Four Seasons … Not Just A Singing Group

Getting the paper off the floor every week – even after more than two years – is still a learning process. Whereas in the beginning it was typically well after midnight before we locked up the office, over time we were able to whittle that back to a comfortable 9:30 p.m. and had even cut that back to 8 p.m. on a couple of occasions.

But for some reason, last week was a late night and when I walked out of the CV Weekly office I was wiped out and ready for a break.

As it turns out, it was perfect timing.

My husband Steve left for sunny Arizona earlier in the week for a forum sponsored by Schneider Electric, a self proclaimed “global specialist in energy management.” These annual events that Schneider Electric hosts are – I’m sure – informative for attendees, but downright fun for the their spouses. Years past have included outings in Palm Springs that included a private polo match and dinner at Frank Sinatra’s home.

Getting off the plane in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon, I was greeted by a driver holding up a little placard with GOLDSWORTHY proudly written on it. He greeted me, took my bag and escorted me to a waiting white Tahoe. I opted to climb in the front seat beside him to learn where I was headed – Steve didn’t elaborate when he invited me to join him in the Grand Canyon State. Imagine my absolute delight when I was told that I was heading to the Four Seasons in Scottsdale.

I have never stayed at the Four Seasons – anywhere. I went to lunch there once in Los Angeles years ago; that was about the closest I had come.

The hotel is located on the outskirts of town, pleasantly secluded. Stepping out of the car, I was greeted by two gentlemen who opened the heavy glass doors as they welcomed me. I decided then and there that I want to live at the Four Seasons.

After checking in, a driver was waiting to take my bags and me to the room via an electric golf cart. Once there, I had a few minutes to soak in the view of Pinnacle Peak before heading to the spa where a massage was scheduled – again courtesy of Schneider Electric.

Dinner was held at the hotel with all the attendees from the forum. It was crowded, but not overly so and I had a good time meeting so many interesting people. The food was varied and delicious – including foie gras with peanut butter and jelly (I kid you not) – and dining on the outside patio under a star lit sky was perfection.

Not hard to figure why it consistently receives five stars on Trip Advisor.

But, unfortunately, all good things come to an end. In this case, the end coincided with the end of the forum, so Steve and I packed up and headed to more affordable accommodations in Old Town Scottsdale, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Kudos to the Hilton – the staff was as friendly as the Four Seasons, minus the doormen waiting to greet me upon my arrival.

We had a wonderful dinner with Arizona cousins at The Mission, a great restaurant within walking distance to our hotel. The server there – Saul – was as wonderful as the food (which is saying a lot) and his recommendations were very well received by us four.

Though I can’t live at the Four Seasons, I will always hold dear my trip there.

Thanks, Schneider Electric. I can’t wait to see what you cook up next year.

  robin goldsworthy