Where to stay
Phoenix is a sprawling convention city with tons of hotels and resorts in many price ranges, so you can probably find a great deal online (through travelocity or priceline), especially if you look in Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Keep in mind, though, that March tends to be the busy season and many hotels are at their peak prices. We have a few recommendations below to help in your search. And do let us know if you want to split a room with someone; we’ll help coordinate room shares.
THE CLARENDON HOTEL, 401 W. Clarendon, Phoenix, (602) 252-7363: We’ve reserved a small block of rooms at the Clarendon Hotel and Suites (401 West Clarendon Ave, Phoenix), where we also plan to stay. The Clarendon is a hip, boutique-ish hotel, with large rooms, comfy beds, funky décor, and a great staff. We’d love it if you’d join us here! Negotiated group rate: $119 for a king and $139 for a two-room suite. This rate should be available from March 22-March 28th, in case you plan to arrive early or stay late. When you call to reserve a room, use the code LOWENT to get the special rate. Don’t forget your bathing suit for the heated pool.
THE HOTEL SAN CARLOS, 202 North Central Ave, Phoenix, (602) 253-4121 or toll free: (866) 253-4121: The adventurous among you might try the Hotel San Carlos, a historic downtown hotel. Think: big-band music, crystal chandeliers, shiny copper elevators, ghost tours, snug rooms, and questionable plumbing. Online guest reviews of the hotel at tripadvisor.com are quite mixed but otherwise the location and charm seem pretty great. There’s even a rooftop pool. ~$139 a night.
And here are a few other places you might consider — some basic, some luxurious:
Best Western Central Phoenix Inn (1100 N Central Ave., Phoenix)
o Decent location, Fodor’s likes it, mixed online reviews, ~$80 a night (at Travelocity.com)
o 602-252-2100Phoenix Place Hotel and Suites (3600 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix)
o We can’t vouch for it, but who knows? The price is right: ~$85 a night (at Travelocity; ~$100 at hotel website)
o 602-248-0222Fiesta Inn (2100 South Priest Drive, Tempe)
o Near Jessica’s parents, ~$145 a night
o (480) 967-1441Embassy Suites – Phoenix (Airport at 44th Street)
o Near airport, ~$149 a night
o (602) 244-8800Hyatt Regency (122 North Second Street Phoenix)
o Revolving rooftop restaurant, downtown location, ~$199 a night
o (602) 252-1234Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak (7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix)
o Great family-fun place with a water park! ~$240 a night
o (800) 947-9784Tempe Mission Palms (60 East Fifth Street, Tempe)
o Near Jessica’s parents house, ~$240 a night
o 800 547-8705Royal Palms Resort and Spa (5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix)
o Romantic resort, close to wedding site, ~$400 a night
o (602) 840-3610