Makeovers For Paradise Valley Resorts

The Arizona Republic reports that the hotels in Paradise Valley's "resort row" are heading for some big changes. The hotels along Lincoln Drive are spending a total of almost $500 million on various projects between now and 2008. Here's a breakdown of what's going on:
 
--Crown Realty & Development demolished the La Posada Resort and plans to build the $230 million Montelucia Resort, Spa and Residences in its place. They are also hoping to replace the  old Mountain Shadows Resort with a $200 million property.
 --Camelback Inn, a Marriott Resort & Spa, will spend $40 million to update its guestrooms, overhaul its restaurants and the ballroom.
--Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and Hermosa Inn are also updating their guest rooms

It is expected that the upgrades will lead to higher rates and also hopefully to a raised profile for Paradise Valley as a resort destination. The area is already famed for its high-end real estate which makes the building of resorts problematic since neighbors want to make sure that the resorts don't change the quality of life in the area.