On May 1st, 2007, the Camelback Inn will embark on a very ambitious and inspiring journey of renewal. Over a ten month period, the resort will undergo a major transformation . . . spending over $40 million in the process. During the project, the resort will continue its normal operation with a number of adjustments being made to the Inn facilities and services to preserve the guest experience and service execution that our guests have come to expect over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are you doing this project?
1. To improve an award winning facility by creating a number of fresh and exciting offerings (two new restaurants, a new bar, a Marketplace, and a gorgeous new courtyard) that will enhance our guests' experience.
2. To expand the capacity and functionality of our Conference Space.
When does the project start and finish?
The project begins May 1, 2007 and will be completed in June 2008.
I've heard that the resort will be closed during the renovation, is this true?
No . . . in fact, the resort has place significant effort and resources against maintaining the high levels of services during the project as we have successfully done with similar projects in the past.
The size and setting of the resort’s 125 acre campus enables us to isolate most of the work of the project away from guest contact areas.
What condition will the resort be in during my visit?
The majority of work will be done in an isolated and confined area of the resort’s 125 acre campus that will be visible only at the immediate entrance to the resort. A number of guest facilities and services will temporarily be relocated to other locations of the resort.
Visually, you can expect to see construction equipment and trucks as you first enter the property. There will also be highly regulated truck traffic at key access points to effected areas at various times throughout the project, but at no more noise or impact than the delivery trucks that currently travel the resort’s roads to service our normal business levels.
Audibly, there will be varying levels of noise at different stages of the project in the work zone. Our sheer size and layout enable us to isolate and insolate work in order to minimize any interruption to the Inn's tranquil setting.
Can I reserve a room away from all of the constructions?
The front desk will execute a daily occupancy plan that will first place guests in locations throughout the resort that will be virtually unaffected by the project.
What facilities will be impacted?
Main Lodge – with a significant amount of work being done in the Main Lodge building, all services . . . including Lobby/Registration, Restaurants & Lounges, the Resort Shop, and the Garden Pool . . . will be relocated to the Jackrabbit Pool area.
Lobby/Registration - Guest Registration will be relocated to the Inn’s Jackrabbit Suite which will be converted into a warm and intimate lobby with breathtaking views of the resort and Camelback Mountain. This Lobby will rival any in our company.
Resort Shop/Business Center – The Jackrabbit Suite will also be home to the resort’s retail shop and Business Center. Both services will now be available to guests 24-hours a day. Though in-shop Business Center equipment and services will be scaled down, tasks of any size or complexity will be executed in our Administrative Offices
Restaurants & Lounges – Chaparral and Navajo Restaurants, Rita's Lounge and the Kokopelli Café will be closed for the duration of the project. The Inn's three-meal-a-day restaurant will be operated at the expanded and remodeled Hoppin' Jacks restaurant. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating, a charming fireplace and a menu that reflects the flair and passion of the Inn's talent culinary team await guests in search of an exceptional dining experience.
The Spa’s popular restaurant, Sprouts, will also expand its offerings and hours of operation while the Golf Grill offers an additional dining option throughout the duration of the project.
24-Hour Fitness Center– Guests will be extended complimentary access to our award winning Spa’s fitness center beginning April 16.
Convention Space - The resort’s main ballroom will undergo the most significant change during the project. Fortunately the location of the convention facilities enables the Inn to isolate this work from any guest contact areas of the campus. Smaller meeting rooms will be open throughout the project as well as an 11,600 square foot Pavilion. The Lakeview Inn and Latilla Room at the Inn’s Golf Club will be unaffected by any of the work at the Inn.
What about the guestrooms . . . will they be redone?
Yes, the Inn will take advantage of the timing of the project to update its already luxurious guestroom. Carpets, upholstery, drapes, and bathroom work will be completed along with the addition of flat panel televisions. The Inn will not change the popular bedding and linens that were custom designed and introduced to guests a little over a year ago.
Are you offering any deals over the construction period?
No more than our usual seasonal pricing adjustments. The Inn’s ability to isolate and insolate work from guest contact areas will ensure that our guests will continue to receive a 5-Diamond experience.
Are you building a new pool?
No. Though we will be losing the North Garden Pool it is currently used so infrequently that we can comfortably accommodate our guests’ needs at the Jackrabbit Pool facility.
What are you doing with all of the furnishing and fixtures?
Though we will refurbish a good amount of our historic décor, we will be liquidating a number of pieces of furniture or fixtures that are not consistent with the new decorative direction. These pieces will be made available through a liquidator’s service in early May of 2007.
Food & Beverage Specific
Where can I get a bite to eat?
Hoppin’ Jacks – Breakfast, Lunch and Cocktails
Sprouts - Lunch and Cocktails (as needed)
Room Service – 24-Hour . . . In-Room Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Golf Grill – Breakfast, Lunch and Cocktails
What kind of food and beverage will be served?
Hoppin’ Jacks - will be very similar to the previous menu that was served in the Navajo Restaurant and Rita's Lounge.
Sprouts – will feature its award winning healthy faire in the morning and afternoon.
Golf Grill – casual resort dining with light fare . . . great breakfasts, sandwiches and salads.
Poolside – including live entertainment on Friday and Saturday's .
How can I get to the Golf Grill?
Shuttles depart from the Inn’s Lobby for the Golf Club every hour from 6:00AM to 10:00PM. Shuttles will depart from the Golf Club returning to the Inn every hour on the half hour from 6:30AM to 10:30PM.
Will you still do your wonderful buffets?
Breakfast Buffets – will be offered at both Hoppin’ Jacks and the Golf Grill.
Prime Rib and Shrimp Dinner Buffets – will be discontinued until after the new restaurants are opened.
Sunday Brunch Buffets – will be offered at the Golf Grill at the Camelback Golf Club.
Holiday Buffets – will be offered at both the Golf Grill and at the Lakeview Inn at the Camelback Golf Club.
Where can I get a cocktail?
Hoppin’ Jacks, Sprouts, Poolside, or at the Golf Grill.
Can I still get a Starbuck’s Coffee?
Yes . . . at either Hoppin’ Jacks or the Golf Grill.
What will happen to the old restaurants?
All will be renovated and reconcepted.
Navajo – will stay be the Inn’s three-meal-a-day dining option, but will have a new name, lay-out, fresh look, and offer indoor as well as patio dining. The menu will remain quite similar to today’s offereings.
Chaparral – after 40 years of service, will be retired with honors. The new concept is called BLT Steak (Bistro Laurent Touroundel) (“tour-on-doll”) . . . An extremely popular restaurant in New York City that is a cross between a French bistro and an American Steakhouse. We have the honor of being selected as his first project in the western United States.
Where can I book a social function?
October 1, 2007 – March 1, 2008 – Sunshine (300-600 guests), Cholla (100 – 120 guests), Town Hall (100-150 guests), Peace Pipe (240-400 guests), Lakeview Inn at Camelback Golf Club (300-600 guests) plus numerous suites and small function rooms around the Inn. The 11,600 square foot Mountain View Pavilion will be ready for occupancy for functions up to 800 people.
How will guest parking be handled?
Similar to the way it is today. Resorts guests will park in close proximity to their rooms. Social function guests will park in the South Lot or Valet areas.
Where can I get additional information on the project?
The resort has created a stand-alone website that is dedicated to the project. Go to www.thelegendgrows.com for more detailed description of the project as well as real time updates to our progress.