Taking the Hubby to Phoenix/Scottsdale for the first time

[Ron98GT]

... and from last year

The OP did ask for Marriott's, probably wants to use Marriott (hotel) points.

IF, they were willing to consider a non-Marriott hotel, I'd suggest staying in the park at the Rim (1st choice) http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/Lodging-Overview-411.html

OR in Williams (no Marriotts) and check-out the train.

http://www.thetrain.com/

 

[laurac260]

I am trying to plan a get away for my husband for his 50th bday. I posted this in the Western board. We are flying to Vegas, spending two nights at the Renaissance (one night on points, one night as an e-cert). Not gamblers, mostly are staying there to go see Hoover Dam, but since we are in Vegas we will poke around and see some sights. Then we are going to Grand Canyon. I don't really know where to stay, but I booked the Holiday Inn Express for now. It is crazy to stay at the Renaissance for free and then spend $123 a night for a HI Express, but hotels near GC seem to be slim pickings, and the prices aren't the cheapest for what you get. We will stay there two nights then on to Scottsdale where we will be staying at the Westin Kierland Resort, because we have a connection there and got a cheap rate. I originally thought we could see hoover and GC from Scottsdale, but that looks like an insane amount of driving, when we could instead hotel hop. Not sure about the grand canyon leg of the trip, we need to find things to do that are disability friendly, so hiking/camping/mule riding etc is out of the question.---and yes, I'd LOVE to be able to use points, but it seems the closest Marriott property is 80 miles away from GC!

 

[SueDonJ]

We have a similar trip coming up, only difference is that we're starting in LA and then going to the Grand Canyon and Vegas. I got a lot of help from folks in this thread.

Our travel plans are all set, now I'm trying to figure out which wide-angle lens to get for all the beautiful scenery shots.

 

[laurac260]

We have a similar trip coming up, only difference is that we're starting in LA and then going to the Grand Canyon and Vegas. I got a lot of help from folks in this thread.

Our travel plans are all set, now I'm trying to figure out which wide-angle lens to get for all the beautiful scenery shots.

Sue, thank you SO MUCH for posting this link. I've only gotten thru the 1st page and I'm already thinking I might retool things a bit. It didn't occur to me to make Hoover dam a trip AS WE HEAD IN to GC, rather than going there from Vegas, and back, then back out again toward GC. I'm going to sit down and map out a few options once I read thru all the posts. We have lots of time, and when SW allows me to make flight changes as many times as I want without any fees I'm almost tempted to add some portion of Cali into the trip. Thanks again!

Laura

 

[irish]

you might want to think about dining at EL TOVAR while at the GRAND CANYON.
don't know how crowded it gets that time of year, but you can make dinner reservations 30 days in advance. we ate there and loved it when we visited.

 

[vacationcrazy]

I am trying to plan a get away for my husband for his 50th bday. I posted this in the Western board. We are flying to Vegas, spending two nights at the Renaissance (one night on points, one night as an e-cert). Not gamblers, mostly are staying there to go see Hoover Dam, but since we are in Vegas we will poke around and see some sights. Then we are going to Grand Canyon. I don't really know where to stay, but I booked the Holiday Inn Express for now. It is crazy to stay at the Renaissance for free and then spend $123 a night for a HI Express, but hotels near GC seem to be slim pickings, and the prices aren't the cheapest for what you get. We will stay there two nights then on to Scottsdale where we will be staying at the Westin Kierland Resort, because we have a connection there and got a cheap rate. I originally thought we could see hoover and GC from Scottsdale, but that looks like an insane amount of driving, when we could instead hotel hop. Not sure about the grand canyon leg of the trip, we need to find things to do that are disability friendly, so hiking/camping/mule riding etc is out of the question.---and yes, I'd LOVE to be able to use points, but it seems the closest Marriott property is 80 miles away from GC!

We stayed at the Grand Chateau in Vegas in March of this year and drove to the south rim of the grand canyon. We stayed two nights at the Best Western which was right near the entrance. We were very pleased with the accomodations there and the on site restaurant was very good also, especially after a long day at the canyon. The hotel was very clean and the rooms were large. Hope you have a great trip. I think we paid $99 a night but that may have been off season rates. As far as disability friendly activities, there is a shuttle bus which takes you through the route of the canyon and it stops at the many outlooks.

 

[Ron98GT]

It didn't occur to me to make Hoover dam a trip AS WE HEAD IN to GC, rather than going there from Vegas, and back, then back out again toward GC.

Hoover Dam is less than an hour out of LV. While in LV you can drive out to Lake Mead, Boulder City, and the dam. There is a tour that takes you down to the turbines which is interesting.

