History

Camelback Inn has been welcoming guests to its award-winning desert hideaway for more than 60 years. The vision of a world-class retreat in the picturesque Sonoran Desert sprang from the mind of ambitious young hotel manager Jack Stewart.

In 1936, the ambitious would-be hotelier persuaded a group of investors led by his friend and Ohio businessman John C. Lincoln to finance construction of the resort on a panoramic site with wonderful views of Camelback Mountain. Thus, Camelback Inn became Scottsdale's first luxury resort.

Designed by architect Edward Loomis Bowes, the resort cost $75,000 to build and accommodated 75 guests. The resort immediately attracted wealthy travelers who endured long train rides to Phoenix from the East Coast and Midwest, then another 12-mile trek down bumpy dirt roads to reach their Southwestern resort adventure. Horseback riding, desert exploration and other outdoor excursions introduced vacationers to the wonders of their secluded surroundings.

Welcoming guests and making them feel at home is a Camelback tradition that was begun by Stewart and his wife, the former Mabel Louise Shoemaker. Louise was a social dynamo who organized grand costume events, such as the zany Gold Digger's Ball, instilling a spirit of camaraderie among guests that lives on to this day. Some families vacationing at Camelback Inn today remember coming here as children, just as their parents did before them.

Another Camelback original that continues to delight guests is Hopalong College, one of the resort industry's most renowned and longest running children's shows. The program was named for frequent visitor Hopalong Cassidy (actor William Boyd). Known for being generous to children, Camelback Inn promises to carry on his legacy for many years to come.

Early guests included many celebrities and business leaders, including Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis and J. W. Marriott, Sr. who shared the Stewart's love for Camelback Inn. The Marriott's proudly made the Camelback Inn their first resort in 1967.

Some of the more recent celebrities and business leaders to vacation at Camelback Inn include famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey, former president George Bush and his wife Barbara, model/actress Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Dr. Ruth, actor Tom Selleck, model/actress Cindy Crawford, and world-renowned chef Bobby Flay.

J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., continued his father's commitment to Camelback by overseeing further expansion and enhancements including, additional meeting space, a 16 million dollar transformation of the golf facilities, newly renovated guest rooms, and The Spa at Camelback Inn, which has been named one of the Top 100 Spas in the world. These continuous improvements have earned the resort numerous accolades over the years. In 1969, the resort received it's first Five-Star rating from Mobil Travel Guide, the publication's highest rating.

In addition to the Mobil award, Camelback Inn is also recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award, Meeting & Conventions Gold Key and Gold Tee Awards, Corporate Meetings & Incentives Paragon Award, and Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award.

In February 1989, the resort unveiled a magnificent addition, The Spa at Camelback Inn. The 31,000 square foot fill service facility is a world-class retreat unparalleled in service and setting of any resort spa in the Southwest. In 2000, it was ranked one of the Top 100 spas in the world.

The Camelback Golf Club features 36 holes of championship golf in a parkland setting, which promises a demanding round of golf. The $16 million renovation of the Camelback Golf Club features the newly designed Padre Course with towering trees, controlled landforms and strategic bunkering to heighten your game. Unique Arizona desert and mountain views, lush palm - and eucalyptus-lined fairways, and multiple lakes surround the 18-hole Indian Bend Course. The newly built 36,000 sq. ft. pueblo-styled Clubhouse offers golfers an extensive golf shop, The Grill at Camelback Golf Club, and the finest amenities in the Valley.

Savor the true taste of Arizona in Hoppin' Jacks. Rich in Southwestern ambiance and charming hospitality, enjoy a flavorful breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Dine with spectacular views of Camelback Mountain, or poolside, by the Jackrabbit Pool

In addition to Hoppin' Jacks, Camelback Inn has many other fantastic dining choices. Sprouts at the Spa features the latest heart-health menu selections. The Kokopelli Cafe offers flavorful coffee, resort baked pastries, and comfortable outdoor seating. And newly renovated, The Grill at Camelback Golf Club invites guests to relax with a round of lunch or cocktails.

The Marriott family has entrusted their team to oversee the evolution of Camelback Inn for Years to come. The goal will always be to enhance and protect the southwestern character of the resort and to retain the ambiance of Camelback's alluring appeal for guests from around the world.

The state of the art 3.5 million dollar Jackrabbit Pool facility has amazing views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains. The intelligently designed pool area has a children's play area with giant water spraying geckos, underwater music, a large recreational pool, a smaller scale lap pool, and the new Hoppin' Jack's eatery.

In November 2003, The Spa at Camelback Inn was re-opened boasting an $8 million "to-the-walls" renovation.

Camelback Inn features more than 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, including the 16,000 square foot Arizona Ballroom, the 6,400 square foot Sunshine Ballroom, the 3,744 square foot Peace Pipe Ballroom, and several outdoor theme locations. The Sonoran Terrace is a spacious outdoor patio adjacent to the business center. It possesses a trickling fountain and amazing views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains, and can accommodate up to 600 people for a reception style event. Additionally, the Mummy Mountain cookout area offers an authentic Western setting with panoramic views of the Valley.

"In all the world, only one..."