Phoenix - Scottsdale - Sedona - GC?
 

As I continue to frantically search for a four-night mid-March tip with Hubs and 12 and 14 year old kids, I came across a decent deal at a very decent hotel. So, is it realistic to spend four nights at the Intercontinental and still see Sedona/GC and not be too exhausted?

I love the idea of a day just spent lounging at the resort spa with perhaps dinner in Scottsdale. It would also be wonderful to explore cliff dwellings and Ghost towns. I believe these are in/near Sedona. Children and hubs would probably love a jeep tour or rafting. I read that the Botanical gardens are wonderful as are hikes at Camelback. Obviously, this is easily more than four nights. But, how do I even consider getting that close to the GC and not see this. We have never been there and of course want to go.

Lots of pressure, especially considering we are only down to a few spring breaks with our oldest before she goes off to college.

Please help!

Hmm. Perhaps I should look at skipping Phoenix and making side trips out of Sedona. Any thoughts on any of this?

We just got back last week from the Arizona Biltmore for 4 days and then 2 days in Sedona and you can do either day trips to Sedona..takes about 2 hours each way..
The Montelucia is a lovely resort and I would want to hang there for 4 days..day trips to Sedona and Jerome.
I would skip Grand Canyon..not enough time
Take in a Spring training game with the Padres at Peoria..good fun and up and close with the players.
We have a suite booked at Montelucia for a week in July when its stinking hot...love it!

Really? Thanks you so much. So, it is not just a beautiful resort with all sorts of ugliness around it? Someone just told me to avoid Phoenix at all costs because it was just one strip mall after another with a resort or two plunked in. Would you do the Montelucia over the Hilton in Sedona? I am really excited about the Montelucia but am worried that I will regret not being in Sedona.

If you and the kids have never been to Grand Canyon, I would bite the bullet and do a trip up to the most spectacular place in the world. If you have to go up and back in a day it will be a long day, but I wouldn't be so close and miss it. I would try to do a bit of a hike down into the canyon, even 15 or 20 minutes.

So then, would you stay in Phoenix or Sedona? I know Sedona is closer, but love what I read about this Phoenix resort. (I know, kind of silly)

I guess you're right. so you think it compromises the experience to not, for example, ride a mule into the canyon?

If you want to visit the Grand Canyon then I recommend one night at either Sedona or (better) the Grand Canyon near the rim. You can do Sedona on a day trip from Phoenix (4 hours up and back) but GC is just a bit too far for a comfortable day trip since it would mean at least 8 hours of driving up and back.

Mid-March is great in the Phoenix area, with major league baseball spring training in full swing and I think we'll have a very lush desert wildflower bloom this spring due to all the rains. With four nights I'd split it up either 2-2 or 3-1 unless you want to skip the GC.

Thanks for all your help. The more I read and learn the more I realize that I should plan this potentially amazing trip for next spring break and devote a whole week to it. I'm going to save this info and continue to look for something else. I guess it is back to the drawing board.

However, I am so grateful to have a head start for next year. Thanks.

If you are flying in to Phoenix, then I would stay a night or two at the Montelucia. It is gorgeous as is that part of Phoenix/Scottsdale. You can visit this blog about Phoenix and get some ideas of things to do throughout the entire state. Check it out - http://planeteyetraveler.com/travel/...erica/phoenix/

Have a safe trip!

Wow! I still have not booked anything -- leaving in two weeks. But, after reading this I don't know how I can not go to Phoenix. Perhaps we'll just have the four nights at the intercontinental and make a day trip to Sedona.
Would you fly six hours for four nights? People have told me I'll regret that. However, it doesn't sound that bad to me.

look at last minute deals on expedia.com but you need to get cracking on a room since this is high season and they have several teams for spring training.
Give me your dates and I'll look for some deals for you!
I would do 2 nights in PHX and 2 nights in Sedona.
You could do a SpringHill Suites or a Hyatt Place..don't know your budget.
I've flown 18 hours for 5 days..6 hours is no big deal.
Go out and have some fun in the desert sun.
It'll be good for all and we'll help you get some good deals too.

The best deals on Expedia allow you to stay at one place and I reallly would love a resort feel. So,is the intercontinental nice?

We're doing a similar trip a couple of weeks later. With only four nights, I'd suggest a day in Sedona and be sure to book a Pink Jeep tour there. I would hold off on the GC until a future trip. If you'd like another day trip, head down to Tucson to see the desert museum.

That would leave two full days at the resort (or golfing, taking in a spring training game, shopping, Botanical Gardens, visting an old west town, etc.).

The Phoenician and the Intercontinental are about the same price a little over $700 per person including air and tax from the 13th to the 17th. The Phoenician is a little cheaper,but from what I read on this forum I should go for the IMC. Booking through Expedia I get bad flight times -- won't get in until 11 PM and can't take advantage of the deal of resort credit for $400. But, I am really getting excited about this.

Any thoughts before I press that book button??

A Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona sounds great! I am getting so excited. Where are you staying ChiDad?

I would do the Inter Continental Montelucia just because its new and gorgeous.
$400 resort credit at the Phoenician?
That is a nice chunk of change..we have stayed several times and make sure if you stay to get one of their casitas near the pool.
Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona is one of the best tours.
Have lunch at Enchantment resort at Yavapai..make reservations or the gate guard won't let you in..
Stunning property!
Hike Boynton Canyon..

www.enchantmentresort.com

you can change your flight status below for very little or no money on expedia if you have a crappy flight in or out..

keep us posted!

