PHX IROPS - which hotels does AA use?
Feb 20, 2019, 8:08 am
#16
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Like any hub, I'd imagine AA has a number of Sky Harbor area hotels with a negotiated rate to overnight distressed pax at when OSO hits (off-schedule operations).
Specific properties probaly depends on a number of factors, least not being if one is proletarian status or Concierge Key.
This. Always seek out a published or distressed passenger rate. For Sky Harbor, I prefer the DoubleTree or Crowne Plaza. Both are easy to get to and have decent breakfast.
If you wind up with spare time, the DoubleTree is my preferred as it has a decent pool and nearby food (fast food, like Ruby Tuesday's). IIRC, the train goes right from terminal to nearby the Crowne, and from there, one can easily walk to the Tree.
Best luck to your colleague!
Specific properties probaly depends on a number of factors, least not being if one is proletarian status or Concierge Key.
This. Always seek out a published or distressed passenger rate. For Sky Harbor, I prefer the DoubleTree or Crowne Plaza. Both are easy to get to and have decent breakfast.
If you wind up with spare time, the DoubleTree is my preferred as it has a decent pool and nearby food (fast food, like Ruby Tuesday's). IIRC, the train goes right from terminal to nearby the Crowne, and from there, one can easily walk to the Tree.
Best luck to your colleague!
There's probably a dozen Doubletree properties in metro Phoenix 
If you mean the Doubletree Suites close to the airport, then I agree it is a good property. I've done a few mattress runs there, and they sometimes have decent, "park & fly," rates too. It has been a few years, but the Chinese Cultural Center used to be right behind the property; you could walk to great food in just a few minutes. The light rail isn't too far away either, if you want to go to downtown Phoenix or Tempe.
I agree that a 2 star property in Mesa isn't idea. Looking at Google Maps, it is a bit of a hike from PHX. But as someone else noted, depending when the pax arrived, the hotels closer in might have already been taken.
If you mean the Doubletree Suites close to the airport, then I agree it is a good property. I've done a few mattress runs there, and they sometimes have decent, "park & fly," rates too. It has been a few years, but the Chinese Cultural Center used to be right behind the property; you could walk to great food in just a few minutes. The light rail isn't too far away either, if you want to go to downtown Phoenix or Tempe.
I agree that a 2 star property in Mesa isn't idea. Looking at Google Maps, it is a bit of a hike from PHX. But as someone else noted, depending when the pax arrived, the hotels closer in might have already been taken.
That would also explain why OP's colleague is in some fleabag motel in Mesa- I doubt AA is willing to shell out $300-400 for a typical airport property during the absolute most expensive time to get a hotel in the greater Phoenix area. I also tend to think that the distressed passenger inventory will vary based on the market- and if hotels can sell to people visiting spring training...
Feb 20, 2019, 8:53 am
#17
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Cat Friendly
A non-starter for me at that hotel is a cat sprawled on the bed on the Trip Advisor front page for this place.
Feb 20, 2019, 10:33 am
#18
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Yikes, that hotel does look like a bit of a dump. Quality of the hotel aside, the location just isn't acceptable in my mind. With no traffic you are looking at a 25-30 minute drive to the airport and I doubt there is any sort of shuttle. Not sure how AA covers transportation but with a taxi or Uber you're probably looking at $50+ dollars alone.
As one poster above noted, Spring Training is kicking off this weekend. The first game is actually tomorrow with the bulk starting Saturday. It's possible that the Spring Training traffic has limited airport hotel availability. The airport is a nice central spot to reach any of the stadiums in the Valley. I did a quick hotels.com search out of curiosity for tonight and most of the hotels I'd personally consider staying at are close to $200 or even more so likely it was a cost decision. That being said there are many hotels around the same quality as this one in the airport area that could have at least cut down on the distance.
It's easy for me to sit her and say I'd bite the cost and book my own but we don't know the individual's financial situation. If it wasn't business related it could have been a necessity to take whatever AA gave him/her.
