ROYAL PALMS RESORT AND SPA
It’s not hard to understand the magnificence of the Royal Palms once its roots are exposed. In 1926, just as any custom homeowner, Delos and Florence Cooke had visions of what their Spanish Revival winter home was to look like upon completion. Set on 65 acres, El Vernadero, meaning “winter haven,” as the Cookes affectionately called it, was completed in 1929. The mansion was sold in 1937 following Delos’s death.
After being bought and sold by investors, The Royal Palms Inn came to fruition in February 1948. Composed of 15 casitas, citrus groves and date palms, the inn established a purpose for the land, to which numerous additions were made in the latter half of the century.
Over the years, the Royal Palms has grown to include a multimillion dollar Alvadora Spa, a signature on-site restaurant called T. Cook’s, and modern guestrooms, yet visitors still flock to the resort specifically for its whimsical architecture in a desert setting.
In 1996, during the resort’s most expansive renovation to date, a heart-shaped pool that graced the grounds was removed. Paradoxically, the symbol of love’s absence has, in a sense, made thousands of vacationing hearts grow fonder. Today, the Royal Palms is an “I do” hot spot, sought after by brides and grooms in search of the romantic Spanish architecture that the Cookes dreamed up.
RESORT STATS
Accommodations
Then: 15 casitas
Now: 119 rooms
Guests per Year
Then: Historical figure not available
Now: 129,000
Room Rates
Then: $35 per night (1948)
Now: From $399 per night
Amenities
Then: Tennis courts, horseback riding and a heart-shaped swimming pool
Now: Valet/self parking, 24-hour fitness center, cabana pool, wireless Internet, in-room flat-screen LCD TV’s, mini bars, 24-hour room service, Director of Romance, Director of Shopping, twice-daily housekeeping, iPod clock/radios, daily newspaper, dry cleaning, access to spa facilities, business center and
pet-friendly throughout
TO LEARN MORE
The Arizona Biltmore 602.955.6600, www.arizonabiltmore.com.
Hotel Valley Ho 480.248.2000, www.hotelvalleyho.com.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa 602.840.3610, www.royalpalmshotel.com.
The Wigwam 623.935.3811, www.wigwamarizona.com.
