Like a desert flower blooming in an oasis, the newly renovated Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort looms against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert and an Arizona sky. This upscale boutique resort, once the playground for baseball players and Hollywood celebrities, has transformed itself into a unique vacation destination just waiting to be rediscovered.
Located midway between Phoenix and Tucson, Francisco Grande features a fully refurbished 9-story hotel tower, a lush 18-hole championship all-grass golf course, a swimming pool, a casually elegant restaurant and bar, and meeting facilities. But there is something else here that belies the Grande’s multi-million dollar restoration- a sense of history and nostalgia that dates back to a bygone era.
Upon my arrival, I sensed that there was indeed something special about this place. The parking lot was shaped like a baseball diamond and the planters that housed inviting palm trees were fashioned like baseball bats. I was told that even the main structure was built to resemble a baseball stadium with an overhang on the top floor resembling the brim of a ball cap.
I discovered that San Francisco Giants owner Horace Stoneham originally constructed the resort in 1961 as the spring training headquarters for the team. Many baseball greats stayed in the dormitories (now courtyard rooms) from 1962-1985. Later, the California Angels used the facilities from 1983-1985.
As I wandered to the rear of the property to where the baseball diamonds were formerly located, I felt as if I were in my own personal “field of dreams.” A warm breeze brushed past me, and I half expected Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda and Juan Marichal to suddenly appear. Here is where Willie Mays hit a colossal home run off Gaylord Perry in the fourth inning of the first game ever held here.
The resort also became one of the favorite hangouts of Hollywood celebrities. Pat Boone and Dale Robertson were frequent guests as was screen legend John Wayne, who owned the large Red River Ranch nearby. Duke’s Bar was named in his honor and a giant pencil portrait of him graces the red brick wall.
The Grande’s rooms as well as the overall property have been given an eight million dollar face-lift under the supervision of Pamela Hughes of Hughes Design Associates. This respected firm has provided design services for luxury resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and the Trump Taj Majal Casino Resort in Atlantic City.
“The transformation has been astounding,” said General Manager Carter Donovan, who spent 19 years with Ritz-Carlton Hotels. “We have created an exciting, luxury boutique hotel complemented by warm and caring employees who are dedicated to attentive service. This resort appeals to people who remember the way vacations used to be, where families and couples can slow down and get to know each other again.”
I was impressed with the attention to detail that has been put into this renovation. Each of the 64 rooms in the 9-story tower was completely redecorated in a plush Sonoran motif. Rich, deep tones of rust, green and gold can be found throughout. Custom, hand-dyed carpets from Ireland, designer drapes, and original artwork adorn the hallways, restaurant and guest rooms.
The designers spared no expense redecorating the guest rooms. Each suite has been lavishly appointed with 27-inch color televisions and DVD players, 275-thread count Egyptian linens, down pillows and blankets, marble-top tables, high-speed Internet access, and Aveda bath products.
The food at Legends has also risen to the epicurean challenge. Executive Chef Billy Coyle creates fun, cowboy cuisine with his own unique infusion of Pacific Rim and Southwestern cooking. Popular dishes include the pork ribs tossed in ancho chile bourbon sauce and dressed with jicama Asian slaw ($13) and the corn-dusted halibut ($16). I recommend you try their shrimp cocktail appetizer ($8). Unlike typical shrimp cocktails that are about the size of sea monkeys, here you get four jumbo tiger shrimp that are marinated in lime juice, olive oil and spices, mesquite grilled and then served on skewers with a sweet chili sauce from Thailand. I can honestly say that these were the best shrimp I have ever had.
There are many activities that will appeal to young and old alike at Francisco Grande. The resort offers golf, a swimming pool in the shape of a giant baseball bat, horseshoes, a whirlpool spa, and croquet. Nearby, one can go shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall, explore the rugged terrain on a Jeep tour, skydive, gamble, hike, or take a hot-air balloon ride.
Many, of course, come for the golfing, and here one is in for a special treat. Over 138 acres of lush, green turf creates a park-like setting that includes 1,100 mature eucalyptus, palm, pine, and olive trees; fountains; and aquatic features.
The golf course was created by Ralph Plummer who also designed The Colonial and Shady Oaks in Texas and Jamaica’s Tryall Golf Club According to the resort’s director of golf, Tim Alai, there are many aspects of this course that will endear itself to golfers. “We have one of the longest golf courses in the state of Arizona. The 7,545-yard traditional style of golf course has 5 different teeing locations to make it challenging yet forgiving to all skill levels. The facility boasts 3 lakes that are home to seasonal water fowl and flower presentations throughout the golf course.”
After a few days I felt more relaxed as I unwound from a busy work week. As I did, I realized that there did seem to be something magical about this resort Perhaps this is the reason why many families come back here year after year. One guest expressed it very simply: “It’s a laid back environment where we can bring our family, play golf every day, swim with the kids, and barbecue on our balcony. This is our fourth visit and we will be back next year.”
As I stood on the old baseball field where home plate used to be, I watched the sun set behind the distant mountains. I saw the sky change into a brilliant display of orange, red and crimson against a deep blue background. I felt renewed and somehow connected to the unique history and origins of this resort. In the silence, I quieted my spirit and tried to listen to the sounds of the desert at dusk. I seemed to hear a still small voice echoing the word remember.