Will be in Phoenix for business 2 days and pleasure 3 days. Considering the Ritz and got a club floor rate of $149.00; however, i understand that this is not a resort and the pool / grounds are just OK. I am hesitant to try a resort further out, and do not like resorts like the Biltmore where everything is 'a la carte' (pay for tennis, $50 for breakfast, etc.). What is your opinion?

Also what are some good Southwest / Mexican restaurants in the area.

Thanks for any help!!

If you don't like resorts, then the Ritz will be fine. It's just a hotel and the pool and grounds are all right - nothing special at all. It's on a fairly busy street right across from the Biltmore Fashion Plaza.

A resort further out? There are two that are in that same vicinity as the Ritz - the Biltmore and the Phoenician. But, you're right you do have to pay for tennis and breakfast although there are packages available but they'll probably be more than $149 if it's after the summer season. It doesn't sound like you're really asking for any advice here now that I'm rereading your post. $149 is a good price for a club floor. As far as restaurants, you might want to ask your concierge.

You are in a great location and right next door to one of our favorite restaurants, Houston's and down the street from Arriba Mexican Food, approx. 18th St. on Camelback and directly across the street from another Mexican restaurant which we do not like as well, but many people do.

I wouldn't say it's "just a hotel" in such a blase fashion as one reader phrased it above, like it's some cheap Holiday Inn! It's quite a BEAUTIFUL and ELEGANT hotel, indeed, and the food there itself is quite marvelous; no need to go to ANY restaurants!!

I have stayed at many Ritz Carltons including Phoenix. You are correct - it is not a resort and the pool/grounds are just ok. But it is a Ritz, the price is excellent for a Club Room and the location is great. So, if you want a hotel and not a resort, this should be fine.

Thank you for your help. As long as there is a decent pool and access to a health club (to work off the food) i think my husband and i will be happy. I like the fact that the room charge includes continental b'fast, somewhat of a lunch and drinks in the evening.

Do I need a car in the area, as parking charges are $22 per evening?

What restaurant can i walk (or short cab) to?

Thanks!

If you think you need a car strictly for restaurants, you don't. You are across the street from the Biltmore mall which has a number of upscale restaurants. Neext to the Ritz are additional nice restaurants along with a movie complex. So you don't need a car for restaurants. Further, you are within a $5 cab fare to another 50-100 restaurants.

I recommend La Hacienda at the Princess resort in Scottsdale for Mexican Food. I believe that it is the only 4-5 star Mexican restaurant in the country! Also, I think Nola's across the street from the Ritz is pretty good for Mexican food as well. Haven't been in that area for a while so I am not sure if Nola's is still there.