 

[Ron98GT]

I don't really know where to stay, but I booked the Holiday Inn Express for now. It is crazy to stay at the Renaissance for free and then spend $123 a night for a HI Express, but hotels near GC seem to be slim pickings, and the prices aren't the cheapest for what you get. We will stay there two nights , but it seems the closest Marriott property is 80 miles away from GC!

Have you tried Priceline or Hotels.com?

http://travela.priceline.com/hotel/...8b021714699&plf=PCLN&searchType=CITY&noWait=Y

 

[laurac260]

Have you tried Priceline or Hotels.com?

http://travela.priceline.com/hotel/...8b021714699&plf=PCLN&searchType=CITY&noWait=Y

Are those the websites where you don't know what hotel you got until you pay for it? I've been on Hotels.com before, but priceline I didn't have the nerve to pay for something I didn't know what I was getting. I go on hotels.com and travelocity to see what's the best deal and read the reviews, but then I go to the hotel or airline's website and book direct there.

 

[laurac260]

So we have an opportunity to stay at the Marriott La Jolla (San Diego). I've never been to CA, never seen the pacific ocean. Not sure of the discount I can get, but since the regular rate is $99 I'm figuring it will be 50$ or less. Does anyone know how close that location is to a swimmable beach? What is the weather like in SD in mid/end Dec? I'm trying to figure out the logistics of going there too. We have 10 days, and we are already looking at Vegas/hoover dam, Grand Canyon, Scottsdale at the Westin Kierland Resort. I'm wondering if adding SD would be trying to cram too much into 10 days with 2 kids (11 and 5)?

 

[Ron98GT]

Are those the websites where you don't know what hotel you got until you pay for it? I've been on Hotels.com before, but priceline I didn't have the nerve to pay for something I didn't know what I was getting. I go on hotels.com and travelocity to see what's the best deal and read the reviews, but then I go to the hotel or airline's website and book direct there.

When you go to the Priceline web site, it's just line Travelocity and Hotels.com. If you want to, you can use "Name Your Price", but that's optional. I always use the previously mentioned web sites as a guide to what's available and then go to the hotel chains web site to get a reservation.

Go to the Marriott hotel web site and check what's available in Flagstaff, AZ:

http://www.marriott.com/default.mi

Or for a real treat, stay in the national park at the rim, you and your DH will love it.

http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/Lodging-Overview-411.html

 

[Ron98GT]

Does anyone know how close that location is to a swimmable beach? What is the weather like in SD in mid/end Dec?

You'll need a wet suit if you want to go in the water. During the CA winter months, I'd recommend at least a sweater/sweatshirt and a wind breaker. The same for LV. Expect highs in the mid 50's, but they could be 10 degrees lower/higher. Naturally, the night time temps will be colder: 30's-40's.

Beware of snow in Flagstaff. I40 does get shutdown because of snow. I've driven there when the snow along I40 was above the car roof tops. You will be in the mountains, it's unpredictable.

Make sure you check out this seal beach in La Jolla:

http://lajollafriendsoftheseals.org/

 

[nightnurse613]

Oh, I see. You can't get a direct flight from your HOME to San DIego. I was confused because all the Phx-SAN flights on SWA are nonstop. Well, it's a shame you can't cram three days in to visit California. From Disneyland (a one day park hopper is about $100) it's a short drive to Santa Monica beach. Of course, the weather is not great in November or December (but there are far worse places). Very likely some rain. The option is drive to DL - I am sure you can find some great rates in Anaheim- we are at a flea bag hotel right now- and it's only about a 6 hour drive from Phoenix. (I used to pack the kids in the car at 3 in the morning so they slept all the way!!) It's only about another hour or two from Phoenix to San Diego. I think SD is prettier (maybe warmer too) but it's not DL (although it is closer to LegoLand? and Sea World) I think we have the same planning process-we are going back to the east coast next year-first time for our kids and I am going crazy trying to pack so much into the trip!

 

[Karen G]

I'm trying to figure out the logistics of going there too. We have 10 days, and we are already looking at Vegas/hoover dam, Grand Canyon, Scottsdale at the Westin Kierland Resort.

Since the drive from Phoenix to San Diego or LA is around 5.5 hrs. and you've never seen this side of the country, I'd say go for it. I think 2 nights in Las Vegas, a night at the Grand Canyon, three nights in Scottsdale, and four nights in California would be a great trip. There are tons of stuff you could see between San Diego & Anaheim, and even if it were too cold to get in the ocean, just seeing all the great beaches and beach towns would be fun.

Could you get a flight home from Orange County or LAX?

 

[laurac260]

Beware of snow in Flagstaff. I40 does get shutdown because of snow. I've driven there when the snow along I40 was above the car roof tops. You will be in the mountains, it's unpredictable.