As one poster above noted, Spring Training is kicking off this weekend. The first game is actually tomorrow with the bulk starting Saturday. It's possible that the Spring Training traffic has limited airport hotel availability. The airport is a nice central spot to reach any of the stadiums in the Valley. I did a quick hotels.com search out of curiosity for tonight and most of the hotels I'd personally consider staying at are close to $200 or even more so likely it was a cost decision. That being said there are many hotels around the same quality as this one in the airport area that could have at least cut down on the distance.
It's easy for me to sit her and say I'd bite the cost and book my own but we don't know the individual's financial situation. If it wasn't business related it could have been a necessity to take whatever AA gave him/her.
Feb 20, 2019, 3:16 pm
#20
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Feb 20, 2019, 3:56 pm
#21
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Laughing at this hilariously fake review (look at the names): https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...a.html?m=19905
The black cat on the bed on the main pic is just too much.
As others have said, this was likely all that was available as this is not typical.
Feb 20, 2019, 6:09 pm
#22
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At least the Hilton is a true resort; I've never stayed there, but have gone to several events and it is indeed a nice property. Plus the area where it is located is far far better than East Mesa (although if you are being put up due to irrops I doubt you'd be out on the town).
Feb 20, 2019, 6:25 pm
#23
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Feb 20, 2019, 7:18 pm
#24
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Laughing at this hilariously fake review (look at the names): https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...a.html?m=19905
Feb 20, 2019, 8:34 pm
#25
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Last edited by bbbb; Feb 20, 2019 at 8:40 pm
Feb 20, 2019, 9:32 pm
#26
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Agree that I prefer to find my own hotel and then file for reimbursement from AA. At least I know what I’m getting, I don’t waste time standing in line for a hotel voucher, or find out it’s merely a distressed rate and by the time I get there the property is full. Even when I thought I had a good rate always ask at front desk about a distressed rate. Many airport hotels have them and are easier to get for MX delays than WX as hotel is less likely to be near capacity.
Reimbursement rate is dependent on AA rates for a given locale. Last fall I missed a connection in DFW due to mechanical. Used a points and cash rate of $68 and was fully reimbursed.
Reimbursement rate is dependent on AA rates for a given locale. Last fall I missed a connection in DFW due to mechanical. Used a points and cash rate of $68 and was fully reimbursed.
Feb 20, 2019, 9:54 pm
#27
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Feb 20, 2019, 10:33 pm
#28
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There's probably a dozen Doubletree properties in metro Phoenix
If you mean the Doubletree Suites close to the airport, then I agree it is a good property. I've done a few mattress runs there, and they sometimes have decent, "park & fly," rates too. It has been a few years, but the Chinese Cultural Center used to be right behind the property; you could walk to great food in just a few minutes. The light rail isn't too far away either, if you want to go to downtown Phoenix or Tempe.
I agree that a 2 star property in Mesa isn't idea. Looking at Google Maps, it is a bit of a hike from PHX. But as someone else noted, depending when the pax arrived, the hotels closer in might have already been taken.
If you mean the Doubletree Suites close to the airport, then I agree it is a good property. I've done a few mattress runs there, and they sometimes have decent, "park & fly," rates too. It has been a few years, but the Chinese Cultural Center used to be right behind the property; you could walk to great food in just a few minutes. The light rail isn't too far away either, if you want to go to downtown Phoenix or Tempe.
I agree that a 2 star property in Mesa isn't idea. Looking at Google Maps, it is a bit of a hike from PHX. But as someone else noted, depending when the pax arrived, the hotels closer in might have already been taken.
Feb 23, 2019, 8:22 pm
#29
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I think someone mentioned this but right now is the busiest time for hotels in Phoenix. Its still winter everywhere and Spring Training just started. Hotel prices skyrocket and availability is really tight. Its also the one time PHX gets long lines for check in and TSA. I hate traveling during Spring Training because of this.
Feb 23, 2019, 11:00 pm
#30
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I think someone mentioned this but right now is the busiest time for hotels in Phoenix. Its still winter everywhere and Spring Training just started. Hotel prices skyrocket and availability is really tight. Its also the one time PHX gets long lines for check in and TSA. I hate traveling during Spring Training because of this.