Jerry--

Dianne is right on the mark...I lived in PHX for 2 years myself and got out frequently to experience the favors of the city.

I agree that you will enjoy the Pointe at Tapitio Cliffs...The hotel is inlaid in a mountain, with many small buildings with maybe 10-20 rooms per building. A MUST is to go to the bar at the top of the hotel's mountain, called 'A Different Pointe of View' (If I remember correctly)...At night it offers a BEAUTIFUL view of the entire city.

I think all rooms are suite format, but scratch and claw to get an upgrade to a large suite...They're quite nice.

As for dining in the city, many of the places previously mentioned are indeed excellent (especially Steamers, love their seafood, and if you carry a Diners Club CC, 20% off the bill), if I could add my input for (relatively) nearby places, Obi-Chine (sp?)--I believe it's a Wolfgang Puck place with eclectic-Asian cuisine, very good.

For lunch/breakfast, every time I go back to Phoenix, I have to go to Chompie's Deli...Hands down the best deli I've been to...Several hundred items on the menu--HUGE portions and great food. It's up on Greenway and maybe 23rd St.

Have a great trip!