Carefree Resort

By Norman E. Hill & Maralyn D. Hill

Anticipation was high as we approached a resort with “carefree� in its name. We were up for an untroubled and relaxed get-away and this resort, less than an hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, delivered everything its name suggests.

Premier King Room

Carefree Resort & Conference Center, is nearing the end of an extensive renovation of its guest rooms and suites, as well as restaurants and bars. Four types of rooms are now available – Resort, Premier, Villa and Sonoran. The first three have been decorated in a comforting and restful Southwestern style, while Sonoran is more contemporary. Villas are part of a timesharing plan. In total, 234 larger than average rooms are available, with high season rates beginning at around $159 per night, and all include an extensive list of complimentary amenities. Near and dear to our personal taste was the exceptional quality of the mattresses, linens and pillows. A full service spa, five lighted tennis courts, with a tennis professional on property, heated serenity pool and 24 hour fitness facility added to the luxurious tempo of our stay.

Lariat Restaurant

Mirroring the soothing décor of the rooms, the laid back ambiance of the entire 20-acre property nurtured and promoted the carefree feeling we had anticipated. A true Sonoran Desert landscape has been maintained, and the property is grass free, consistent with the way the nearby town of Carefree itself is landscaped. The town was founded in the 1950s as a center for culture and art. Since then, the area has developed into a haven for artists and artisans who are inspired by the surrounding desert landscapes, spectacular sunsets and majestic rock formations.

Meals, restaurants and bars at Carefree were outstanding. The resort’s impressive entrance lobby features a fireplace that connects to the Lariat Restaurant. During summer months, Lariat opens its windows to provide de facto outdoor dining. A short distance away is the Red Horse Saloon – a large scale meeting room, complete with pool tables. In addition, Carefree offers The Opera House as a venue, where “Grand Ole Opry� roots have been reinterpreted to fit Carefree’s western character. We enjoyed first-rate meals at Lariat, which included Chilean Sea Bass, a 14-ounce pork chop, lobster bisque and a to-die-for carrot cake. The previous night, we dined al fresco, on the terrace adjoining the spa. The French onion soup, shrimp pasta, and quesadilla were all excellent.

An integral part of the renovation has been the retraining of staff. The pride, confidence and genuine hospitality shown by everyone working at Carefree was amazing to experience. Everyone really cared about our comfort while on property and actively made certain we were happy. We left Carefree Resort and Conference Center feeling fulfilled with exactly the kind of restful pampering we sought.