hi,
I'm off to AZ at the end of April, am using my points for this--and am using free tix from UA--and need some advice regarding Hilton properties. This is a leisure trip, so biz facilities really don't matter. Anyway, here's what I'm looking at. I hope someone can help me decide based on location and quality of hotel:

Tucson (one night):
Embassy Suites: Tucson-B'dway
5335 E B'dwy Blvd

Hampton Inn: Tucson-North
1317 W. Grant

Phoenix (2 nights):
Homewood Suites: Phoenix-Biltmore
2001 E. Highland Ave

Hampton Inn: Midtown-Dwntwn
160 W. Catalina

Any comments are appreciated. Thanks

I can only comment on the Phoenix hotels, they are fine, in okay locations, but you will have to drive to wherever you want to go...Probably the one on Highland is situated right off Camelback Road and all of Phoenix and Scottsdale are easily reached via Camelback or 24th Street area...not knowing what you plan to do, can't really give better suggestions, but Homewood Suites is close to the Biltmore area, Biltmore Fashion Park area has loads of restaurants, shopping, movie theaters....the Ritz Carlton, Arizona Biltmore Hotel and Embassy Suites are also in the area...

Thanks for the reply. We will be flying out of Phoenix one of the days that are there--on a Sunday so not too worried about traffic, unless you or someone advises me otherwise....

We're basically seeing the big natural sites in AZ, starting in Tucson to see those Saguero (sp?) cacti, and winding our way to Grand Canyon via Mt Valley, Canyon de Chelly, etc.

We're not big shoppers,and would prefer to eat in local dives. If we've time, we'd like to head to the Heard Museum and maybe the art museum, too. I hope this helps you provide futher advice.

thanks again, Ellen

Sounds like a great trip..at Homewood, you will not be all that far from the Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum is just south on Central Avenue from there...a local restaurant? I would definitely suggest Phoenix City Grill at 16th/Bethany Home, not far from Homewood, southwestern food, VERY popular, casual attire.....Sophie's, a French bistro,24th/Osborn Rd., not too far either, very good, small, more upscale, but still don't need a tie.....Houston's, a chain you may already know, but also close to Ritz and not far from Homewood.....but I'd stick with Phoenix City Grill, if I had my choice, yum!

Thanks again!

It's not a dive, but if you want to try authentic Mexican food, I would highly recommend Barrio Cafe. It's at 2814 North 16th Street 602 636 0240. It has excellent food. It is situated in the city relatively near your hotel on Highland. (4-5 miles). Do try to take in the Hear Museum.

Giro,
I've read raves regarding Barrio Cafe on the southwest message board on chowhound.com, and it's definitely on my list....

thanks for the post. It always helps when there are good reports from all over the web!

happy trails, Ellen

oh...I forgot:
I heard good reports about the Hilton East in Tucson, and it's the same points as the Hampton (and less than the Embassy Suites). Any thoughts on this?

And, you've desertduds you've made it official: I will book at Homewood in PHX.

thanks again....