We are going to take in a couple of SF Giants Spring Training Games in late March. We'll be there three nights. Looking for a nice with view (desert/mountains) hotel within walking distance of the ball park. We aren't into the "spa scene", but if that is the best way to go, we can just ignore those amenities.
We have settled (based on posts to this board) on Los Dos Molinos for dinner one night. The idea of a good Mexican Seafood Dinner appeals to us and we thought about San Carlos Bay seafood. Need another dinner spot and would love something like a trip out onto the desert for a Western Barbecue with Western Entertainment. Anything like that exist? I have done the "search" on Scottsdale. By the way, while cost is not important, we do prefer casual charm and friendly people. Thanks for any help.

The Giants play at Scottsdale Stadium, which is in the older and, frankly, not-that-scenic part of town. It is across the street from a major hospital, and other sides are smaller scale apartment and office buildings. The Civic Center a few blocks away, and I think there is a hotel there (used to be a Doubletree, but I'm not sure now), but I doubt that it has much of a view, and certainly not mountains or desert. Will you have a car? There are probably better places to stay 3-5 miles away from the ballpark.

If that is the case, we'll be happy to drive to the ballpark. Thanks.

I always stay with my mother when I'm in town, so I'm not really up on the best places to stay. I know there are a number of resorts along Scottsdale Road -- probably in the 4400N - 7000N (say, between Camelback and Indian Bend). Those should be an easy drive to the stadium, accessible to lots of restaurants, and are close enough to Camelback Mountain to have a view. There's always the Phoenician, just a bit west of there on Camelback Rd., but I don't know how that fits your budget.

As far as real western experiences, we've always gone out to one of the restaurants at Pinnacle Peak -- Pinnacle Peak Patio (but don't wear a tie!) or Reata Pass. Those are about 30-40 minutes north from downtown Scottsdale.

I strongly disagree with ms_go ! You should wear a tie to Pinnacle Peak. Just don't wear a good one - they cut them off! My father probably got rid of 20 ties over the years at PPP.

If you stay near downtown, and walk to the stadium, then you don't have to hassle with parking because there is very little parking in the area.

Other than that, since you will probably have a car, it doen't matter much where you stay in Scottsdale - just find a place that is in your budget.

If you are looking for something with a view, then you will have to go out a ways, or get a place on Camelback or Mummy Mountains (Royal Palms, Phoienician, Camelback Inn, Sanctuary, Mountain Shadows)

Loads of places to eat - you might pick up a copy of the Phoenix New Times when you get here (or the Thursday entertainment supplements of the AZ Republic or Scottsdale Tribune) for ideas.

Thanks for suggestions. Any others?

What do you think of Chapparall Suites?

topping!

Just got back from staying at the Chaparral Suites. It was pre-arranged for a business event so the best thing I can say about the place was it was a free stay. The bad stuff: It used to be an Embassy Suites and hasn't been remodeled since--I really felt like we were in an 80's time warp. Located smack dab on the corner of two busy busy Scottsdale streets, there's no relaxing resort feel whatsoever. Okay--good stuff: it was clean and there were two nice pools and jacuzzis. It's within walking distance to the mall. I know Scottsdale resorts/hotels are expensive in the high season but if you're looking for a vacation experience where the resort is part of the experience I'd stay somewhere else. On the other hand, if you're looking for a room, breakfast and a free cocktail hour then this place isn't bad. I won't stay there again, though.

Chapparal Suites is a former Embassy Suites. The main asset of the hotel is its excellent location. It has easy access to the Ballpark, DT Scottsdale, Fashion Sq, etc. Last stayed there about 8 years ago so I can't comment on current conditon of the rooms, but I think it would be just fine as long as you are not expecting 5* luxury. Just across the street from the hotel is Roaring Fork, one of my favorite restaurants. The happy hour is one of the best deals around.

Joegirl: If you are a baseball fan you probably already know this, but you must go to the Pink Pony, the Scottsdale restaruant/bar (with somewhat of a Western theme) that is the hangout for fans, players, press, team executives and, best of all, the former "giants" of the game.

Oh yeah, second going to the Roaring Fork. We missed happy hour but had a fabulous dinner there last week.

You may want to check out Fort McDowell Adventures for the western barbeque. I believe they do the whole desert thing. Sorry haven't been there. It is part of Fort McDowell Indian Reservation east of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. As far as hotels close to the ball park, there are plenty on Scottsdale Rd but these will not have desert/mountain views. You will have to go further out, away from the ballpark for views but the traffic can be a hassle. Other than those mentioned, there is also the resorts in North Scottsdale, Westin Kierland, Fairmont Princess. In Fountain Hills with lots of mountain and desert, there is the Inn at Eagle Mountain and Copperwynd Resort.

I'm a big fan of the Kierland. We stayed there last summer. Beautiful pools, including a "lazy river" pool. Kierland Commons is just across the road, with beautiful shops and several wonderful restaurants.

There's nothing really nice with a view within walking distance of the ballpark, but there are some great hotels that are within a five to ten minute drive. My favorite is the Royal Palms. The rooms are nice...your basic fancy hotel room, but it's the whole experience that makes the resort. Very cozy and charming at the base of Camelback mountain. Bigger and fancier is the Phoenician, right down the street from the Royal Palms. There have been celebrity sightings at each location...both are great, but both are pricey.

As for a real western experience, you can take others recommendations for Pinnacle Peak Patio and Reata Pass, but if you want to go where the locals go for a good old western time, you've got to go to Greasewood Flats (it's right by these other recommendations). It's a popular hangout where the mountain bikers, harley riders, cowboys and golfers all mingle peacefully! Great burgers - especially the green chile bacon cheeseburger, live music...you're bound to have a great time.
Enjoy!

Thanks to all of you for the wealth of information.
Any comments on Los Dos Molinas or San Carlos Bay Seafood Restaurants? Thanks again.

You might want to check out the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch. It has great views and is a beautiful property.