First trip to Arizona
 

We're a family of four (two teenagers ages 16 and 14) looking to spend a two-week vacation in Arizona. As we have never been there before, we're looking for any suggestions. Thinking about spending one week at a resort to lay back and relax ($150/night max), and then doing some sightseeing. All suggestions appreciated.

Failed to mention that we're looking at going in June. And yes, we know it'll be hot! Thanks in advance.

Suggest you spend a week at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale which is an ideal resort to lay back and relax with two teenagers. For sight-seeing, spend a week in Sedona with its beautiful red rock formations.

I've done this trip a few times because I have family in Tucson and Phoenix. The first time though we flew into Tucson. From there we visited Bisbee, Tombstone and Nogales, Mexico. In Tucson we visited the desert museum, Sabino Canyon and Mission San Xavier del Bac. After that we headed for Sedona with a short sidetrip to Jerome. From Sedona we drove to the Grand Canyon. From the Grand Canyon we drove to Las Vegas. On that trip we drove back to Tucson and stopped in Lake Havasu to see London Bridge. You can fly into one city and then fly home out of another one, but the car rental companies will charge you a drop off fee. It could be worth it to you though.

I think Merilee Tucker has noted all the right places for you to visit - I completely agree.

I also would like to suggest that you stay at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale. We spent a memorable week there last summer.

Since you have never been you should consider visiting a few National Parks. It would involve a bit of driving but it would be well worth it. You could visit the Gr. Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion NP and Bryce NP. Can be done easily in one week. If you decide to do this spend the first week traveling to the parks and the second week at a resort.

There are beautiful resorts in both Tucson and Scottsdale but mostly pricier than $150/night BUT on Priceline you could definitely snag something well within you budget (there's a separate category for resorts in both those locations). We used it and for about $100/night (2 years ago), we (family of 4) stayed in the Sheraton El conquistador in Tucson which was lovely. We had a basic room with 2 double beds and requested a rollaway (no extra charge). In Scottsdale we stayed at the Millenium McCormack Ranch, also very nice but not as picturesque as the Sheraton. There they upgraded us (for free, they had run out od traditional rooms), to a 3 bedroom townhouse (all on our measely priceline rate). I know we were just lucky, but we could have moved into this space. In any case we still would have been staisfied even if we were given a basic room given the rate. In Sedona, we did not use priceline, but stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge which is phenominal value (in your budget).

Thank you all for your suggestions - keep 'em coming. You're giving us some great ideas.