. Terica, my daughter, and I plan to go to Florida for the summer and just may include Scottsdale, Arizona on our itinerary. It would be quite an experience of going somewhere we have never gone before.
Thanks again for extending yourself in this blog.
Posted by: Juliette Adams | 04/04/2007 at 11:57 AM
I have only had the privilege of visiting The Camelback Inn each summer since 2003, but it has already become one of my favorite places. To walk the beautiful and peaceful grounds at sunset is a real treat! The staff are wonderful, the rooms beautiful, and the setting awesome! Marriott continues to honor the history and heritage of The Camelback Inn.
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 04/04/2007 at 05:43 AM
Reading about your family holidays made me think about my grandfather and his stories. Suddenly I have the need to give that old man a call. Greetings!
Posted by: Mariana | 04/04/2007 at 04:01 AM
At the entrance to Camelback Inn, a sign greets guests with, In all the world, only one. At the lobby, you find another sign that says, Where time stands still. There are numerous resorts in the greater Phoenix area, but as far as I'm concerned, none of them can come close to making the same claims. I also can't imagine anyone other than Marriott creating such an environment.
Even more than the property itself, the fantastic staff (including Captain Jack, of course!) at both the resort and spa, have made my visits to Camelback so much more than just a nice getaway. Thanks so much for including this fantastic and unique resort in your blog, Mr. Marriott. I look forward to seeing all the improvements during my future stays!!!
Posted by: Jim Grow | 04/04/2007 at 03:22 AM
Dear Mr Marriott,
I Love you! Thank you so much for being the great man you are and for the wonderful example you set for everyone!
Thank you for sharing with all of us on your blog. That is so AWESOME!
I have a daughter down in Scottsdale who is attending The Culinary Institute and I must say it is a beautiful place. I have especially enjoyed your thoughts on the Camelback.
Have a Dynamic Day!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Alvey
Posted by: Carolyn Alvey | 04/03/2007 at 01:06 PM