Best Things Nearby:
Several hiking trails right outside your condo door (easy to moderate), sightseeing, ancient ruins, lakes/fishing/picnics, golfing, winter skiing, even a bowling alley

Best Things About the Resort:
The best maintained resort we've ever stayed in. The units and property and kept in a "like new" condition. Kitchens are well stocked, BBQs on each patio, pool, two jacuzzis, tennis & basketball courts, a great rec room with ping-pong, pool, arcade games. Daily activities for the kids. All rooms now have combo DVD/VCR players with a selection of movies in the lobby.

Resort Experience:
A three and a half hour drive from either Phoenix or Tucson and a world of difference from either city. Worldmark at Pinetop is in the most beautiful wooded setting and is a great escape from the hot desert summers and also a wonderful (snowy) place to spend Christmas. We typically hit the grocery stores in town (Eddie's Country store, Safeway or Walmart) and stock up on food there (no need to pack/bring your own). There are several great places to eat (Charly Clark's Steakhouse and the Christmas Tree Restaurant come to mind). On our latest trip, we took a short drive out to see Fort Apache and the nearby Kinishba Ruins (about half an hour south of the resort, past the casino). The staff at this resort are so friendly and helpful, they have set the standard and I compare my experience at other resorts to the level and quality we receive at Worldmark in Pinetop.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Excellent

The unit was as we had expected, since we have stayed in a Worldmark resort before (Angels Camp, CA). No daily maid service, but unit had washer/dryer. Full kitchen and barbecue on the patio balcony.

The two bedroom condos came with a fireplace, full kitchen, washer and dryer, two televisions, and a murphy bed in the living room that pulled down into a queen bed. They had a separate dining room and living room as well as a back porch complete with a small table, four chairs, and a gas grill. The windows in the back looked out into the pine forests of the Sitgreaves National Forest.

We had a lower level unit in the last building, which gave us the feeling that we had the whole area to ourselves. The premises had a pool, three Jacuzzis/hot tubs (the largest ones I have ever seen), a recreation room, playground for the children, a tennis court, and a basketball court. The resort also had access right from its property to hiking trails in the National Forest behind it. The grounds were well-maintained and the units were very comfortable.

Best Things Nearby:
Hiking, hiking, hiking. The white mountain trails system has 110 miles of hiking trails. Right out the back of our unit was access to several of the hiking trails in the Sitgreaves National Forest. The Spring Hill Loop trail is 3.8 miles of easy hiking through the majestic Ponderosa pine forests. Also nearby was horseback riding, fishing, and for those inclined to gambling, the Hondah casino is three miles away. Within a two hour drive or less is the Petrified Forest National Park, The Meteor Crater, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, and once again endless hiking trails.

Best Things About the Resort:
The location. For those who just want to get away there is no place better. Sitting on the back porch looking into the pine forests and listening to the birds and wind in the trees was so relaxing. There were plenty of things for the kids to do: game room, playground, pool. The units were very nice and most of the time you didn't even realize there were other people staying at the resort.

Resort Experience:
The weather in April was mid-60s during the day, but would get down into the 20s at night. That's when the fireplace in the units would come in handy. If you are not someone who enjoys the outdoors, this would not be the place for you. There is no night life to speak of and shopping and dining out consist of the few stores and restaurants along the main drag. However, a couple of places worth going to eat are El Rancho (Mexican) and Johnny Angels (a 50s style diner). The rooms at the resort are comfortable and well-supplied and the staff are friendly and attentive. Well worth a visit for the outdoor-minded vacationer.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
All of the Ponderosa Pines. The Fort Apache Reservation casino is only 3 miles down the road. This area is perched on the edge of the Mogollon Rim.

Best Things About the Resort:
It was a fully loaded rental with super service.

Resort Experience:
The Worldmark at Pinetop is truly a world class, first class resort. Its setting is perfect among the Ponderosa Pines where one feels immediately "like this is a nice place to come home to". The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable about the area and offer tips for side trips if so desired. They have a "Welcome Meeting" for all newly arrived guests to meet both with the staff and each other. Drawings are held and prizes given away at this reception. The units themselves are spacious and nicely appointed. The kitchens are complete with all the gear one needs. There is a TV and vcr in the living room and a TV in the master bedroom connected to basic cable. The patio even has a full size gas barbecue. There is a swimming pool, clubhouse, and basketball/tennis courts.

Frankly, this is a splendid place to stay for a while. Although we were in Arizona in July, we were at an altitude in which we found the weather to be quite pleasant. The days were warm (up to the mid-80's) but not uncomfortable. The evenings were quite nice.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent