Recently, we received an update about a local hotel that we hadn’t thought about in years. However, this isn’t any ol’ Motel 8. This is actually the sister property to one of the Valley’s most famed (and infamous) resorts. A posh property that, back in the 1980s, brought a whole new level of sophistication to the West Valley. But today, it’s mostly forgotten, except by business travelers and savvy families looking to get great bang for their buck.

Towering over the I-17 freeway at Dunlap Ave., the Sheraton Crescent Hotel is a 342-room landmark located adjacent to the Metrocenter Mall (another local icon that’s seen better days). Built by famed anti-pornography advocate/disgraced AZ real estate developer, Charles H. Keating, the Crescent served as a model for his larger The Phoenician Resort, right down to the ornate interiors overflowing with Italian marble, crystal chandeliers and oversized tapestries.

And just like The Phoenician (pictured at right), the Crescent was briefly taken over by the Federal government when Keating’s company collapsed in the middle of the Savings and Loan Scandal. (Keating eventually served 4 1/2 years in jail, although his conviction was later overturned.)

Over in the west Valley, Keating’s original super-resort still looks as sharp as ever, even if its architecture and interiors are a little dated. Home to two massive ballrooms, an extensive fitness facility and a pool highlighted by a 166-foot-long water slide, late last year the meticulously-manicured resort hired a new executive chef to upgrade its dining options. Named Gary Scherer, he previously cooked for local heavyweights such as the Camelback Inn and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. So here’s hoping he brings a little bit of the luster back to the on-site Indigo restaurant, which was once one of the Valley’s finest dining spaces back way back when it was known as Charlie’s Grill.

Westside Wonder: 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., 602-943-8200

Tweet