Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun - American Southwest - page 405

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Most resorts offer a variety of weekend, golf, and tennis packages, as well as off-season
discounts and corporate rates (which you can often get just by asking). I've given only
the official “rack rates,” or walk-in rates, below, but it always pays to ask about special
discounts or packages. Don't forget your AAA or AARP discounts if you belong to one
of these organizations. Business hotels downtown and near the airport often lower their
rates on weekends, and many hotels offer website-only specials.
BED & BREAKFASTS While most people dreaming of a Phoenix vacation have
visions of luxury resorts dancing in their heads, there are some bed-and-breakfasts around
the Valley. Mi Casa Su Casa ( & 800/456-0682 or 480/990-0682; www.azres.com) can
book you into dozens of different homes in the Valley of the Sun, as can Arizona Trails
Travel Services ( & 888/799-4284 or 480/837-4284; www.arizonatrails.com), which
also books tour and hotel reservations.

SCOTTSDALE
Scottsdale is the center of the Valley's resort scene. Because Scottsdale is also the Valley's
prime shopping and dining district, this is the most convenient place to stay if you're here
to eat and shop. However, traffic in Scottsdale is bad, the landscape at most resorts is flat,
and you don't get much of a feel for the desert.

Very Expensive
Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa Kids Set at the foot of
Mummy Mountain and overlooking Camelback Mountain, the Camelback Inn, which
opened in 1936, is one of the grande dames of the Phoenix hotel scene and abounds in
traditional Southwestern character. Forget the glitz of the Phoenician (see below); this
legendary retreat gives you old-school luxury with 21st-century enhancements. The two
18-hole golf courses are a magnet for golfers, and the spa is among the finest in the state.
An extensive pool complex appeals to families. Guest rooms, which are spread over the
sloping grounds, are decorated with Southwestern furnishings and art, and all have bal-
conies or patios. Some rooms even have private pools. This is an old-money getaway that
seamlessly melds tradition with modern amenities. A $50-million renovation was com-
pleted in late 2008.
5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253. & 800/24-CAMEL [242-2635] or 480/948-1700. Fax 480/951-
8469. www.camelbackinn.com. 453 units. Jan to early June $299-$549 double, $570-$2,500 suite; early
June to early Sept $179-$199 double, $260-$900 suite; early Sept to Dec $349-$459 double, $595-
$1,700 suite. Children 17 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Small pets accepted
(fee varies). Amenities: 7 restaurants; 3 lounges; babysitting; bikes; children's programs; concierge; 2
18-hole golf courses; health club; 5 Jacuzzis; 2 pools; room service; full-service spa; 6 tennis courts. In
room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, kitchenette, minibar, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi.
Hotel Valley Ho This Scottsdale hotel dates back to the 1950s, but in 2005, it
got a complete face-lift. What a looker she is now. The Valley Ho is one of my favorite
Scottsdale hotels; it's hip and convenient, and has loads of outdoor space for soaking up
the sun. I just love the big rooms, which are done in a bold contemporary style. The
studio rooms are my favorites; they have curtains to partition off the vanity area and an
ultracool free-standing tub. Big balconies and patios provide plenty of space for lounging
outdoors. When it's time to get even more relaxed, grab one of the plush, circular lounge
chairs at the pool. For a totally retro experience, there's even a Trader Vic's Polynesian
restaurant here.
6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. & 866/882-4484 or 480/248-2000. Fax [phone]. www.
hotelvalleyho.com. 193 units. Jan-Apr $319-$389 double, $449-$1,700 suite; May and Sept $199-$279

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