Arizona - Where to stay? Where to eat? About This Page:

[kelleigh1]

This summer, I'll be turning 40 and I want to celebrate. I originally thought about a cruise, but we've decided to put off a cruise for now (for various reasons which have nothing to do with this post - so I'll get back to the topic at hand now.)

My husband and I have always talked about maybe one day moving to Arizona where it's warm and not humid. I've been there before, but the hubby has not. So now, we're thinking that Arizona may be the place to visit for my birthday, which is at the end of July. I know most people would think we're nuts to go to AZ in July, but we figure this will be a good way for us to find out if we could handle the summer heat.

Now the question is where do we stay? what should we do or see? And of course, where are the "not to be missed" places to eat? For me, half the fun of going on vacation is trying out different restaurants and foods from different places.

We'll probably only go for about 5 days and I think we're going to stay in the Phoenix area. As much as we want to see the Grand Canyon and head up north to the Four Corners or out to Lake Havasu - I think for now it will be mainly the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

So please, share any info you have on the area. And if you've been, where did you stay and would you recommend it?

TIA!!

[GoofyMom]

When I was going to Mesa in the winters to visit my grandparents, we would go to Organ Stop Pizza. I don't really remember what the food was like, but my parents are snowbirding in Casa Grande this winter and they made a special trip in to Mesa just to eat there. They said they sang along with the organist and enjoyed it. So for a fun meal, I think Organ Stop would be right up there.

I won't try to recommend places to see or things to do because it's been over 25 years since I was there last.

[LindaR1962]

Well.......you kinda need to give a hint about how much you want to pay, what kind of facilities you are looking for! DD21 and I visit Phoenix a couple of times per year (always in the summer). Since you are going a a VERY hot time of year, you can find really, really good rates at the 4 and 5 star resorts! I've stayed Sheraton, Embassy Suites, The Arizona Biltmore, and the Phoenician.

I can't really help you with places to eat because we are usually on a "mission" when we go (shopping!) and are more focused on things other than eating and sightseeing.

Visiting tripadvisor may be helpful!

[kelleigh1]

I'm not sure exactly what our budget is just yet. Right now I just want to gather as much info as I can and then narrow it down from there. Because this is a celebration vacation, I don't want to be really cheap about it, but since it will be during what is considered "off-peak" in Phoenix, I know that there will be plenty of deals to be had too - so we could end up staying at a place that would normally be out of our price range.

We're not golfers, so we don't need a golf resort - although last time I was in AZ, I did stay at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs which does have golf. It's just not something I did. We don't have kids, so kids activities are not part of our list of requirements either. I would like a place that has at least 1 good restaurant on site, but will be looking for area restaurants as well.

And the more stuff that is included in the price, the better. I'm not a fan of extra fees for all the so-called amenities.

Hope that helps!

And if you have hotels / resorts that we should absolutely stay away from, I'd like to hear about those too.

[LindaR1962]

We actually really liked the Biltmore the most! The way it is layed out makes you feel like you are not surrounded by people and there are several pools. I believe its part of the Hilton Hotel Group (so sign up for free if you are not already a member) and there are frequently offers for special rates. The rooms are large!

[kelleigh1]

Originally Posted by LindaR1962

We actually really liked the Biltmore the most! The way it is layed out makes you feel like you are not surrounded by people and there are several pools. I believe its part of the Hilton Hotel Group (so sign up for free if you are not already a member) and there are frequently offers for special rates. The rooms are large!

Thanks. I was actually checking out the Biltmore this morning.

[disney_duke]

We've been 3 times and have stayed at Westin Kierland twice and Marriott Desert Ridge. We've also stayed for single nights at Sheraton Crescent and a LQ by the airport. You will find lots of deals in the summer - the old Pointe South Mountain is now the Arizona Grand Resort and it looks very nice. Their famous restaurant, the Rustler's Rooste, is a fun place to eat. A pretty good pizza chain in the area is called Oregano's.

We love to go hiking and just did Pinnacle Peak in January - amazing views!! It's on the northeast side of Scottsdale, in the Troon area. Squaw Peak (it's actually got a new name now, I just don't remember it) and Camelback are other popular hiking points that provide spectacular views of the area. South Mountain would be the easiest since you can drive all the way up there. Or horseback ride!!!

We also love just driving off into Fountain Hills to the east to see the mansions built into the mountains. Amazing. Plus, it's a cute little town too. Of course, we can't go to PHX without seeing sports of some kind!! Although, we're usually there for hockey season and baseball spring training, you guys could catch a regular season game for the Diamondbacks. Just something fun to do. And then scoot over to Alice Cooper's restaurant after (or before) the game, Cooperstown!! Fun stuff.

If you're into history and national parks, just a drive east of PHX near Apache Junction is the Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition mountains, and Tonto National monument. Lots of legend and lore at the Lost Dutchman. And of course, there's Tombstone 2 hours south outside of Tucson. Another fun place to go!

And if you're planning on driving up to Grand Canyon, plan an extra day for a stop in Sedona. The red rocks are just beautiful. Bell Rock is a popular area to go to, and there's even a Park where you can slide off the rocks into the river for a swim. I think it's simply called Slide Rock Park.

I'm no expert, but I hope that helps you a little bit!

[kelleigh1]

Tanya:
That is some great info! Thanks!!

