Let’s face it…
Matt and I are hotel snobs.
Or, actually, we both really appreciate fine things.
We’ll stay at chains, small independent lodgings, airport hotels, or roadside motels if the trip requires it.
But great hotels are…well…simply great. And memorable.
That’s why our brief tour and amazing dinner last night (to celebrate the holidays and the launch of this site) were so special.
The Global Ambassador is hospitality icon Sam Fox’s first foray into the hotel world.
Its name says it all.
Phoenix can sometimes feel like a small town (especially compared to my birthplace — New York).
Many of the resorts here are geared to families on vacation, golf excursions, bachelorette parties, or small conferences.
But when you walk into the lobby of The Global Ambassador, you get a distinct feeling that important and influential people from all over the world are there and that deals are being done (business, romantic, and otherwise).
It has an international aura of quiet elegance — from the decor to the lack of lobby power outlets to the warm and cozy cocktail bars offering a range of fabulous beverages.
Unique Hospitality Experiences Abound When Sam Fox is Around!
Fox has long been known for creating memorable restaurant experiences. His Nashville venture — the Twelve Thirty Club — is a mandatory destination. Each one of his brands has a distinct game-changing “vibe,” and his first hotel is no exception.
We got a mini-tour immediately, and everyone we dealt with treated us like we were from a major travel media company rather than a scrappy start-up.
We even had a moment with Sam Fox himself (who graciously posed for a pic).
Apparently, a waiting list exists for the hotel’s exclusive private memberships. If we were C-level execs (in AZ or elsewhere), we’d jump on that list!
The food at the Parisian steakhouse, Le Âme, was, in short, outstanding, and the service and ambiance were exceptional.
Although we couldn’t see a guest room or the spa from inside, we’ll be back for that.
Just as a real-life Global Ambassador would greet us warmly with a two-handed shake and perhaps even a kiss on both cheeks, this venue may not deliver world peace, but it did not disappoint!
