I am going to Phoenix for a 6 day trip and would like to get a heads-up on where to dine and stay on a moderate budget. Also any suggestions on where to stay if visiting Grand Cannyon.

Make sure to check out Oregano's for a little Italian...the Numero Ono pizza is excellent. I've stayed at the Scottsdale Marriott a few times and enjoyed it greatly.

Hello NS,

We were in Phoenix and Flagstaff last year had good stays at the Embassy Suites in North Phoenix (just off I-17 at Greenway) for several nights @ $69.00 per night including full breakfast, and manager's free happy hour from 5 to 7 each evening.

Don't miss the Grand Canyon!!!! I think everyone should see it at least once in their lifetime. We've been there twice, and would be back tomorrow if we could. Lodging right at the Canyon is usually booked full a year in advance, and is usually very pricey. We stayed in Flagstaff (two hour easy drive) and had a nice stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites just off the intersection of I-40 and I-17.
Reasonable and not that far from the Canyon.
Try to get to the Canyon either early morning or at dusk for spectacular colors on the rocks. Bring lots of film, and drive to as many lookout points as you can, each one gives a different view of the canyon area, and each one is breathtaking.

Driving down to Phoenix from Flagstaff, take a sidetrip to Sedona, beautiful drive up and down mountains (check your brakes) and great scenery. Also, don't forget to see the Indian ruins at many places on the way to Phoenix, just off I-17.

Check out the Arizona state website, and Phoenix CVB for more info. They will happily mail you guidebooks and brochures, but it may take some time to get them.


Have a great trip.

bj-21.

We recently had a short weekend stay in Phoenix, so I am hardly an expert, but here are a couple of quick observations. We had an excellent meal at Vincent's on Camelback Rd but were quite disappointed with Christopher's, another "highly rated" restaurant.

Our stay at Marriott's Camelback was also disappointing, after reading all of the 5 star hype. A site visit to the Arizona Biltmore and the Phoenician made them seem much more appealing, though we didn't stay there. They are also not for a budget trip unless you can work a deal.

I strongly agree that a side trip to Sedona (and the ghost town of Jerome nearby) are well worth the drive, especially if you do go to the Grand Canyon. How they missed making Sedona a National Park I'll never know. Try to spend a night there, as the views at sunrise and sunset are unbelievable.

The Point at Squaw Peak OR Tapatio Cliffs are very nice Hilton resorts. As far as dining, if you like Mexican, try Ajio (spelling?) Al's. I forget the street in Phoenix, but it's a straight shot from Squaw Peak.

JerryFF, I so agree with your observation on the Camelback Inn. Just viewing the property from the outside I've often wondered how it can keep getting 5 stars year after year. That's why I have little faith in the rating systems--be it AAA or Mobil or others.

Welcome to FlyerTalk, Nova Scotia. Were you looking for not so expensive accommodations? I love the Arizona Biltmore, but it's not as nice as it used to be. The Scottsdale Princess and The Boulders are great, but pricey. If you have Hilton HHonors points, the Pointe properties are nice.

I'm not sure if this is still true, but to stay inside the Grand Canyon, I believe you have to make reservations through Amfac, http://amfac.worldres.com/script/node.asp?n=5&

We stayed at the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs over a Thanksgiving long weekend 2 years ago- The rates were low- 89 USD/nite and we refused to pay the undisclosed until check in resort fee. The room was a small suite that included continental breakfast. Resort is okay- we had beautiful weather and there is a large pool area which was great for kids. Do not miss Taliesan West, Frank Lloyd Wright' masterpiece in the desert. And if you go to Sedona, eat at the Heartline Cafe- excellent food and Sedona"s scenery is spectacular- Make sure you get out of the car and walk around or hike.

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I have had many bad experiences at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak. The Buttes is very nice, and of course the Scottsdale Princess and the Phoenician if you're in that price range. For a non-resort hotel it's tough to beat the Ritz-Carlton but make sure you get an upgrade to the Concierge level for the phenomenal food service. Amex Platinum will do that for you if you have it.

NovaScotia

I lived in the Phoenix area for a few years, and now live in the White Mountains in eastern Arizona. I'll give you some insight that you may not have thought of.

Depending on when you are coming, reasonable may be a problem. Phoenix is coming into it's high season because of the "snowbirds" (affectionate, not insulting) flocking from the cold Midwest. Don't be surprised if the prices get a little high.

As for the Grand Canyon, we all have our own opinions. My suggestion is to stay in Williams, AZ, about 30 miles west of Flagstaff. From there you can zip up to the Canyon by car, OR take the Grand Canyon Railroad for a great daytrip.

If you are going to divert through Sedona on your way to the Canyon, suggest you come through Prescott and Jerome, as well. It is a great backroad through AZ history. It will also show you that AZ is truly not all desert!

You didn't ask, but I will add... weater.

Expect it to be pleasant in Phoenix. I remember shopping for a Christmas tree with the A/C on... really strange. A sweater will probably be all you need in the evenings.

At the Grand Canyon, expect it to be cold. Many people don't know that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is at 5000 feet. Expect snow and highs in the 30s - 40s; lows in the teens - 20s.

Feel free to email me with any more questions about the area.


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Bob

The Embassy Suites on Thomas is good. If you are into Mexican food, try Garcia's. There are several in town. We usually went to the one just off Camelback.

Grand Canyon - you can stay at the Canyon (Days Inn, Comfort Inn) or about 1 hr away in Williams. Either way, expect to pay about $70/nt for a 2* hotel.

Haven't been to Garcia's, but as it is a chain restaurant, there are definitely better places. I had a good experience at Arriba Mexican Gril in the Biltmore area, and lots of people rave about Los Dos Molinos, though I've never been. For pizza, the best is easily Pizzeria Bianco in downtown Phoenix. A fabulous atmosphere and not very expensive.

I always enjoyed staying at the Marriott Courtyard on Camelback and enjoyed the restaurants around that area.

Ruth Chris, Christophers and Sam's Cafe
were amongst my favorites. Stay away from
rather bad Italian in front of the Courtyard.

For me its usually been the Hyatt when I had to be in town- or the Marriott Courtyard out towards the airport!

I know its a chain, but I never miss a chance to go to a Chart House (Scottsdale).

Forgot to mention hotels in my earlier reply.

Embassy Suites Biltmore is quite nice. Last rate I paid was around $99US. Included cook-to-order breakfast and happy hour. Avoid the Embassy Suites Airport... it is the worst Embassy Suites that I have ever visited.

Hilton Suites Downtown is quite nice, but it is downtown. Haven't stayed there in a while, and don't know the rates.

Westin Buttes is ok. I've stopped staying there as I was just getting more and more dissatisfied with the accomodations.

For the Grand Canyon and Williams, have you thought about a Bed and Breakfast? http://mi-casa.org/azmap.html will give you a map of Arizona that you can use to find some of these.

Suggest avoiding Garcia's, as recommended above. Some of them are VERY GOOD; however, others are VERY BAD. If you like Chinese food, Wangs in Tempe and Gilbert are both good.

Finally, if you have time, get an Entertainment book for Phoenix at www.entertainment.com. You will more than save the $35 with the restaurant coupons, alone. I've never used for hotels, so I don't know how well they do there.

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Bob
[This message has been edited by AZ_MISMAN (edited 10-12-2000).]