We were considering a D-Backs game since we're both big baseball fans...but we may have push our departure date back by a day, which means we might not be able to catch a game. They play the day we'd arrive, followed by a travel day and road trip so we might not make it in time. But if we can't catch the game, I'm definitely going to schedule a tour of the ballpark.

[lkmom]

I just got back form a week in Phoenix!! We stayed at the Arizona Grand resort. It has an awesome waterpark with poolside service. Rustler's Roost is a good
place to eat, but the steak at Rawhide is better in our opinion!! Rawhide at Wildhorse pass is a FUN place to visit. It's a replica old west town with cowboys walking around, stunt shows, etc. You can do Sedona in a daytrip, and its well worth it!!

AGR also has a good Mexican place called Aunt Chilada's. If you go, take the time to visit Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale. Jac's Pizza in OldTown is a good place, but there are lots of good places there. We also enjoy Sonic, b/c we don't have one near us!!

W also took the looong drive to Tombstone. Cheezy but fun!!

Have a blast on your trip - we all agree that this trip to Phoenix was our best trip evah!!

[Silver-n-Gold]

My grandparents retired years ago in Mesa, now that they have both passed away it feels very strange not making at least an annual AZ trip, I love AZ. With that being said, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale is Los Olivos. Great atmosphere, yummy margaritas, & you can walk around & check out the shops after you've eaten.
Los Olivos Mexican Food Restaurant - Scottsdale

[dizzparkmom]

Just saw your post and thought I would give a few suggestions.

Like previously mentioned, you'll find a ton of great deals at all the local resorts in July. These deals are heavily advertised here locally well into the summer months as they try to fill all the empty rooms. As far as being centrally located and relaxed, The Arizona Biltmore or The Hermosa Inn The Hermosa Inn: A Boutique Hideaway are going to be most centrally located and easily accessible of your laid back resorts. If you're looking for a more energetic resort the Arizona Grand Luxury Phoenix Arizona Hotels | Arizona Grand Resort | Family Friendly Vacation Resorts is getting great reviews for summer entertainment. The restaurant "Aunt Chilada's" which someone else mentioned is really, really good.

Any outdoor activities should definately be scheduled for early morning hours and plan indoor activities or pool time for the afternoons. It will be very, very hot and you'll need to drink tons of water and keep sunscreen on hand. Yes, it usually is a very dry heat, but 115 degrees when the sun is reflecting off all the asphalt and concrete can be very miserable all the same - especially getting into a car in the middle of the afternoon. Also, July is in the midst of our monsoon season. Monsoon storms strike fast and can be quite furious with strong wind gusts and sometimes flash floods. Fortunately, these are infrequent and don't last very long (although they can be quite a beautiful lightning show). However, our humidity is slightly elevated during this season and a little more so on days after a monsoon storm - so it could be more muggy than you think.

I know you mentioned wanting to stick closer to Phoenix and Scottsdale, but I thought I would just throw out a suggestion to spend at least a day or two up north. Sedona is beautiful and less than a two-hour drive. Oak Creek Canyon is simply beyond words. Our favorite Italian restaurant up there is Dahl and Diluca. DAHL and DI LUCA :::: ITALIAN RISTORANTE. We also love having breakfast or brunch at The Orchards. Sedona Hotel | The Orchards Inn of Sedona.

A drive all the way up to the Grand Canyon and back to Phoenix would be an exhaustingly long day, although it definately is possible. Traffic north on I-17 towards the Canyon and Sedona can be quite heavy on weekeds as all of us locals seek to escape in search of more pleasant temperatures. If you do decide to drive north, plan accordingly (lots and lots of water).

As for what to do here locally in July, that's kind of hard. Many of us spend most of July and August indoors and are never very far from our trusty A/C. A leisurely walk around Old Town Scottsdale should be scheduled carefully....making sure to stop by one of the popular ice-cream shops for some refreshment. Welcome to the Sugarbowl in Scottsdale, Arizona! If your a fan of Boulangerie Pattiserie at Epcot, make sure to visit Au Petit Four. It's just across from the Biltmore. New Page 1 Scottsdale Fashion Center is also a great indoor excursion where you'll find Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, Barney's, and of course a really nice Disney Store.

We have a great local zoo and botanical garden, but I really don't know if you'd enjoy them in July...? I would opt for the Phoenix Art Museum Phoenix Art Museum - Experience Art and Culture in Arizona and maybe a short stroll through Heritage Square HISTORIC HERITAGE SQUARE. If you plan on taking a ball park tour, definately make a stop at Alice Cooperstown, Where Jocks and Rock meet. Phx, AZ P-602.253.7337 while you're there - very close.

I hope I've been some help. Heather

[kelleigh1]

We booked our resort. We are spending 4 nights at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale. We can't wait.

Now I'm trying to figure out where to go for dinner the night of my birthday (and some other places we should try to check out for food). Several people have suggested Talavera at the Four Seasons, but after looking at the menu, it's just not calling to me as the place I want to celebrate my 40th. So any other suggestions? I was looking at Wildfish Grill and Roaring Fork and both of those seem pretty interesting. Anything else I can consider or would you recommend one of those over the other. (Oh, and another thing is that my birthday is on a Monday, so we need to consider that since I know some places are closed on Mondays.)

thanks again for all the info!! We're very excited about this trip.