I am looking for 3 nights accommodation in August and would like opinions of the Wyndham Phoenix in downtown Phoenix ( Address: 100 N First St between 1st & Adams Phoenix, AZ 85004 ),
I will most probably carrying out some day trips from the hotel, one to Sedona and the other I'm not sure at the moment. I'd also like to take a quick walk around the streets of Phoenix. Is this a good place to take in a walk of the local area?
My other option was the sleep inn Airport ,mainly due to its convenience to the Greyhound bus centre (of which I'm thinking of using for my second day trip)
Any thoughts?
One other thing, is it common practice for hotels to leave the airconditioning on during the day in accommodated rooms? I stayed in a New York hotel once and when leaving the room in the morning with the A/C on, it was switched off when we came back in in the evening. I'm carrying some professional photographic film with me of which doesn't take too kindly to high temperatures?
Thanks

Tracker,
We were in Phx/Scottsdale a few weeks ago. We stayed at the newly-opened Westin Kierland. Beautiful hotel, with 3 pools, including 1 for adults only and a current pool. Sedona is a nice day trip, as is Jerome, which is on the way. It's an old mining town, high elevation (about a mile) and both are much cooler than Phoenix. DO NOT leave your room without water. Drink even more than you think you need to.

Old Scottsville is a lovely place to walk around in, full of shops & art galleries. The airport is pretty far from the city. After you book a hotel, the concierge can arrange for whatever tours you want.

The a/c was always left on in our room.

Have a good time.

The Wyndham is nice. It is in a safe area of downtown. Having said that, there isn't much night life or reason that you would want to walk around downtown. It is mostly a business district. There are some museums, theatres and sports facilities.

For your trips to Sedona or perhaps the Grand Canyon, I would not use Greyhound. My recommendation would be to sign up with a tour company for a day tour and be picked up at your hotel or contacting the Phoenix Sedona Shuttle company and just get a shuttle to Sedona. I believe the shuttle company leaves from the aiport and would take you up and back to Sedona.

If you decide to stay at an aiport property, please post the property first. There are some great airport hotels and there are some places that are terrible and you wouldn't want to stay there. If you do this, those of us who live in the area can help guide you.

Thanks for the replies,
I've also just found in a guidebook the Phoenix Inn on highland ave in the Biltmore district and the Lexington Hotel at city Square. Both have some good rates at the moment with free airport shuttle, seems like the Phoenix Inn is in the heart of a shopping district etc; not sure about the area around the Lexington Hotel.
Thanks again

kkj is exactly right in advising you to take a tour if you are not renting a car. Tours will be terrific anywhere you'd like to go, Sedona, Grand Canyon. Apache Trail...not only will it be a safe, comfortable trip, but you'll get alot of info. about the area.Greyline tours and MANY others are available, which you can get info. from the hotel front desk or a concierge at any resort. The Biltmore area is good, loads of restaurants at 24 St. and Camelback area, movies, shops. Don't personally know the hotel you are speaking about, but I have a hunch that I might know which one it is and it would be fine.