The Resort Insider Blog

Take a break this holiday season and let Arizona Grand Resort & Spa do the work for you.  Our skilled pastry chefs have put years into perfecting the ultimate Deep Dish Apple Pie and expertly prepared Chocolate Pumpkin Marbled Cheesecake with Oreo crust - we won’t tell your guests you didn’t make those adorable marzipan pumpkins if you don’t.  Be the talk of your holiday party or family dinner with a traditional Brandied Cherry Yule Log complete with decorative meringue mushrooms.  Even the pickiest eaters will be impressed with the Flourless Chocolate Torte (gluten free) or the Carrot Pecan Cake with citrus cream cheese frosting.  Get your orders in early for your Holiday Dessert To Go by follow the easy instructions on our order form.

Your favorite Aunt is busy all month hand making delicious tamales from a traditional family recipe.  Join Aunt Chilada’s Tempe in celebrating the holiday season with a Mexican tradition. Enjoy tamales on the cantina patio or bring some home to share with family and friends.  Tamales are offered by the full or half dozen through New Year’s.  Choose from Red Chile Beef or Green Corn Tamales, available with red or green sauce, and all orders come with Aunt Chilada’s famous chips and salsa.  Stop by Aunt Chilada’s Tempe to place your order, call 602-431-6470 or email your order form to info@auntchiladastempe.com    

Looking for a staycation or a place for visiting relatives over the Christmas holiday? Treat yourself or your favorite out-of-towners to a spacious one-bedroom suite from just $99 a night with our Friends & Family promotion, December 23-30, 2012.  Reserve today using Promo Code PROHOL or call 602-659-6379.

This year leave the cooking to us, with our sumptuous Christmas Buffet at The Lobby Grill featuring carved to order Garlic Crusted Prime Rib of Beef, Apple Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin, Gremolata Rubbed Rotisserie Free Range Chicken, Pan Seared Duck Breast, Pumpkin and Spinach Gnocchi and Eggnog Cheesecake. The menu selections are truly mouthwatering and offer your family a delicious traditional feast without all the preparation and clean-up.  Our talented Chef Eric will also offer a special menu at the Lobby Grill for New Year’s Eve with dinner service available until 10pm. For holiday dining reservations at The Lobby Grill, please call 602-438-9000. 

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the holidays this year and make Arizona Grand Resort & Spa a part of your family tradition.  For more details on the holiday offers, or to purchase a gift card please click here.  

1. Tell us what makes the location unique.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is located in one of Arizona's most naturally beautiful places; South Mountain Preserve, the largest municipal park in the world.  The resort grounds are kept full and lush, creating a hidden garden oasis in the Sonoran Desert.  Our unique touches like dramatic Spanish architecture, amazing fountains, twinkle-lit palm trees and intimate courtyards create grand settings for a wedding.  

2. What should brides know about Arizona Grand Resort & Spa? 

The Arizona Grand is perfect for couples that know exactly what they want and for those just beginning the planning process.  Couples can choose from several versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for their ideal event venue.   From romantic to casual, from glitzy to rustic, from intimate to grand. Couples can create a wedding that is unique to them and they will have a dedicated wedding specialist to assist them in every step of the process. 

  3. What differentiates Arizona Grand Resort & Spa from other wedding venues? 

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is a AAA, Four Diamond all-suite property.  Our large property features a water park for guests, private restaurants, golf course, dozens of flexible venues, and a full service spa and salon.   Arizona Grand is perfect for destination wedding couples.  They choose our resort for their destination wedding because we offer so many services onsite from a welcome reception to your post-wedding brunch all available in one location.  Plus the convenience allows you and your guests to enjoy a fabulous stress-free experience. 

 4.  What is your specialty and what are you known for? 

The Arizona Grand is known for strong attention to the tiniest details and for creating a truly customized wedding experience.  Couples have a dedicated wedding specialist that is with them every step, from the venue scout to the farewell exit.  Time and time again we hear from our wedding guests that our food is the most memorable.  We strive to offer more than the standard “banquet” food and our expert culinary team holds themselves to a high standard. 

 5. What are some tips to create a memorable wedding? 

We know as well as anyone that there are a lot of great wedding ideas out there (especially on Pinterest!), but you cannot do everything; nor do you want to overwhelm yourself with the task.  Instead I suggest focusing on five fabulous key moments that will keep your guests talking well after the event.  I call it the “Fabulous Five”! First, you have to have fabulous food at your event.  Trust me, your guests will remember if the food was good or if it was bad – this can make or break your event.  Secondly, let’s have some FUN!  Guests  always remember the weddings they have the most fun at; I believe a great DJ or a live band can create the perfect atmosphere for fun.  Thirdly, adding special entertainment to enhance your guest experience such as a live musician for cocktail hour, a photo booth, a clever s’mores buffet or cigar roller – essentially any fun activity that your guests can enjoy together.  This leaves you with two fabulous final opportunities to wow your guests. A late snack is always a good idea, featuring menus  such as mini burger sliders with milk shakes or a hot pizza station.  Wrapping up the night with a grand sparkler exit will leave your guests with a very special memory of your big day for years to come.

 6.  What is your expert advice for brides? 

Your venue you select sets the tone for your entire event.  Choosing a resort invites your guests to consider your big day as a destination vacation.  The resort environment at Arizona Grand is a perfect place to bring together your family and friends and create an event that is truly memorable.                                                                                               

To get more bridal tips and meet fabulous local vendors join us at the fall Bridal Showcase for a fun afternoon of wedding inspiration in the Arizona Grand Ballroom on October 28^th from 1-4pm. We’re here to help you create a day that is fun, fabulous and uniquely you.  The Bridal Showcase offers you the opportunity to experience all Arizona Grand has to offer and meet our staff of Wedding Professionals and Preferred Wedding Partners. Learn the tips and tricks to create an unforgettable experience for your guests, sample culinary flavors, enjoy signature cocktails, connect with vendors and tour Grand wedding and reception venues.  

Dawn Candrea  is with you every step of the way- like on Nick & Eva's big day!