Last weekend, my first trip to Phoenix . . .
Arrived on WN into Terminal 4, and easily located the entrance to the Sky Train.
Took the escalator down to wait for the Metro. Very friendly Metro worker, who confirmed which stop we needed to get to the Palomar Hotel downtown.
Surprised that no one onboard takes tickets, wondered how it is monitored.

Exited at our Metro stop and marvelled at the ease of use. Here in Kansas City, voters have resisted getting light rail, at any cost. Hmmm.

A short two blocks walk and we are at the Palomar front desk. Along the short route to Cityscape, we encounter a Phoenix "Ambassador" who cheerily asks if we have any questions or need some help. We also see numerous security personnel in and around Cityscape. (Friday morning).

We walk everywhere, try out Pizzeria Bianco Friday night and the Arrogant Butcher for lunch on Saturday. Again, walking everywhere, we meet several Ambassadors, all ready to assist (we must have hesitated too long at an intersection, prompting their queries if we needed directions).

In sum, what a great city, really enjoyed the downtown area, more so on Friday, when it was quite busy.
Returning to the airport on Metro at 6 a.m. on Sunday was equally easy.
Can't wait to return!

The light rail is an on your honor system. You're supposed to either purchase a ticket or tap your card at the pay booths at either end of most platforms. There are contract private security guards that randomly check trains to see if people have valid tickets. Most enforcement in my experience is on the early morning trains in Tempe/Mesa, have seen security only once or twice on a train in Phoenix limits.

Cibo is also very good for pizza and IMHO if you don't arrive for the first seating at Pizzeria Bianco, it's not worth the wait, but that's just me. Bianco has opened a new restaurant further North on Central Ave. than where you stayed at the Palomar. Also at City Scape I would highly recommend Fuego Cantina.

Thanks for coming, glad you enjoyed your stay!

Will keep Fuego Cantina in mind as it was convenient to the Palomar.

Where is Cibo?

We waited 20 min for a table at Bianco, and I thought it was quite good, but probably not worth waiting for an hour, like later arriving customers did.

603 N. 5th Ave. so a little bit West and North of the Palomar. An easy enough walk as long as it's not 100+ out. You can always ride the DASH (free shuttle bus) to get you part of the way there and back.