Hotel Ideas Please? Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Vegas, Anaheim, Huntington Beach

[SandraC]

Hello All ~ We are considering a air/drive trip. Flying SW Buffalo to Phoenix, stay the first night in Phoenix....likely near the airport, then driving to Sedona, staying one night there....then driving to Grand Canyon...stay 2 nights, then 2 nights in Vegas, and several nights in Anaheim and/or Huntington Beach.

Please recommend hotels. THANKS! Sandra

 

[mommytotwo]

Who will you be traveling with?
If you will have kids traveling with you, what are their ages?

 

[SandraC]

yes...dd13 and ds7 THANKS

 

[Barbday62]

You didnt say when you was coming but I do know I saw hotels and little bungalo type lodging in the Grand Canyon. When I was there last September it was about $100 a night at one we stopped to check out. We ended up driving home because we got the entire South rim done in one day, (We dont hike down into it, that would substantially add to the time there) Maybe the official Grand Canyon site has listing about the hotels? we did see some hotels outside the Grand Canyon main gate (South Rim) but I think staying in the park would be so much nicer if you can. I remember a Best Wester right outside the park and another one. (here is the grand canyon site http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm look for lodging there)

Im in Arizona. I have not been here long so I dont have many specific recomendations. Sedona is about 2 1/2 hours drive North and another 1/2 hour drive West so you could consider staying there first night unless you arrive late. I have only been to Sedona for day trips too so I dont have any recomendation where to stay there. DO be sure you drive to the top of the airport road (Its on the main drag) its the most beautiful site you'll ever see. Well next to the Grand Canyon. They have parking at the top of the airport look out too.

In Vegas I once got the Mandalay bay hotel for $119 a night. Its a deluxe hotel with beautiful views on the end of the strip and it has a mini water park for the kids to swim in. It even has a wave pool and Lazy river. I have also stayed at the Sarhah (Toatally Unacceptable place to stay in my opinion) and Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace was old and nothing great in a pool but it was cheap. One thing the Sarah, the Stratosphere and even the Circus Circus is far down on the strip from the main action. I hear there is a monorail now so maybe its less a problem but when we stayed at the Saharah we had to use a slow moving bus that cost about $3 each way to get to all the good stuff on the strip. Mandalay was the opposite end of the strip but less walking to the main things and there was monorails to connect many of the hotels at that end when we was there last.

In Anaheim we always stay at Best Western Park Place in right across from Disneyland main gate.

 

[honeymom]

In Phoenix, do you really want to stay right near the airport? We live out near Phoenix now and there are many nice areas. If you are willing to do a 20 minute drive (it will get you up the line towards Sedona) there is a really nice Embassy Suites on Paradise Village Parkway South. It is the Embassy Suites - Paradise Valley location. It is only 2-3 years old and is not an atrium hotel. If you get a view of the golf course (I think $10 more/night, you get a beautiful golf course and Camelback view.

There are also many resorts out here, although some can get pricey. Just let me know what area you want. We stayed at the Embassy Suites PV about 2 years ago and it was great. I've also stayed at the Embassy Suites by the airport but the area isn't as nice. I'm also familiar with many of the resorts if that's what you prefer.

 

[SandraC]

Thanks! I was thinking of staying around the Phoenix airport because I thought we would be really tired after a long plane ride. However, a 20-minute drive isn't so bad, so I'll really consider your resorts! I am a yoga instuctor and Sedona is like our Mecca, so I HAVE to visit Sedona! heeheehee. Blessings, Sandra

 

[honeymom]

What time of year are you coming to Phoenix and what is your budget? The big resorts do huge discounts during the summer (cause it is hot as you know what!).

 

[SandraC]

It will be summer due to our schedules. We don't mind the heat as long as there is a water source to play in! As for budget....we are more into getting value. So if a great resort has a discount, we'd love that! S

 

[honeymom]

As long as it is after 4th of July, they are all pretty cheap. I like to stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It's upscale (but reasonable in the summer ) and it has a great (and included in the price) kids club.

Less expensive is the Hilton Squaw Peak. I am mentioning because it is supposed to have good water features.

I also have heard that the Hyatt Gainey Ranch has good water features, as does the Phoenician. I would never even think of mentioning any of these places for a winter trip (the prices are astronomical), but the rates really do drop a lot in the summer. I think that the JW Marriott Desert Ridge also has good water features as does the Westin Kierland.

For value, you will probably get the best rate at the Squaw Peak.

 

[sandbar]

We did almost the same trip last October. We flew into Phoenix and drove to Sedona for our first night. I'm glad we bypassed staying in Phoenix. Sedona is breathtaking! We stayed at the Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel. It was absolutely wonderful with a great red rock view from our balcony. There are great pictures of the hotel and view on their website. The beds were so plush and comfy. I had a great first nights sleep. We did the Pink Jeep tour while there. They take you off road (and I mean off road!!!) for more spectacular sights. The jeep even picked us up at our hotel since the hotel is located in the heart of Sedona's uptown area. The location of the hotel is perfect for walking to shops and restaurants.

From Sedona, we drove to the Grand Canyon and stayed at the Bright Angel cabin on the rim. The cabins are basic. You can find pictures of these on the Xanterra park service website so I knew what we were getting into. The cost was less than $100/night. If you don't mind older and absolutely no frills...bed, shower, etc....this place is fine. It's located right on the rim of the Canyon and right next to the Bright Angel trail.

