CAMELBACK INN

The heritage of the southwest is reflected throughout the 125-acre world-famous resort through its contemporary pueblo architecture and use of Indian and Mexican decor and crafts.

A cool pool, giant palm trees and saguaro cacti silhouetted against a spectacular red/orange/pink Arizona sunset, and our "Time Stands Still" atmosphere to enjoy it in.

Marriott's® Camelback Inn How it came to be and where it's going:

Jack Stewart, who probably more than any other person, made the greatest contribution to the development of tourism in our Valley of the Sun, originated the idea of Camelback Inn after having spent several years as publicity agent for the San Marcos Hotel in Chandler, Arizona, and the Wigwam Resort Hotel in Litchfield Park. Through his work he became acquainted with John C. Lincoln, a Cleveland industrialist who wintered here. Pointing out the investment possibilities to be realized in building an outstanding one-of-a-kind resort in northeast Phoenix, Stewart finally persuaded John Lincoln to provide the means to give reality to his dream. Camelback Inn opened in December of 1936 with a total of 77 guest rooms, located at the end of a dusty trail "way out of town." The first guest to sign the register was Robert Zuppke, head football coach at the University of Illinois who, along with his other six "Inn-Mates" sat on bales of hay and ate off plankboards, awaiting arrival of the furniture. The Inn's pueblo-style architecture was designed by Edward Loomis Bowes, professional photographer, engineer and furniture designer whom Stewart picked for the project. Bowes had "thrown up" a few private residences for friends, but was by no means an educated architect. His skill and vision (and the lenient building codes in force at that time) made it possible for him to undertake the project. The original property was purchased for $4 an acre (current market value is $50,000$60,000) and soil from the building site was used to form the thick adobe blocks used to construct the main building and original casas. Jack and Louise Stewart acted as managers, salesmen and master hosts during the 31 years they owned Camelback Inn. They eventually bought out the Lincoln interests, and, as a tribute to the man who brought Jack Stewart's dream to fruition, erected a small chapel in memory of John C. Lincoln on the grounds, where it still stands today. The Inn's excellent climate, food and hospitality beckoned prominent guests from every walk of life and every corner of the earth. Government leaders, movie stars, sports greats, prominent business and industrial figures even a shiek or two-found their way to Camelback's doorstep. Notable names on the guest register have included John F. Kennedy, J. C. Penney, Archie Moore, Sarah Churchill, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Spiro Agnew, Walter Cronkite, Burt Reynolds, Anthony Quinn, Vernon Stauffer, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, George Romney, Martha Mitchell and many others.

In 1967 the Marriott Corporation purchased the Inn from the Stewarts, marking the first purchase of an existing property by the Marriotts. Board Chairman Willard J. Marriott and his wife, Alice, had been guests with their family many, many times, and were well acquainted with the Inn's atmosphere and reputation. It was their desire to retain these features and augment them through a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion program. Summer, 1969, brought bulldozers and dollars to increase the total number of guest rooms to 281, including several elegant bi-level suites. Other additions included a second year-round swimming pool and whirlpool, a new resort shop, an informal poolside lounge and the dramatic Chaparral Specialty Restaurant and adjacent La Cantina Lounge. With the completion of these additional guest rooms and facilities, Marriott's Camelback Inn became the largest resort property in the state of Arizona. For the five years following the Marriott purchase and renovation, Camelback Inn has been awarded the coveted Mobil Travel Guide 5-Star award, the highest rating this travel service presents in recognition of outstanding service and facilities. Only eleven such presentations were given during 1973, and, interestingly, three of these were awarded to resort properties in Phoenix - Camelback Inn, The Arizona Biltmore and Mountain Shadows.

Summer, 1969, marked the first time in history that the Inn remained open year 'round. This has proved a profitable move, offering limited budget vacationers and convention groups, tour groups and local people wanting to "escape" to a little luxury, the same services and accommodations at lowered summer rates. With total air conditioning, six tennis courts and a private, championship golf course, Marriott's Camelback Inn has much to offer the summer vacationer.

Early this year, the Marriott Corporation set an industry precedent by converting Camelback Inn to a resort condominium property in an effort to utilize this capital to finance new expansion. When the condominium program is fully developed, 407 units will be offered for sale. Condominium purchasers are issued a deed covering their unit and a proportionate share of the common elements of the Inn (buildings, grounds and recreational facilities). Purchasers may occupy their units 28 days each year, paying only a small fee to cover maid services. This unique program, developed exclusively for Camelback Inn, offers upper-income individuals an opportunity to invest in the hotel business at the same time they enjoy a rent-free vacation. The units are rented to the general public for the remainder of the year, with rental fees placed in an income pool which is shared with unit owners after expenses are deducted. Marriott Hotels will continue to operate Camelback Inn under a long-term contract.

Camelback Country Club Estates is an exclusive colony at Camelback Country Club, the setting for Camelback Inn's championship golf courses. Through a unique reciprocal arrangement, home owners in Camelback Country Club Estates are authorized to use all services offered by Marriott's Camelback Inn, swimming pools and pitch and putt golf courses excepted. Located on North Scottsdale Road, Camelback Country Estates represents the ultimate in residential golf course developments. Low profile single family homes and complete underground utility installations assure long uninterrupted vistas with rolling landscapes and distant mountains determining the scene.

The two scenes on this page depict the "walk from your home to the clubhouse" residences at Camelback Country Club Estates.

Golf is pure pleasure on Camelback Country Club's 6687-yard, regulation, championship course, designed by Robert F. Lawrence. A new, elevated clubhouse with complete locker facilities and glasswalled restaurant overlooking the course compliment this facility.