Carefree Resort and Villas in Carefree, Arizona

Carefree Resort and Villas is a well-established desert resort easily accessible from Phoenix or Scottsdale. With easy access to the quaint towns of Carefree and Cave Creek, there is much to experience both on site and off-site.Address: 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree, Arizona 85377 Map
Phone: 480.488.5300 or 888.488.9034
WebsiteCarefree, just north of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a beautiful little town surrounded by mountains and tall saguaros. At 2,500 ft. elevation, Carefree is always just a bit cooler than in the valley... a real plus during the hot summer. Carefree has a myriad of quaint restaurants, shops and galleries to explore.The resort offers rental villas which include garages, and are located in a private, gated community on the Resort proper. We stayed in a resort room with patio. You can choose among a single queen, single king, or two queen or king-size bedding options. The rooms are colorfully decorated in desert-inspired colors. Some have mountain views and some look out over the pool. Prices are seasonal. Accommodations in low season (April- September) run as low as $69 to $99 per night. In peak season (October-March) accommodations run from $149 to $239 per night.We dined in the beautiful Lariat Grill surrounded with floor to ceiling paintings of the western desert. The cuisine was fine western dining with a creative flair. Guests can also dine in the Saloon or have a meal delivered to their room.Recently named "America's Best Place to Live for Golf" by The Robb Report, Greater Scottsdale and Carefree are home to nearly 200 golf courses - offering layouts that range from rolling classic green fairways to cactus-studded desert designs. The resort's preferred course, Legend Trail, (6 miles away) showcases spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and landmark Pinnacle Peak. About Legend Trail Golf Club. Dennis Farrell the resort's PGA Director of Golf on property is available to help guests decide which course would be best for them. He has a plethora of knowledge on most courses in AZ.The Carefree Resort and Villas has a thick booklet outlining all the activities available to guests. You'll keep busy with after-dinner campfires, jeep trips, hiking and more. If they don't provide the activity on-site, they will arrange your chosen activity with an approved provider off-site. Of course if you just want to laze by their beautiful pool, that's ok too.(not reviewed) Of course the Carefree Resort and Villas offers an on-site spa. Treatments range from massage therapy to skin, nail and body care.The resort offers conference and banquet room facilities.We spent a night at the resort and dined at the Lariat Grill. The resort was well-established, located in a quiet, upscale desert neighborhood and had marvelous desert and mountain views. We especially enjoyed the spacious room opening out to cacti surrounding the pool.

Cruising in the Desert?

We received a thick booklet chock full of activities before our trip to Carefree and were called by an activities coordinator a few days before our stay. Interestingly, the resort positions their menu of activities as cruise activity options with an "embarkation schedule." Not being a cruise afficionado, I found this rather confusing. I was going to the desert to experience the mountains and cacti! Cruise or no cruise, the activities offerings are diverse and will appeal to every guest. Simple things such as Native American stories told around the campfire or more complex outings such skydiving over the desert are available. Give them a little notice. Some of these activities have to be arranged for you.

Highlights

Of course the Sonoran desert is always a highlight. The large Sagauro cacti on the campus as well as beautiful mountains changing with the light of the day are a reason to come to the area. The resort takes advantage of the western and desert themes with the paintings in the lobby, the huge mineral specimens displayed at the entrance and the decor of the lobby. Take a seat in the lobby, prop up your feet on the hearth and spend a little time relaxing while reading a book and you'll feel as though you are in a historic lodge.

We dined at the Lariat Grill one evening and thoroughly enjoyed the artfully prepared cuisine and fine service. We highly recommend the steaks or cedar plank salmon. Service was excellent!

Recommendation

With package rates and specials, the resort may prove to be a fine alternative to Scottsdale resorts price-wise while not sacrificing any of the comforts you desire. Not all rooms offer a bath tub so if you are a "soaker," be sure and inquire before booking.

Add in the opportunity to get to know the quaint towns of Carefree and Cave Creek and you will have even more incentive to stay at the Carefree Resort and Villas. Just don't be confused by the cruise theme... leave your deck shoes at home!