In Phoenix in July. I'm looking at Los Olivos, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, Royal Palms and the Hilton Suites Phoenix on Thomas Road. I realize that Pointe Hilton and Royal Palms are not in downtown but how far are they from the Civic Plaza? Has anyone stayed at any of these places? Looking for luxurious but quaint, suite vs. just a hotel room, something for a couple rather than family accomodations, convenient to museums and cultural activities, nice views. Any idea?

I'm from the Phoenix area. Personally I wouldn't stay at any of the hotels you mentioned. Los Olivos and Hilton Suites aren't in a great area. Pick a hotel in Scottsdale. Or try the Point Hilton at Squaw Peak. They have a great pool area. the Point Hilton at Tapatio is very nice but is in the middle of nowhere.

Of the ones you mentioned, Royal Palms is tops, a very terrific resort. For luxury and location for getting to the Civic Plaza, I would suggest Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Embassy Suites Biltmore, Hermosa Inn...all would be direct shots downtown on either 24th St. or 32nd St. and the prices could be right as this is the low season. Hermosa Inn would be in the quaint category, All are close to restaurants and shopping and an easy drive to museums and other areas you might want to visit.

I agree Point Squaw Peak is a much better location than Tapatio. I've stayed at both with my kids. We love squaw peak but I wouldn't call it quaint. It is quite massive, spread out. I've always been interested in the Hilton Suites Phoenix but have never stayed there. Their location is central. Biltmore would be really cool if it isn't too expensive. Scottsdale is great but is quite far east of downtown phoenix. Good time of year for great rates. I love Phoenix even in the summer. I lived there for 9 years and now visit often. Now we usually stay at the doubletree suites on Van buren and 40 something street. Breakfast included and low rates in the summer. Good luck!!

Luxorious but quaint..Royal Palms and Hermosa Inn are the only ones that fit the bill.

Wait!! I just thought of one: The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain was refurbished and reopened. It's very very nice with a superb restaurant.

JUST CAME BACK FROM PHOENIX LAST NIGHT..YOU HAVE GOT TO STAY IN SCOTTSDALE..REALLY REALLY BEAUTIFUL PLACE....A VERY VERY NICE HOTEL WAS THE SUNBURST RESORT...VERY VERY RELAXED AND VERY REASONABLE PRICE....18005287867...
WWW.SUNBURSTRESORT.COM

Sanctuary is low on the luxury rating scale relative to the better resorts in PHX. And the Royal Palms has some really nice rooms and beautiful public areas....but many of the rooms, in fact most of the standard rooms, are very basic and not worth it unless you get a very discounted rate.
Since Phoenix is a very young city, there isn't much which is 'quaint', as in character due to age/history.
The Biltmore is unique. But again, most of the standard rooms are unexceptional.
There is absolutely nothing close to the Civic Center which is worth staying at if this is partly a vacation.
And if you have to drive downtown, you might as well stay someplace nice.
What is your budget limit?
Rates are low in July. You may have more options than you realize.