Phoenix

In Phoenix for some R&R. I originally intended to be here for work but I've turned it into a personal weekend getaway. I'm staying at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort for the night. I stayed here a couple of years ago and the property is still as I remembered. A very family oriented resort in Phoenix, it has a miniature golf and water slide pool setup here. I'm in a "casita" on the property. They have a mix of regular hotel rooms near the main lobby entrance and townhouse style apts in a side area. The casitas are a perfect place if you want to have a house party without it being at your house. Spacious living room and bar area downstairs and private bedroom and patio area upstairs.

Went to NOCA for dinner in Phoenix. I had a very lovely meal, very retro style and retro desserts. As an appetizer and as part of an entree, had the pork belly confit and it was fabulous. A very nice restaurant despite being located in a supermarket plaza. It is the first time I've seen a combination of trendy bars, restaurant, and Safeway in one plaza. The restaurant also gives complimentary freshly made cotton candy as dessert.

I'm short a couple of stays to maintain my Diamond status with HHonors. So I've moved to another hotel closer to the airport. I'm staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tempe. Typical Hampton, a little on the older side. I was given a fairly large room with a living room area.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Orleans

Image
I'm back again for a conference. Flew out on United Airlines and was able to snag a first class seat on the way out. Luckily, the Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue was able to accommodate an early check-in. The room was just the same as last time. They are renovating the executive lounge which made the perk inaccessible. I was given breakfast coupons for Luke in exchange. I tried the Southern Breakfast sans meat. I found the biscuit slightly salty but I'm prone to being salt sensitive. Not a good thing when it comes to Southern cooking. For lunch, went out to Ruby Slipper Café and ordered the Catfish St. Peter and a double Bellini. The meal was tasty and the service was quick and friendly. Did some antique and second hand clothing shopping before getting dessert at Sucre . The dessert shop sells gelato, baked goods, and chocolate. The gelato was ok but the smore's skillet was super tasty. Ruby Slipper Café Catfish St. Peter Sucre S'mores skillet and a ban
Read more

Salt Lake and Park City

Image
Flew to Salt Lake City Airport for the holiday weekend on United . No new snow systems so I was not in a rush to get on the mountain and opted to bounce around the city before heading up to Park City. Although I could have opted for a cheaper rental, I stuck with the Toyota Tacoma from Avis . Lodging After landing, I checked into the Fairfield Inn & Suites Salt Lake City South . Normally, not a leisure destination but I thought it would be a good location to meet with friends who live south of the city. They ended up being unavailable that day and my companion's former colleagues weren't available (headquarters was just another 10 minutes south).  The next day, I checked into the Doubletree Park City - The Yarrow . Originally, the weekend was really expensive due to the holidays but the prices did drop to under $200 when I was checking in. I was behind a gentleman who inquired about booking two rooms last minute and he was quoted about $200 for two nights. With the continu
Read more

In the Northwest

Image
So, it seems Hyatt has somehow targeted me for promotions. I received an offer to stay in Seattle, a two night stay for the price of one, in one of their two new properties. It was a great offer and I scheduled a vacation to snowboard and visit family. After landing into Sea-Tac Airport on United Airlines . I found one thing interesting at Sea-Tac,thus airport is very family oriented. Usually, in women's restrooms you'll find vending dispensers for feminine products or over the counter medicine. In this airport, you won't find either but you will find diapers! :) I was able to priceline a rental car from National and picked out a Hyundai Santa Fe. National allows you to pick a car in a category rather than assigning you one and I can see why people like it. A very smooth ride, I'm impressed with the improvements Hyundai has in its car line up. Not too gas guzzly for a SUV (achieved an average of 22 mph over 700 miles), I found the car very comfortable with enough a
Read more