a visit to Phoenix (Glendale, Scottsdale: hotels, theater, restaurants)

[adventure seeker]

We are taking a family visit to Phoenix and we have never been to the city. We need suggestions on hotels and sights to see while we are there. We were planning on attending a Cardinals game while we are there so it seems smart to stay near the stadium. Any suggestions for hotels in the area of the stadium? How is Glendale? Any suggestions for local restaurants?

[Azrider]

As far as sights, what kind of activities are you looking for specifically? Outdoors? Theatre, concerts, shows? We have a little bit of everything. Ill list a couple below.

I would recommend the Marriott in Tempe. 5th ave & Ash area. It is close to the stadium and Mill avenue. I stayed here the very first time I visited AZ, and it was a very nice, clean hotel, good rates, and the staff and service was great. This one is the closest to the stadium I can think of. Mill avenue has lots of activities, restaurants--one good one I can think of now is Gordon Biersch, (mill & 4th?) its a pub/restaurant. There are many other shops, clubs, restaurants and bars. You can also hike up "A" mountain too if you like.

I could also recommend the Marriot in Scottsdale, just south of Scottsdale RD & Camelback. I stayed there on another visit before I moved, and it was just as nice as the Tempe Mariott. This one is about 10 minutes north of the stadium.

For a few, I can recommend the Desert Botanical Gardens, between Scottsdale and Tempe. Be sure to check out the mall in Scottsdale, at Camelback and Goldwater roads. Camelback mountain is a good outing if your into the outdoors. There is a 2 mile trail up to the summit, and you can see nearly all of the valley from it. The park is off of Mcdonald road, on a street called Echo Canyon parkway.

I dont know much about Glendale. I dont get over that way much, hopefully someone there will chime in.

[WantingoutofAz]

AZrider: The cardinals stadium is in Glendale now

I just posted to someone else looking for hotels that my recommendation is the 101 freeway and Bell area which is Glendale/Peoria. There are a lot of nice newer hotels right in that area plus it is close to Arrowhead mall, harkins theaters and a whole bunch of restaurants (mostly chains like cheesecake factory, pf changs, elephant bar, mcDuffey's but also abuelo's (mexican food) and boca di peppo (italian) to name a few). This area is only a few miles north of the stadium which is off the 101 freeway and Glendale avenue so you are looking at a 5-10 minute drive. Some of the hotels there are a holiday inn express, La Quinta, Ramada, Residence Inn, most of them are off of 83rd ave.

Hope this helps.
Angie

[adventure seeker]

Thanks for the reply. I agree that the new stadium is in Glendale. The suggestion for the botanical gardens would be nice. I would like to take my wife there. I also have a 2 1/2 daughter. Any suggestions for her. How far is Glendale from the main airport?? Is Scottdale close to Glendale? I have always heard that Scottdale is a nice place to stay and visit. I will start to look for rooms in that area. If you can think of anything else to see and do let me know. Thanks

[Azrider]

Originally Posted by WantingoutofAz

AZrider: The cardinals stadium is in Glendale now

Heh. Well then, Tempe if your interested in seeing the Sun Devils. Got em backwards. My bad.

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by WantingoutofAz

AZrider: The cardinals stadium is in Glendale now

I just posted to someone else looking for hotels that my recommendation is the 101 freeway and Bell area which is Glendale/Peoria. There are a lot of nice newer hotels right in that area plus it is close to Arrowhead mall, harkins theaters and a whole bunch of restaurants (mostly chains like cheesecake factory, pf changs, elephant bar, mcDuffey's but also abuelo's (mexican food) and boca di peppo (italian) to name a few). This area is only a few miles north of the stadium which is off the 101 freeway and Glendale avenue so you are looking at a 5-10 minute drive. Some of the hotels there are a holiday inn express, La Quinta, Ramada, Residence Inn, most of them are off of 83rd ave.

Hope this helps.
Angie

Elephant Bar is excellent and don't miss Dave's Barbeque.

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by adventure seeker

Thanks for the reply. I agree that the new stadium is in Glendale. The suggestion for the botanical gardens would be nice. I would like to take my wife there. I also have a 2 1/2 daughter. Any suggestions for her. How far is Glendale from the main airport?? Is Scottdale close to Glendale? I have always heard that Scottdale is a nice place to stay and visit. I will start to look for rooms in that area. If you can think of anything else to see and do let me know. Thanks

Scottsdale is about 30 minutes from Glendale.

[adventure seeker]

thanks for all the responses. What is a good local favorite restaurant near the stadium (not a chain)? I want some local flavor. Thanks again!

[irwin]

Originally Posted by adventure seeker

thanks for all the responses. What is a good local favorite restaurant near the stadium (not a chain)? I want some local flavor. Thanks again!

Everything is a chain here. That's the "local flavor."

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by irwin

Everything is a chain here. That's the "local flavor."

You crack me up That's what I was going to say