Where to stay in Phoenix? I would suggest getting a hotel in Downtown Phoenix so you’re in the midst of all the activities downtown has to offer. Sheraton Grand Phoenix in particular is only a 10 minute walk to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the famous Pizzeria Bianco restaurant. Phoenix Convention Center is a block away and if you’re into sports, Talking Sticks Arena (for basketball fans) and Chase Field (for baseball fans) is also close by.
I booked a deluxe double room at Sheraton Grand Phoenix that got us on the higher floors. We were supposed to stay there for a night then I would choose another hotel for the rest of our trip so we can do a comparison but we ended up staying since we do love the location.
I was also supposed to book a resort in Scottsdale so we can immerse in the architectural wonder of Frank Lloyd Wright at Talesin West but I decided to make the trip to Scottsdale a trip of its own at another time so we can really explore Phoenix.
The kids enjoyed the view from our window both in the daytime and at nighttime. If the room had floor to ceiling windows, it would have been even more amazing so we can lounge in bed and just enjoy the view. Especially the city lights.
The rooms are well-appointed. Very luxurious. The only downside though if you’re traveling as a family of four is there are no 2 queen beds in any of their rooms. Only double. The kids are getting bigger and thus we’re getting cramped up in the bed if it’s a double. And also except next time, a huge travel tip – bring ziplocks for the remote control for every hotel stay.
We arrive late on our first night but there are restaurants around including a Starbucks in front. The hubby was able to talk to a pedicab who offered to give us a tour of Downtown Phoenix that night (I think we tipped $30, it varies per driver). It was a lot of fun and it gave us an idea of what’s in Downtown Phoenix as this was literally an impromptu trip. It was so spontaneous that I booked our hotel room on our way to Phoenix. I was actually only able to decide on which hotel 30 minutes before we arrive. Yikes! It still was a good choice.
We were able to enjoy a movie on one of the nights since there’s a cinema in front of the hotel (a little to the left). We saw the movie SING there. We also watched Phoenix Suns play at Talking Stick Arena. It was the kids first live basketball game and looks like it’s gonna take some time before we can bring them again, haha. They enjoyed it but it was a tad bit too long for their age.
I also wish to add that there’s a good business center at the lobby with multiple cubicles so the hubby who was having a 3 hour conference call that morning was able to get the privacy that he needed. There’s also a cafe next to it so you order coffee and pastries.
Breakfast is not included in the hotel rate and so is parking. But you can either grab something light at their cafe, do a sit down breakfast at their restaurant or cross the street for Starbucks or Panera Bread.
The lobby is also very big, there are plenty of rooms, multiple elevators and you won’t have a hard time getting a cab as well. The hotel valet can help you get one. We took a 5 minute cab to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix so I don’t need to drive nor walk while the hubby stayed behind for his conference call.
Legoland Discovery Center is also just a quick drive away even if it’s not in Phoenix but in Tempe, Arizona.
We couldn’t get seats at the famous Pizzeria Bianco near the hotel coz’ we arrived late (they don’t take reservations) and there was already a line so we ended up at Bobby Q which I must say is a must visit when you’re in Phoenix.
And don’t forget to do the Cerreta Chocolate Factory Tour for some really good peanut brittle.
Learn more about our visit to Phoenix – check out our Quick Getaway Guide to Phoenix and learn more about the Fun Things to do in Phoenix with Kids.
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