Many thanks for the response to my request for advice on distance from Phoemix airport to a good place to stay
The Boulders is fully booked and too expensive anway. Now I find that the Grand Canyon will be very cold at the time of our trip, late March for two weeks. Two middle-aged, two 20yr. olds, one fourteen yr. old. We're not golfers. We're not used to traffic noise and would prefer to hear none. We want to see some amazing sights. Need a beautiful but not over-priced place to base ourselves for excursions in the rented car and to do some gentle hiking. We'll visit the canyon of course, but we're from England and have seen enough of the cold. All ideas welcome, thanks,julia

Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, Julie, but March is high season in Phoenix and if you need a room in 2 weeks, you may not have much to choose from. Rooms tend to sell out early, particularly for March.
As for weather, March is not really consistently warm in Phoenix, but will seem reasonably so compared to the Kingdom. Some days are really very nice, but it can be overcast...90% of the year Phoenix is virtually cloudless. I wouldn't give up on your plans for the Grand Canyon. Yes it'll be cool, but the change back to warmer weather is remarkably quick as you drive back south. And Sedona, on the way, is a must see also.
Don't know what your budget is, but I'd suggest you check:
Ritz Carlton Phoenix (its rates are much lower than the resorts, often one third those of the Boulders, and it is very noise insulated, though right in the middle of town. For the $$ it's a good deal. Probably sold out though).
The Inn at the Citadel is a little known (by tourists) gem away from the bustle of Phoenix in north Scottsdale. Phone is 800-927-8367.

Thanks Kari, and all who've helped plan this late March/early April trip to Arizona. So far we're booked at SOuthwest Inn Sedona for three nights and then one up at the Grand Canyon. Ten more days to think about. I want to end up in San DIego for about three days. Any more ideas for leisurely travel in rented car betwen the Grand Canyon and San DIego?

Julia...I think I'd do another night at the Grand Canyon. Do you enjoy hiking? The Bright Angel trail is relatively easy and hiking even a small distance into the canyon gives you an entirely different perspective and a much more enjoyable experience. It will be difficult to do both the hiking and do the rim road and all the turnouts with only a one night stay.

Don't worry too much about the cold. The air is so dry there you don't feel the cold as you do in England. I live in Florida, we were there last Thanksgiving and the temp got down to 3 degrees F one night...but didn't seem nearly that bad. Also as you hike down, the warmer the air becomes as there's quite an elevation change.

Wish I could help more with places to stay in Phoenix. Our daughter lives there so we stay with her. I know there are two Hyatts there as well, one in downtown Phoenix, the other, a beautiful hotel in Scottsdale.

Have a super trip!

Julia, I'm offering the opinion of a slightly overweight middle-aged woman who doesn't exercise (not proud of this fact). I enjoyed seeing the canyon and we spent one night there and hiked along its rim. However, there's no way I would have wanted to hike down into the canyon although I can understand its allure. Of course, being from England (where it seems all walk and are slender)and being young, this may be the perfect adventure for you. Don't miss the IMAX film on the Grand Canyon just a few miles south of it on the road in. We saw it on our way out and found this to be spectacular. I'd like to see it again- it's that good. (IMAX shows documentaries on giant screens and makes you feel that you are "there"). Have a great time!
One more thing - I noticed something about going on to San Diego - not too sure of the route, but if it takes you near Las Vegas, that place is so awesome to see you'll never forget it, especially if you see it at night. That's another whole dialogue if you decide to do that...I know you'll have quite the western adventure on your trip. Hope it's great fun!

I live in San Diego and am very familiar with all of California, Nevada, and Arizona. If you want any information on San Diego, Las Vegas, etc. just post it and I will reply. In reality 3 days is not really enough time for San Diego. There is much to see and do in the area.

Thanks to Cal, paul, cmcdaniel;judy and SDSam. All the advice was very helpful and I'll now book an extra night at the Grand Canyon, be duly awed by Las Vegas where, no doubt, the fourteen yr. old will jump ship, and then proceed to look at the Mojave National Preserve. We'll spend, now, up to a week in San Diego. Thanks SDSam for this recommendation. We might be fed up with hotel living by then. My daughter suggests we become properly American and shop in supermarkets for our food, etc. Can one rent for one week a decent two bedroomed apartment in a pleasant area close to or in San Diego. (Normally we live in idyllic peace at our farmhouse in Oxfordshire.) But we love the sea, too. We'll need access to shops and other fun things. All suggestions welcome. Thanks again to everyone. Julia

Julia,

For the price of a basic hotel room I would suggest staying in a "suite" hotel. Your family will have more room to spread out plus you'll have access to a refrigerator, stove/oven and microwave. Both Residence Inn (by Marriott) and Homewood Suites (by Holiday Inn) are good choices plus the people who work there are amazingly accomodating (we've found) and very helpful in suggesting places to eat, sights to see, etc. They both offer evening snacks and a full breakfast too, which is nice. Homewood Suites even has computers with Internet access available to guests so you can check your e-mail while you're in the States. Both have pretty good websites for you to check out.
The above posters have given you some good information--I second the suggestion to see Las Vegas--pictures and television do not do this wacky place justice--it's really fun to see even though it's not a "family spot." Have a wonderful trip--I hope the weather cooperates and is nice and WARM during your stay.

Thanks Teresa, I shall make enquiries at both these places. As I sit at my computer, duvet wrapped around my shoulders, I'm really looking forward to some warm weather! All the best, Julia