Vacation Resorts: Artisans and Travel in Mexico

Arizona Grand Resort's New Vision and Heightened Level of Excellence Earns International Recognition Distinction Highlights Resort's Top-Tier Amenit

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) March 27, 2008 -- Arizona Grand Resort, formerly Pointe South Mountain Resort, today announced its membership to the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts Ultimate Luxury Collection, a distinction earned by only the most outstanding independently-owned and operated hotels in the country.

"Exceptional customer service tops our list of priorities and we've reached new heights," said Sam Grossman, founder of Grossman Company Properties, the company also known for its reinvigoration of the Arizona Biltmore Resort during the 1990's. "We take a hands-on approach with each of our properties and are excited that our amenities and service initiatives have been recognized by such a well-regarded organization as Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Their mark of excellence is truly an honor for an independently owned and operated luxury hotel such as the Arizona Grand Resort."

Preferred Hotels & Resorts requires rigorous testing of member properties that join the Ultimate Luxury Collection, including an extensive 1,600-item Standards of Excellence? quality assurance program that has been honored with the "Best Practices Champion Award" by Cornell University.

This distinction highlights Arizona Grand Resort's renewed commitment to excellence following its purchase by Grossman Company Properties in 2006. Since taking ownership, Grossman has implemented a service culture designed to elevate the guest experience, created a new employee training program focused on customer service and personal attention, and initiated a $52 million renovation plan for the resort.

A three-phase renovation process began in 2007 with exterior building and landscaping enhancements, a new property lighting concept as well as guest suite enhancements. Total renovations, scheduled for completion in 2009, will include all 640 guest suites, restaurants, spa, a redesigned golf course and a brand new resort lobby complete with lobby bar and specialty restaurant.

"We're making history with these grand changes and are confident that our unprecedented revitalization will broaden our appeal to leisure and business travelers, as well as local residents," said Arizona Grand Resort Managing Director Richard Behr.

Additionally, 104 new one-and-two bedroom luxury Arizona Grand Villas are being added to the resort providing unique ownership opportunities. The Villas feature highly upgraded resort amenities and offer golf course, Oasis Water Park and city views.

"Combined with our recent renovations and more in the works, we believe that we are creating a guest experience like no other in Arizona," said Grossman.

About Arizona Grand Resort

The 640-suite Arizona Grand Resort is located on 164-beautifully landscaped acres at the base of the spectacular South Mountain Preserve. A member of the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts Ultimate Luxury Collection, it offers the 7-acre Oasis Water Park, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, five specialty themed restaurants, the full service Arizona Grand Athletic Club & Spa and 117,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including a 20,000-square-foot exhibit pavilion. The AAA Four Diamond rated Arizona Grand Resort recently began a $52 million renovation to enhance the property including all guest suites, main lobby, spa, golf course, and restaurants. The resort has also added Arizona Grand Villas, which offer resort ownership opportunities through 104 new one- and two-bedroom luxury Villas. Arizona Grand Resort is independently owned and operated by Grossman Company Properties (GCP), one of the premier commercial and residential developers in the western United States. During the past 45 years, GCP has built, developed and managed more than 14 million square feet of high-quality properties including the Arizona Biltmore Resort, Biltmore Fashion Park, and the Phoenix Spectrum Mall. More information on the resort is available at www.ArizonaGrandResort.com.

About Preferred Hotel Group

Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, delivering high-performance sales, marketing and technology solutions to more than 600 independent hotels and resorts in over 65 countries. Its family of brands represents a collection of the finest hotels in the world and includes: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts (www.preferredhotels.com), Preferred Boutique (www.preferredboutique.com), Summit Hotels & Resorts (www.summithotels.com), Sterling Hotels (www.sterlinghotels.com) and Historic Hotels of America (www.historichotels.org). For more information please visit www.preferredhotelgroup.com.

In Fall 2007, the company entered the luxury real estate market with the launch of Preferred Residences - a membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts that provide an exceptional level of service and amenities. Properties are held to exacting standards derived from the same Preferred Global Standards of Excellence? on which the company has built its 40-year heritage in the hospitality industry. For more information please visit www.preferredresidences.com.

# # #

MORE ARTICLES:

A Mexico Travel Special To The Mexico Caribbean Coast
A Great Mexico Travel Special should include time spent on the Mexico Caribbean Coast, where you will find so much to do and so many things to enjoy. You can easily organise a Mexico Vacation Package that will allow you to travel around Mexico seeing some of the Country?s amazing sights and then allow you to finish with a relaxing time on the Mexico Caribbean Coast.

Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Receives AAA Four Diamond Award
Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is again joining the ranks of AAA Four Diamond Award winners. Casa Velas is the only adults-only all-inclusive golf resort in Mexico to receive this AAA Four Diamond award.

Win a Luxury All-Inclusive Mexican Vacation for a Family of Four in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Family Scavenger Hunt Leads to 4-Day/3-Night Mexican Vacation at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Discount Last Minute Puerto Vallarta Packages To The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
We managed a discount last minute Puerto Vallarta package to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. In truth the discount was the bonus, because we fully intended to go there anyway, and pay the full price, but thanks to some work online, we got a huge discount. A quick thank you to The Vacation Bargain Finder, details of which can be found at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/pages/Vacation-Bargain-Finder.html

Celebrate Grandparents at Grand Velas Resort in Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Encounters, Spanish Lessons, Mexican Folkloric Night and More As part of the Grandparents Package Available Until October 1st

A Mexico Vacation Special To The Maroma Resort In The Mayan Riviera
Some very good reasons for booking a Mexico vacation special and choosing the best of luxury hotels the Maroma Resort in the Mayan Riviera

In-Suite Spa Treatments Exude Romance in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
New In-Suite Spa Treament and Diamond Bath for Couples at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

The Southern Pacific Coast has Snatched the Attention of Investors from the Northern Pacific Coast
There are so many wonderful things abouth Costa Rica's Southern Pacific coast. Each city has its own unique attractions that have really sparked interest with investors who see the vision and want to be part of the growth in Costa Rica.

Spring Break Soccer Training and Spanish Language Camp in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Spring break soccer training and Spanish language camp will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Livin' La Vida Loca at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is in itself a paradise with its lot of places that offer nothing but the best comfortable life to anyone. Out of the several coastal resort-type offerings in the region, Puerto Vallarta is possibly the greatest epitome of wonderland.

Puerto Vallarta Vacation Review
Just returning from a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta, I've decided that tropical vacations are good for the "soul". It's important to take the time to get a way from the everyday routine.

More Vacations at Puerto Vallarta MX
Puerto Vallarta MX is definitely one of the places where people can stay and enjoy more vacations Puerto Vallarta MX is in the state of Jalisco and is one of Mexicoýs premier resort cities

Uncovered: A New Resource for Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
fundVallarta announces a full online resource for discovering real estate investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With conditions similar to the property boom in California, Puerto Vallarta is poised to become an international performer with a solid return on investment. Visitors are able to access a significant knowledge-based investment resource center at the fundVallarta.com website.

Post-Holiday Spa Week and Duchess Detox in Mexico's Riviera Maya
Seven Day Mayan Retreat Package Available Through December 31, 2009 at Esencia Estate

Resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya Offers Luxury, Family Fun, and Culinary Excellence
A recently completed expansion provides all-inclusive getaway at the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.