Originally Posted by
aztimm
Sure, if you have $300+ to spend per night, then definitely look into the Phoenician or similar. But if you want to put that into a third, then I suspect you'll be looking more toward Tempe, or other suburbs for more reasonable hotel rates. You might be driving, but so long as you avoid rush hour, it usually isn't too bad.
This. I would pick a hotel based on it 1) having the amenities and quality I desire and 2) being priced reasonably for my budget. It being within walking distance of a particular trail would be at best a third priority. I'd plan on driving. Outside of rush hour traffic is not prohibitive. Rental cars are often not too expensive at PHX -- and when they are Lyft/Uber works well.