Phoenix
Back in Arizona, this time it was a road trip. After finding out that it is only a six hour drive, I thought it might be worthwhile to drive out instead of fly especially since $100 airfares seem to have disappeared.
I lucked out in having a car rental because of a fender bender and received a Nissan Altima hybrid from Hertz. Not a bad looking car, I averaged in the mid-30s mpg range, not as good as my own car but better than putting those miles on them. :)
Arrived fairly late and checked into the Hilton Phoenix Airport, the rate was too low to not stay here for one night since it was going to be a short stay. It seems like a nice property with a full size bar/restaurant in the lobby area. Since it is a holiday weekend, the concierge level was closed. The rooms were nice with all the usual amenities. If you are interested in free wireless access, log onto the wireless network from nearby hotels. Hilton charges about $10 per night but some of their competitors are close enough that you can login to their network and it is at no charge. For an airport location, the breakfast buffet offered in the hotel restaurant was very good. I'm not usually a fan of eating buffet scrambled eggs but it was prepared well and made in small enough batches that it wasn't overly wet or dry. I did appreciate the mini waffle makers too! I know it sounds silly but the self-serve waffle makers some hotel restaurants use are not the best way to go for waffles because of the mix or the machine. This particular one was a mini-waffle maker where you could make up to four in the plate producing very crisp and light waffles. Also, it meant I didn't have to throw away half the waffle because it was too much.
After doing some homework and catching some zzz's, headed over to the Arizona Biltmore hotel. Summr rates in Phoenix are really low and a good time to go to really nice hotels for really affordable rates. I initially booked a rock bottom room rate but asked the front desk about the inclusive package which ended up being the better deal. For an extra $90, the resort fees, parking, and $200 food credit plus 30% discount on spa services were part of the package. DONE! Good deal and in a spot where it was going to be hot all weekend long!
The architecture and environment of this hotel very retro, very classic. You can feel the history of the hotel like when Hollywood royalty such as Clark Gable or Frank Sinatra would frequent this location as their home away from home. Enjoyed the afternoon at the pool, even at 3 pm I was still able to catch some UV and enjoy the pool. There are a number of activities going on at the hotel and I keep meaning to do them but fail... :) I am going to miss out on their Disney concert and fireworks show, maybe they'll do it again next year.
Grabbed a couple of drinks at the Wright Bar. Looking at the menu, they claim to be the originator of the tequila sunrise drink. I had the "Original" and it was tasty. Dinner followed at the Wright's restaurant, I found the food slightly salty. Then again, I never salt food so my benchmark may be higher than the average person. The sous chef came out at the end of the dinner to ask how the meal was and I thought that was nice. If anyone is a souffle fan, it is a mainstay in the dessert menu. Hmmmm, souffles....
On the last day, had breakfast at Frank & Albert's with some friends. The restaurant has expanded since I was last here, the menu also changed. Overall, a good experience. I liked the new changes.
After catching some rays in the pool and a pedicure, grabbed lunch at The Cafe in the hotel. They have these awesome cookie bars and probably weighs a pound easily. The sandwiches are pretty good, the hot pressed sandwiches (my fav is the pastrami) or cold (I opted for the chicken salad).
After that, trucked on out of Phoenix and headed west. For any historical war buffs, General Patton's Museum is off the 10 freeway in 30 miles east of Indio. There is a yard next to the museum full of tanks, seemed pretty cool when driving past it.
I lucked out in having a car rental because of a fender bender and received a Nissan Altima hybrid from Hertz. Not a bad looking car, I averaged in the mid-30s mpg range, not as good as my own car but better than putting those miles on them. :)
Arrived fairly late and checked into the Hilton Phoenix Airport, the rate was too low to not stay here for one night since it was going to be a short stay. It seems like a nice property with a full size bar/restaurant in the lobby area. Since it is a holiday weekend, the concierge level was closed. The rooms were nice with all the usual amenities. If you are interested in free wireless access, log onto the wireless network from nearby hotels. Hilton charges about $10 per night but some of their competitors are close enough that you can login to their network and it is at no charge. For an airport location, the breakfast buffet offered in the hotel restaurant was very good. I'm not usually a fan of eating buffet scrambled eggs but it was prepared well and made in small enough batches that it wasn't overly wet or dry. I did appreciate the mini waffle makers too! I know it sounds silly but the self-serve waffle makers some hotel restaurants use are not the best way to go for waffles because of the mix or the machine. This particular one was a mini-waffle maker where you could make up to four in the plate producing very crisp and light waffles. Also, it meant I didn't have to throw away half the waffle because it was too much.
After doing some homework and catching some zzz's, headed over to the Arizona Biltmore hotel. Summr rates in Phoenix are really low and a good time to go to really nice hotels for really affordable rates. I initially booked a rock bottom room rate but asked the front desk about the inclusive package which ended up being the better deal. For an extra $90, the resort fees, parking, and $200 food credit plus 30% discount on spa services were part of the package. DONE! Good deal and in a spot where it was going to be hot all weekend long!
The architecture and environment of this hotel very retro, very classic. You can feel the history of the hotel like when Hollywood royalty such as Clark Gable or Frank Sinatra would frequent this location as their home away from home. Enjoyed the afternoon at the pool, even at 3 pm I was still able to catch some UV and enjoy the pool. There are a number of activities going on at the hotel and I keep meaning to do them but fail... :) I am going to miss out on their Disney concert and fireworks show, maybe they'll do it again next year.
Grabbed a couple of drinks at the Wright Bar. Looking at the menu, they claim to be the originator of the tequila sunrise drink. I had the "Original" and it was tasty. Dinner followed at the Wright's restaurant, I found the food slightly salty. Then again, I never salt food so my benchmark may be higher than the average person. The sous chef came out at the end of the dinner to ask how the meal was and I thought that was nice. If anyone is a souffle fan, it is a mainstay in the dessert menu. Hmmmm, souffles....
On the last day, had breakfast at Frank & Albert's with some friends. The restaurant has expanded since I was last here, the menu also changed. Overall, a good experience. I liked the new changes.
After catching some rays in the pool and a pedicure, grabbed lunch at The Cafe in the hotel. They have these awesome cookie bars and probably weighs a pound easily. The sandwiches are pretty good, the hot pressed sandwiches (my fav is the pastrami) or cold (I opted for the chicken salad).
After that, trucked on out of Phoenix and headed west. For any historical war buffs, General Patton's Museum is off the 10 freeway in 30 miles east of Indio. There is a yard next to the museum full of tanks, seemed pretty cool when driving past it.
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