Scottsdale Arizona is a fantastic destination for a mancation and while we visited here for Cactus League Spring Training - especially since it is right next to Salt River Fields, it is a solid year-round destination.
There is obviously no shortage of world-class resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona and so it might be tough to decide which one will be the perfect spot for your next mancation.
Talking stick is a 4 diamond casino resort that has an on-property golf course, walking distance to the latest Top Golf location, an entertainment venue with acts ranging from Rob Thomas and Collective Soul to Dennis Miller and Tim Allen. It is also home to the Arizona State Poker Championship and if that isn't enough - even cool enough that even NFL Players want to take their buddies here for a round of golf as I found out during a twitter conversation with Philadelphia Eagles veteran,Mark McMillian.
Exploring the Hotel Room
I may have been biased in the past about "Indian Casinos" because frankly a lot of them are just glamorized bingo halls that exist only to extra money from visitors in an ironic historical turning of the tables. While ultimately a casino exists to make money this is more Vegas-style and focused on delivering an experience vs "just a place to gamble".
Our room was a "Deluxe King" though like any resort there are a variety of options including a 1,500 sq ft 3-bay suite.
As such, I was completely amazed by how fantastic the room was - it absolutely deserves the 4 Diamonds rating and was possibly one of the nicest rooms I have ever stayed in (with a couple exceptions - the feel of the linens didn't match the rest of the room's quality and the walls were unfortunately a little thing so you could hear your neighbor's bathroom door slide open/shut).
Casino and Poker Room
The casino floor features 240,000 feet of gaming space featuring 50 table games and 800 slot machines available 24-7 as well as the "The Arena", Arizona's largest poker room.
Keno is also available till 11pm on weeknights and 24 hours on Friday-Sunday.
Dining and Entertainment Options
Talking Stick features a variety of restaurants and bars on site ranging from coffee and sandwiches to the fine dining restaurant, Orange Sky located at the top of the hotel tower on the 15 floor, offering 360 views of the valley.
During our visit, we chose to dine at the Wandering Horse Buffet and enjoy some king crab legs and lobster claws.
We didn't get a chance to take in a show but The Salt River Ballroom features bands ranging from Rob Thomas and 311 as well as comedians like Tim Allen, Lisa Lampanelli, and Dennis Miller.
If dance clubs are more your style, there is also club Degree 270 on the 14th floor of the resort with everything you'd expect from a top dance club including VIP bottle service.
Golf
There is no shortage of great golf courses in Phoenix but it's always nice to have a course at the resort vs having to drive all over. Accordingly Talking Stick Golf Club features two courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
The North Course (Par 70) with broad angular holes with slightly crowned greens and close-cropped approaches and the South Course (Par 71) featuring tree-lined fairways and raised greens offering a more straightforward style of play.
@TS_Resort @mantripping your welcome what's the green fees now I want to bring some of my NFL buddies out for a round of golf
— Mark McMillian (@MarkMcMillian29) March 8, 2014
Even better than that is the fact that Talking Stick will soon play host to the latest location of Top Golf and remarkable concept that mixes golf and entertainment. It is an absolute MUST VISIT during your visit.
We loved the Top Golf location in Chicago so we can't wait to visit here soon!
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Last, but certainly not least - Talking Stick Resort also features Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies and a free shuttle to / from the resort.
Even beyond Spring Training in Scottsdale, the field plays host to a number of other events including the Arizona BBQ Festival on April 5, an Oktoberfest celebration, and the Arizona Taco Festival on October 18 and 19.
Thank you Talking Stick and Visit Scottsdale for helping with providing accommodations during our visit to Talking Stick Resort.
