Very Nice Stay
Please note that the lack of a 5th star is not a negative reflection on the Royal Palms as much as my belief that 5 stars represents the pinnacle of luxury accommodations. If I could I would have given the resort a 4.25 or 4.5 star review.
To me a 5 star resort needs to combine amazing and elegant accommodations (maintained that the highest level), service that anticipates needs and surprises me with thoughtfulness, amenities that are above and beyond the typical Hyatt or W and has food that is consistently outstanding. In other words, there are few 5 star resorts that are not charging more than $500 per night.
The Royal Palms is a lovely, small boutique hotel with very good service and amenities and we enjoyed our stay there.
I will start with the few small negatives, none of which would stop me from visiting again.
1. Room Size: We stayed in a Montavista Room. It was on the small size. There was almost no furniture with drawers to put your clothes and no room between the furniture and the bed to move around. The room was nicely furnished and in good repair. The bathroom, however, was very nice, with a 2 person jacuzzi, separate shower and separate water closet, so some of the space from the room was allocated to the bathroom.
2. No Scald Free Showerheads: They have been putting scald free showerheads in homes for the last 20 years. It is surprising that in a hotel which clearly has been renovated in the last 10 years that there is no anti-scald valve. The shower itself was lovely with a large rain type shower head, however, I was forced to move out of the water flow literally every 45 seconds to avoid being scalded when someone in the hotel would flush their toilet or turn on the cold water thereby reducing the cold water pressure in my shower. Ouch! Such a small (and inexpensive) item but one that had an outsize effect.
3. Occasional Staff Shortages: First let me note that with rare exception, every employee I dealt with was pleasant and helpful. There just may not be enough of them. We were there the week of October 29 to November 3. Given the cooler weather (and that that I was given the indication the property was full when I asked if we could get a room with a view of Camelback Mountain and told they were unavailable) I would expect that they would have additional staff to handle the people. On numerous occasions when I contacted room service the call got transferred to the front desk. I was always contacted back within 10 minutes or less so it was not a major hassle but again, it is the small things that matter and those that elevate a property to true 5 star category.
4. Concierge Hours: I was not sure if there was a concierge working in the evenings. Occasionally we went to ask a question and got someone at the front desk in the evenings. Most of the top hotels have concierges until late in the evening.
5. The modest size of the rooms (at least those near the courtyard) can be a problem if you hate smoke. Although there is no smoking in the rooms, people will often smoke on their patios or in the courtyard. Their smoke wafts into your space. Since the patios are so nice to have a meal on (as are the areas near the fire pits at night) this can be a downer. They really need to make it a non-smoking property, although I know that is difficult.
6. Wifi is poor. I have no problem with the resort fee but if you are going to charge me for wifi, it should be consistently strong everywhere on the property. It was poor almost everywhere and the signal went in and out even when you stayed in the same place. And please do not get me started on why hotels charging over $300/night charge for wifi when Hampton Inns do not for $100 per night.
A note more than a criticism. This hotel seeks conventions and weddings. While we were there there was at least one business meeting and one wedding. The business meeting was quiet and they were professionals. Just be advised that the pool changed dramatically from Monday to Friday. All of the people were nice enough but it is a small pool. While we felt like kings on Monday with maybe 10-15 people at the pool, the pool staff was stretched thin with a full hotel on Friday with chairs being at a premium.
Now the good: 
1. This is a very nice, peaceful smaller hotel (although be aware that it is on a main road when choosing your room and some rooms are noisier than others). Be advised that the Phoenician is a large, Las Vegas style hotel not far by. We had dinner there one night and it is impressive. Its pool area is about the size of the Royal Palm. I have no doubt that it is a nice place but I prefer a more intimate place that does not require a bus pass to go to the pool. At the Royal Palms everything is close by.
2. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Lonnie the concierge was very pleasant and helpful and the young lady at the pool (as well as the other pool personnel were very nice).
3. The spa is pleasant and you can use the sauna and jacuzzi without charge.
4. The pool staff is great constantly keep you hydrated with lemon scented water (free), moving the umbrellas as necessary (free) and bringing you very good food when requested (typical hotel cost). Although the cafe and room service adds a standard 20% tip (which may irk some) I had no problem because I would have given them that size tip anyway. Always service with a smile.
5. T. Cooks is a wonderful restaurant and room service was of high quality. Everything is made in house and the food really stands out as one high points of the hotel.
6. Valets were helpful and could give directions to almost anywhere.
7. Housekeeping staff kept the room clean and well stocked and they have nice smelling toiletries.
8. The room was pretty quiet. There was a little noise (not a ton) from people above us so if you are sensitive, ask for 2nd floor room.
9. The hotel was aware we were there for an anniversary trip and gave us a lovely bottle of champagne and a fruit and desert tray our first night. Nice touch.
So this is a nice property and I would not hesitate to recommend it. Just consider when you will be coming, pick the right room (mountain views are wonderful but hard to come by) and watch out for the shower. Also, make the time for a day to go to Sedona. It was a very picturesque trip with wonderful scenery.