Darn. Turns out to be closer to 3500 even with less than ideal flight times/durations. Do just bite the bullet and save this for next year? Hubs is second guessing my decision because we lose most of a day in the air.

Wait! Is there a great place where he and son can take a day-long/half golf workshop nearby? That would be a huge carrot. :)

oh yeah, he's just suggested a golf vacation or a trip to a golf resort near Charleston -- short distance.

Did you check Southwest vacation packages along with other airline vacation package deals?
You don't want to lose a day if you can help it especially since you're only there for 4 days.
Some of the best golf courses are in Phoenix area.
We play the Biltmore course and if you have a $400 resort credit would be a nice carrot and the pro is great there.

We got it!!! Yeah! Went through a travel agent who got us decent air. It's still a longer route than if we had taken Southwest. But, there were no seats available through SWA. We'll attive in PHX at around 3:00 PM so it won't be too terrible.


Ksucat -- is the Biltmore near the IMC? I believe the resort credit is for the IMC-- are they affiliated?

Congrat's!
So you got the deal at the Biltmore or Phoenician?
Great air flight time at 3pm...way better than 11pm!
What is IMC?
Have no clue..
Should be a great time..
You have $400 for resort credit at the Biltmore or Phoenician?
If your staying at the Biltmore ask for the new section called Ocatillo..great suites and has a concierge food and cocktail lounge that is awesome..included in price.
There is a golf course that is contigious to the resort to both resorts.
Both are stunning 4.5-5* resorts of pure luxury..
So exicted for you and your family..guys are going to love the golf courses!
Keep me posted.

It's the it's the Intercontinental Montelucia -- oops thought I had seen it listed as IMC somewhere here. The are offering us a $400 resort credit for four nights. However, I am having second thoughts about it -- at $399 a night (including breakfast) is it the best option?

I just read an article in today's NYTimes about great deals at the Fairmont, but they have no availability for our dates. Perhaps I'll check into the Biltmore. We love stuff with concierge food and lounge, which is why we often try to stay at Ritz Carlton club levels. ( My travel agent will be so annoyed. But, I'll do the research and let her make the booking.)

I now the Intercontinental does not have a golf course. However, their site says they do have partnerships. What do you think?

Okay -- checked the JW, Biltmore and Fairmont. No availabilty.

Perhaps I should be content.

IMC/ICM/Inter-Continental Montelucia is where Obama stays in Phoenix.
It is new and gorgeous, stunning 5* resort.
We haven't stayed but booked for the long weekend of the 4th of July.
Friends have stayed along with other Fodorites and they loved it!
$400 resort credit will pay for breakfast and lunch deals.
Golf course abound and there is no issue with that.
Try and have your husband and son play twilight rates so they'll get a discounted deal.
I've stayed at the Biltmore, Fairmont Princess and the JW and they are nice but I'm chomping at the bit to stay at the IMC!
You should be doing cartwells that you are staying at very wonderful resort!

Sedona for the day correct?
Make lunch reservations at Enchantment Resort for Yavapai for lunch.

www.enchantmentresort.com

Thanks. I needed to read that. I am such an ingrate. :) Breakfast is included in that so th $400 will last longer. Thanks for the golf tip.

We will be in Sedona for the day and will make a lunch reservation at Enchantment.

A few more questions:

How is the Pink Jeep tour?
Which is the best Culinary program that might offer fun half day programs for the family?
Would you take out the time for Frank Lloyd Wright's house tour?
Are there any cliff dwellings close to the area?

Thank you so much for your help.

<b>How is the Pink Jeep tour?</b>

Usually rated the # 1 tourist attraction in Arizona on Tripadvisor, based on tourist feedback. Go for it.

<b>Are there any cliff dwellings close to the area?</b>

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a short detour on the way to Sedona ... http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

There are several nice ruins around Sedona, Palatki is probably the most famous but there are several others. Likely to see several of these on the jeep tour, depending on which one you select. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=575 for Palatki and links to similar ones.

Bill H is always spot on with food and places in AZ..
Taliesin West is a good tour of Frank Lloyd Wright..took about 2 hours.

Culinary program, I have no clue but I'm sure the concierge will..maybe the resort will have something fun for your family on premises.

Pink Jeep tour in Sedona is awesome!
We were just up in Sedona a couple of weeks and have done the Jeep Tour years ago and they were offering deals.

I like to play the Biltmore or the Boulders course for golf.

What do you think of this as a tentative itinerary?

Day 1 -Arrive evening at Intercontinental -- relax - go out to eat in Scottsdale

Day 2 - Day of leisure at resort - spa- golf dinner ( suggestions?)

Day 3 -- Leave early for Sedona -- Out west tour ( wanted less thrills and more sites) lunch at enchantment -- back to resort. Dinner?

Day 4 -- Hang out near pool (golf?) and or Tallesin West (?) - evening skies tour (any suggestions? Should this be combined with Sedona day?) Culinary experience or class?

Day 5 -- Morning in resort -- head out in the afternoon.

What do you think?

Excellent!

Did you book lunch at Enchantment resort Yavapai?
There are guards and if your not on the list, they won't let you in.
Hike Boynton Canyon afterwards right outside the resort.
Stunning!!!

On the way home right before Phoenix/Anthem is Rock Springs Cafe off the I-17 for some of the best pie and coffee with cowboy theme.
Take home a pie to the hotel.

Make sure you stop on the way from Sedona to Jerome..old mining town..kids love it and its an artist colony too..very funky and a good hour thing of checking galleries out.

Make sure you adhere to the speed limit..they are all over the place with those Radar guns and vans.

Dinner at Lon's at the Hermosa is lovely.

www.lons.com