BlogPaws changed my life. Through everything I’ve learned, the people I’ve met and the amazing tight knit online community, I’ve become a full time pet blogger. Yes, I sit at home all day and play with my dogs. Well, maybe not. But some days I do! Anyways, I went to Nashville, TN in May to attend my first ever BlogPaws conference. I flew with Wynston across the country so I could partake in the phenomenal learning experience and meet all of my online blogging friends in person! It truly was a fantastic experience and I feel honored to be welcoming the 2016 BlogPaws conference to my beautiful state of Arizona!
I admit that I freaked out when I heard the news that the BlogPaws conference is coming to me!!!! It’s taking place at the gorgeous Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa located just 20 minutes from my house. Nestled in the middle of desert landscapes with mountains, cactus and exotic wildlife, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass really does showcase everything beautiful that makes up Arizona. The views are breathtaking, the resort is luxurious and the staff is full of smiling, friendly people. This is going to be the PERFECT place for the BlogPaws conference.
When I arrived at the resort, I was welcomed with open arms. The first thing I noticed was how friendly all of the staff was. Opening doors for me, asking how I was doing, complementing me on my cute dog…and we all know how much I love that. Wynston and I were lucky enough to tour the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass so we could get a glimpse into what the 2016 BlogPaws conference will look like. There was actually a conference taking place at the resort so it was filled with people but I got to see what a conference set up is like.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass is very expansive. The entrance lobby is two floors and the conference area alone is at least three times as big as the area at the Sheraton Music City hotel. What I loved most about the resort was the outdoor areas. There are a ton of gorgeous places to take photos, with sprawling mountains and blue skies in the background. Of course as a dog mom, my first thought is “Will this be a good place for 100 animals to be in at one time?” Absolutely.
In terms of amenities, there is a gift shop in the downstairs lobby (that sells Coke products, thank goodness) and a lifestyle clothing store. There is also a business center, coffee bar and daytime/evening bar. I’m happy there’s a bar in the lobby where you can order drinks with your dog by your side. You can grab a seat and enjoy the views from the tall glass windows. Currently the restaurants are under construction but they will be up and running by conference time. Wynston would like to add that he thoroughly enjoyed running up and down the spiral staircases.
Wynston and I were even able to check out one of the guest rooms! The rooms are very up-to-date and snazzy. The bathrooms are luxurious, complete with a tile shower. Even though the resort is just 20 minutes from my house, I’m definitely staying there for the conference next year.
Something I really enjoyed about the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass was the art. I love Native American history and the hotel was filled with local art and murals. It really adds to the resort’s southwestern feel, and you get a taste of local history!
Want to catch some rays and get some pool time in while you’re at the BlogPaws 2016 conference? Look no further than this incredible pool area. I really don’t even need to describe it. See for yourself… P.S – you may want to book a few extra days for relaxation!
My FAVORITE part of the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass? Definitely all of the beautiful outdoor areas to walk the dogs. I know that everyone at the conference is going to be thrilled with the views and backdrops for photos. Plus, there are lots of places for dogs to go potty. #dogmomproblems
The flagstone did get a tad hot for Wynston’s paws. I noticed that he was trying to walk in the shade so I took of my sandal to test out the temperature of the flagstone sidewalk. It was too hot for him to walk on so I picked him up. However, there are a lot of shaded areas and the flagstone will be cool in the morning and will cool down by the evening. Update from Chloe over at BlogPaws: The area where the indoor pet parks will be is right by a door that will lead to a fenced in grass area, and we will be misting the walkway so it will be cool all day long!
Things to consider for BlogPaws 2016:
- It will be hot and sunny so bring sunscreen for you and your dog if you plan to be outside in the sun for an extended period of time.
- Don’t forget your sandals and swim suit!
- There is a large, super fun casino (Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino) just down the road if you need a crazy night out.
- There is a Chevron gas station about a mile away if you need extra snacks or drinks.
- A brand new outlet mall is just a mile away from the resort.
- The resort has 2 shops (both with snacks and drinks) as well as a full service coffee bar, evening bar and restaurants.
- Want a golf or spa day? Check out the Aji Spa or Wild Horse Pass golf course!
I’m very excited to welcome the BlogPaws community to Arizona next June for the 2016 conference! The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is a vacation destination and there’s nothing better than visiting for a pet blogging conference! A HUGE thank you to the Sheraton for allowing Wynston and I to tour the grounds and an even bigger thank you to Megan and Nikki for showing us around! I’d also like to make a shout out to Sheraton Hotels & Resorts for being so dog friendly. If you’d like to personally ask me any questions about the resort or my experience there, please leave a comment or feel free to email me!
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
Oh wow! It’s so beautiful there! I probably won’t be able to afford to go unless Blogpaws comes to me… but wow! I really wish I could!
Carol Bryant says
Thud thud thud – you are a rock star of the highest order and what a fantastic review. Looks like Wynston approves, and that means we approve. BlogPaws is a game changer and such an amazing conference and I cannot wait to hang with you two again. TY so much and stellar photos.
Jessica Shipman | Beagles & Bargains says
I AM SO EXCITED!!! The resort looks amazing!! I might need to come a day early to really enjoy it. I cannot wait!!
Amanda says
You really should! I totally felt like I was on vacation even though I was just touring the resort! I’m wanting to book a staycation LOL!
Lara Elizabeth says
I REALLY hope that Boca and I are able to make it next year. Fingers crossed for more campaigns! Do you know if dogs will be allowed in the pool area during the conference?
Amanda says
And I REALLY hope you can make it! I feel like I’ve known you too long without meeting you! I actually asked if dogs are allowed in the pool area (since Wynston and I went in) and they actually couldn’t give me a definitive answer so they are finding out. I will let you know when I know!
Kristen–well minded says
Great overview of the hotel and tips, Amanda! I am so excited the conference is coming here, too. I think I saw my house in your picture of the pool. 😉
Amanda says
Ahahahaha yeah – after party at your place!!!!!!!
Teri and her Cats ~ Coco the Couture Cat, Brighton, Disco NoFurNo, Kely and Sammy says
Purrfect post to whet the appetite of those hungering for the next BlogPaws conference! I am planning on staying a couple of extra days after the conference just to relax and have my brother from Tucson come up and visit me there!
Amanda says
I’m so happy to hear that you are staying a couple extra days Teri! It will really be the ultimate relaxation!!!
Spencer the Goldendoodle says
Great post! I can’t wait to attend with my mom. This will be my first time out of Minnesota and can’t wait to meet all my dog pals including Wynston! 🙂
Amanda says
Oh my goodness, we are SO excited to meet you!!!!! Arizona sure is quite a change from Minnesota, so it will be a super fun adventure!
Tiffany's Diamond Dogs says
We are so excited that BlogPaws will be so much closer to home next year!!! (we’re located down south in Sierra Vista) After driving to Nevada and Tennesse, Phoenix is just a stone’s throw away. We cannot wait for the conference!
Amanda says
Yay that will be a much easier drive! Looking forward to seeing you!
Jobi Harris says
Great review! I am looking forward to meeting you at the conference. I am also looking forward to watching Wynston run up and down that staircase!
Amanda says
Hahaha he loves the stairs! See you there!! 🙂
Theresa says
Terrific review, looking forward to BlogPaws! Hope to meet you there!
Amanda says
Thanks Theresa! See you there!