From there we drove to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Paris since I got a great deal there. I was very pleased with our hotel and am glad that's where we ended up staying. It's smaller for a Vegas hotel (which is not at all small). The rooms were easy to get to. Our room was at the end of the hall and it still was not a lot of walking as I've heard about other Vegas hotels where you have to walk forever to get to your room.

I wouldn't have changed a thing about our trip. I hope you have a wonderful time also!

 

[sandbar]

I almost forgot....if you are interested in seeing the Phantom of the Opera, it's playing at the Venetian. It was fantastic!!! Have fun!

 

[Lissete]

My DH & I loved Sedona! We spent 2 nts at the Casa Sedona B&B (just ok) only because The Penrose B&B was not available. I'm not sure what their policy is on children though. I think the Hilton Resort in Sedona is usually won on Priceline for about $90 per nt. The Pink Jeep tour is a blast!

We drove from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. We stayed at the Cameron Trading Post. This is just a motel in the middle of nowhere but it is super clean and very close to the East entrance to the GC. There is also a good restaurant on site as well as a gas station & a post office. Actually, I prefer this entrance because a) It's not as busy & b) your 1st stop is Desert View. The drive back in total darkness was a bit scary hough. Next time, I will stay 1 nt here then exit through the South Entrance & stay in Tusayan.

In Vegas we stayed at the Venetian, great mid-strip location and beautiful suites. Treasure Island is right across the street and is more economical & I'm sure the kids will like it better.

Anaheim, we stayed at the Candy Cane Inn. We loved it as well.

Have fun!

 

[CruisingCamper]

I totally agree with Sandbar. We just returned from Sedona/Grand Canyon and Scottsdale, so I can tell you where we stayed.

We stayed at a timeshare in Sedona that I would not recommend, If I had my choice again- it would most certainly be the Best Western. It's close to everything and has amazing views.

Also in Sedona- eat at the Cowboy Club, they had great food and the atmosphere is nice too. It's right in town. The Pink Jeep tour is not to be missed. The broken arrow tour was the best!!! It is OFF ROAD!!! But I have back problems and endured it ok, just a little sore! But well worth it. Drive up highway 89A to Flagstaff. It's beautiful!! No way to explain it. Slide Rock State Park is worth a stop too!

Grand Canyon- We stayed at the Grand Hotel just south of the entrance in a small town. I thought it was ok, but not really what I wanted for GC Lodging. The hotels at the GC were booked. But I would stay at the Bright Angel or the El Tovar. And do not miss dining at the El Tovar dining room at sunset. Get a 5:30 to 6:30 reservation, so you will not miss it. The food is great too!!! New York Strip!!

In Phoenix/Scottsdale- The Four Seasons!!! It was awesome!! Has a very nice pool and they wait on you hand and foot. Ver kid friendlt also - they have things for them to do with others kids most of the day.

Vegas- Has a lot of great places to stay. Paris is wonderful, so is the Venetian. Go to the malls- it actually rains in there, but you don't get wet!!

Also in Vegas- Take a Limo ride down the strip!! Well worth it. You get the full experience of the city this way.

 

[Barbday62]

In the summer time we can get The pointe at South Mountain for about $129 a night. Thats a $300 a night plus place normally. They have a great water park too. and its free with your stay. http://www.pointesouthmtn.com/

Its a four diamond hotel they said. This is not to awful far from the air port etiher.

 

[snoodledoo]

In the summer time we can get The pointe at South Mountain for about $129 a night. Thats a $300 a night plus place normally. They have a great water park too. and its free with your stay. http://www.pointesouthmtn.com/

Its a four diamond hotel they said. This is not to awful far from the air port etiher.

This is my vote as well.

 

[TLinden16]

The Pointe on South Mountain is a fantastic resort.

When we went to the Grand Canyon, we stayed at the Kachina Lodge. It had more of a dorm feel then a hotel feel (although we had a private bathroom). We got a room overlooking the Canyon, and it more than made up for the simpleness of the accomodations. I'm a resort snob, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Kachina again.

In Vegas, I've stayed at the MGM Grand, which is nice, but a bit too big for me, and the Monte Carlo, which I LOVED and highly recommend. I also loved the Lance Burton show at the Monte Carlo if you are looking for an awesome magician

 

[signtalker]

Ive just come back from a 3 week trip to LV, Phoenix, Tuscon, and Sedona.

We stayed for a week in phoenix, and tuscon in a villa so cant help you with a one nighter.
BUT
In sedona, we stayed at " The Penrose" Bed and breakfast, this is an unbelievable place and the red rock is so close you can nearly touch it. Do a search on google and have a look, the wildlife was excellent, we saw cyotee's, scrubjays,scorpions, hummingbirds(all varietys), and so much more. you have breakfast on the verandah and the view is the best in Sedona(doesnt claim to be like all the others, as we experienced, many claimed this), but when we got there they didnt have the best view!!!.

if you need any details of any other kind, including good restaurnats to eat in(belive me, there are some real bad ones in the tourist area!!), but a short drive of 5 minutes away there are better ones to be had!.

Jules