I booked into the Phoenecian in Scottsdale for the end of February. I was quoted $650US for the first 2 nights and $550 for the next 3 and don't forget on top of that the 12.07% vigorish that the goverment takes. I requested an upgrade to a suite with my Starworld points and was told that I couldn't be guaranteed till 5 days before I arrived. I guess they wanted to see if they had a better offer first. Sorta like a hot date asking where I'd be taking her and who else would be there before she accepted. In fact that price equals more than a grand a nite in Canadian dollars which is twice what the best hotel in this country charges - and we have a few five star hotels here as well.

So what I need to know is 1) Am I being ripped off here and 2) Is it really worth it. I hope it is (2) because we're going to Vegas first where I don't have to pay for anything, (yeah - right, except, betting a minimum $125 a hand and spend a minimum 4 hours at the tables every day), so I'm hoping to be lucky and average down.

Also I'm planning on renting a car in Vegas
and drive to Phoenix. My maps show me that it's mainly two lane roads between them. Is that true and how long will the drive take? Thanks for your help.

That sounds really steep, is there a meeting going on at the hotel or something? Winter is high season at the resort hotels in Phoenix so if you are flexible rates will be half that price starting in May. Last year when we were there during the spring we paid $200/nt for a deluxe room but were also with a group. Personally I think the hotel is beautiful and grand and all but I'd rather spend that $$ towards a great room in Hawaii or something. You may end up feeling ripped off. Also it is a really short and inexpensive flight (approx 40-60mins & $80 RT from LV), driving time would be around 4-5 hrs. or so?

Nice spot but not worth the money. Little to do in Scottsdale except to shop at tacky spots and golf. The money would be better spent in Hawaii. Last year we got the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale for under $100.00 on Priceline. Almost as nice.

hey Gary? where you playing? I stay at TI or the Ventian for a average bet of 50 to 75..

I'm staying at Caesers Palace. Actually they offer a package of 3 free nights in a petite suite plus $3-500 in food regardless of my play, (but I'm sure I wouldn't get invited back if I didn't). If I want more than that - and I'm staying 5 nights so I do - I have to play well over $100/hand and play a minimum 4 hours a day. Course I'm not going to lose a couple of grand in order to get myself a couple hundred worth of freebies so if lady luck doesn't smile on me after a couple of hours I back off.

You are betting over a hundred bucks a hand and complaining about hotel prices in Arizona during high season? I would say if you can bet that much in Las Vegas you have no reason to complain!

Hey xxx - where does it say I'm complaining. I'm just sasking if it's reasonable to charge that much. If it is - then I won't complain. But the general tenor of the responses is that I'm being overcharged.

Sounds to me like you haven't done your homework and really checked out prices. Have you gone to various sites to see what their rates are for that time of year? Couldn't hurt.

Prices are that hight because you are coming at the height of 'snowbird' season. However, there are many resorts and hotels in Scottsdale and the area that could probably give you a better deal. Is there a reason you are staying in Scottsdale? There really isn't much to see there, tho there is golf if you are in to that, and lots of tacky 'trying to be old west' shops. Personally it would be the last place I would stay (but then I grew up in the valley and really hate it here). The areas around Sedona or Flagstaff are much more interesting and beautiful.

In my opinion, you're better off transferring to one of the NEWER hotels in Vegas after Caesars: Either the Bellagio, Venetian or Four Seasons (my first choice being the corner salone suite at the Bellagio overlooking the fountains), all three of which are more impressive than the Phoenician, which I stayed at a few years back. Nothing wrong with the hotel, but it definitely is NOT worth that kind of money whatsoever! The food is superb, though! I'd rather take that money and fly to the Four Seasons on Maui or the Four Seasons on the Big Island or both!!