I am traveling to Phoenix, AZ this coming winter and I was just wondering what resort you would stay at with a family. I have narrowed it down to either the Marriott McDowell Mountains at 16770 North Perimeter Drive in Scottsdale or the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. I would need to have a suite at the resort, and both of these came up with matching that. However, if you have any other ideas that are within a resasonable price for a suite that would be great, too.

By the way, I have never been to Phoenix, AZ in the winter and I was just wondering what I can expect for weather in general and also the temperature? In addition, are the resort pools open generally during this time or are they closed?

Thank you very much for your help in advance!

We stayed at Tapatio Cliffs not long ago and were disapponted. The suite was large but that is about the best I can say for the property. It is built in a hill along narrow, asphalt roads. The amount of walking required, in the Arizona heat, is daunting. It should be noted we were there during the warm weather season. The pool area was just that, a pool surrounded by concrete. No trees, landscaping etc.I know the rates are often quite good but there is a real reason for that. There is a wonderful restaurant at the top of the hill. It is expensive but worth it. I would not, however, stay at the property again. We also looked at the the other Hilton Pointe properties in the area and would pass on them as well.

Of all the hotels in the area I would suggest either the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale (wonderful pools and grounds, good variety of restaurants)or what used to be known as the Princess (I believe it is now part of the Fairmont hotels).
I found the Phoenician to be far too glitzy, kind of a cookie cutter "want to knock your visual socks off" type and Camelback to be almost oppressive ...again the heat was certainly a factor...as the pool is surrounded by cement, there is an absence of any attempt to provide shade and the rooms were very dark.

If you have a choice, Scottsdale is much more desirable than Phoenix.

The Princess is gorgeous, and has 2 award winning restaurants. It is the nicest hotel in Scottsdale.

We just got back from Scottsdale and stayed at the Royal Palms. It was Incredible. Can't say enough good things about it. T. Cook's, the restaurant at the resort, was incredible. The view of Camelback and the casita made the vacation wonderful!!

The Princess is excellent. Great service, great food, beautiful grounds, terrific resturaunts. Whenever I stay in Scottsdale, we stay at the Princess. It also has two of the best golf courses in Scottsdale.

I've been to the Marriott Camelback in Scottsdale a couple of times on business -- spring and summer. First off, if you're going in winter, I'd ignore the post about the oppressive heat of the Arizona summer. (No kidding!)

You mentioned looking for a suite, and the Camelback has lots of options in that regard. They have several different types of accommodations, ranging from basic room to separate two-story apartment. Overall, the place is nice -- not on a level with, say, the Phoenician, but still nice.

You don't define "reasonable" so I can't say if the Camelback fits your budget, but you can contact them and find that out for yourself.

Jim: My family was in Scottsdale just this past December. We stayed at the Villa Mirage (on Princess Blvd). It was wonderful! The condo was huge, we had a two bedroom and our son actually had a studio all to himself! The pool was great and the staff was very helpful. I will stay there again when we go to Scottsdale.

Regrading your pool question: I was in Scottsdale a few years ago in February, and the pool was fine during the day, and alos in the evening, although in the evening we did not hang around outside in our bathing suiots after the swim was over. But the water was still warm from the day's sunshine.

BAK

Further to pools; but some winters are colder (or some days are) than others> I think last winter had some days that would be too cold for swimming.

BAK

What is appealing to some about the Pointe Hiltons is the price; otherwise, I found the Tapatio Cliffs to be too far from civilization (shopping, restaurants, etc). The Marriott that you have mentioned is also far out. The Camelback is my favourite and I have stayed there a number of times; my second choice is the Cottonwoods Resort.

What is appealing to some about the Pointe Hiltons is the price; otherwise, I found the Tapatio Cliffs to be too far from civilization (shopping, restaurants, etc). The Marriott that you have mentioned is also far out. The Camelback is my favourite and I have stayed there a number of times; my second choice is the Cottonwoods Resort.

i would opt for the Marriott. The rates at the other Resorts mentioned, Hyatt Gainey, RoyalPalms, Princess are going to be much higher. The Marriott is an upscale Hotel on the verge of being a resort but compared to all the other 5 star resorts in Scottsdale, is a little below that. Having said all that, it is still a beautiful property.Only a couple of years old. It is very near the Princess resort. In fact, the princess is adjacent to the PGA golf course while the Marriott is adjacent to the Desert PGA course These courses are right next to each other. You can take advantage of all the restaurants and clubs at the Princess while still being less than a 2 minute car ride away.
The breakfast area comes with a great buffet which may be included in your rate. Finally, the property is within a mile or so of a huge new complex at Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale road with great restaurants there and very near by. As far as resorts, the area is not too far out at all. The new 101 freeway is next to the hotel which will take you anywhere you want. This is definely a nicer area in my opinion and that's where I would go.
Weatehr in Phx can be great to not so great. Whatever, the pools and spas are heated.

I have lived in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area my whole life and winter there is fabulous!! I'm not sure what month you are going, but Nov is gorgeous. Usually around 70 degrees or so, and December is great also. Pools at resorts and such are usually always open. They of course have heating at night, but it really doesn't get THAT cold (50 degrees or so) so you won't freeze. It doesn't rain much that time of year, so thats a plus also.

As for a resort, I'm not sure how much you are wanting to spend, but the Phoenician is excellent. It is a 5 star resort and people come from all around to stay there. Excellent service, beautiful location and amenities are great, too. Have a great trip!

i have stayed at the scottsdale camelback resort twice. for the money it was very nice. close to everything. next to the phoniecian. much cheaper. check out the cactus gardens at the phoniecian. it's in the back of the hotel. very pretty.