[/url]

hmmm...this certainly gives me pause for thought.

Our current plan is fly in to Vegas, -- hoover dam--grand canyon--phoenix--san diego--back to phoenix and fly out from there.

Sounds like I would be better to go Vegas, hoover dam, grand canyon, vegas, san diego, and out phoenix. I think it's about the same amount of driving, but would that avoid the mountains? I am so glad I started planning this two months out!

 

[BocaBoy]

What is the weather like in SD in mid/end Dec?

The average high temperature in San Diego in December is 66 degrees. January is about a degree cooler than that. Average lows are just under 50 degrees.

 

[Steve]

Personally, I think you may be trying to cram too much into that trip unless you are a high energy family that loves life on the go. If you want or need time to relax, this may be too much.

I grew up in the east and well remember my early trips out west. There is a lot to see and do out here. Interests vary, but if it were me, I would skip Las Vegas and Hoover Dam. I would focus on San Diego and Arizona. I'd spend a few days in San Diego, a night at the Grand Canyon, a night or two in Sedona, and the rest of the time in Scottsdale. (Sedona is between the Grand Canyon and Phoenix...so it's not out of the way...and it is stunning.)

As for hotels in San Diego, the Marriott La Jolla is located in a busy, high rise office park setting right off of interstate 5. It's not the most resort type of location, but $50 a night certainly is a good price. It's MUCH too cold to swim in San Diego in December, but the area is beautiful and certainly worth a visit. There are lots of great attractions for kids and the whole family.

Steve

 

[Ron98GT]

The average high temperature in San Diego in December is 66 degrees. January is about a degree cooler than that. Average lows are just under 50 degrees.

I live in Vegas, I'm a desert rat. 66 degrees is cool enough, but get near the Pacific ocean with the humidity and it's kinda cold without the sun. 50/55 degrees in San Diego at night is COLD.

 

[Karen G]

Sounds like I would be better to go Vegas, hoover dam, grand canyon, vegas, san diego, and out phoenix. I think it's about the same amount of driving, but would that avoid the mountains? I am so glad I started planning this two months out!

When you mentioned your route before, I assumed you would fly into Vegas, stay two nights, see Hoover Dam on your way to Grand Canyon, spend one night at GC, go to Scottsdale for three nights, and then go to San Diego.

Can you not fly home from San Diego or another California airport? Seems like some unecessary driving to go back to Phoenix to fly home and also to try to do Grand Canyon as a daytrip from Vegas when it can be right on your way to Scottsdale.

If you left Vegas early in the day and stopped at the parking lot that's just before where the highway crosses over Hoover Dam/Colorado River, you can walk across the pedestrian bridge for a spectacular view of the dam. You had mentioned that your husband is disabled--is he in a wheelchair? There is a switchback-type of walkway up to the pedestrian bridge that is suitable for wheelchairs or there are stairs for those who can use them. It's only about 30 minutes out of Las Vegas to the dam, but it is on the way to Arizona.

Driving on the main highway does not give you a view of the dam because the sides of that bridge are high enough to block views. But, seeing it from the pedestrian bridge is quite amazing.

 

[laurac260]

ok, I had to spill the beans to hubby, as this was causing me much angst to try to figure out what to do. He feels that trying to add San Diego in the mix just doesn't make sense, too far, too much money, etc. The airfare alone is 100-200$ a person more.

So, SD is out. I suppose this makes sense.

I have an $89 rate at the Westin Kierland, a Marriott e-cert for one night for a tier 5 or below, and two nights worth of Marriott points to burn.

So back to square one. Our current plan is to fly into Vegas, and fly out of Phoenix (tix already purchased), and do Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon between the two. A previous poster mentioned that I-40 could be snowed out heading from GC to Phoenix. Thanks so much to everyone for their patience as I navigate thru this, as it's like trying to plan a trip on the other side of the world from where I am sitting, and I am not that great at it (ask me to cook for you, or decorate your house, that I can do!) So if everyone who has chimed in before could give me their two cents again, I'd much appreciate it!

 

[pwrshift]

Beware of snow in Flagstaff. I40 does get shutdown because of snow. I've driven there when the snow along I40 was above the car roof tops. You will be in the mountains...

http://lajollafriendsoftheseals.org/

I remember the first time I went to the GC. We did the reverse of your trip...flew to Phoenix drove to LV with the GC in between.

After playing golf in PHX at 105 degees early May, we drove to the GC for a 2 night stay at Bright Angel...not a Ritz for sure and I said at that time the next time we went there I'd book El Tovar. Anyways...it was snowing at the GC..we didn't even have sweaters. Be prepared.

Brian

 

[Karen G]

A previous poster mentioned that I-40 could be snowed out heading from GC to Phoenix.

It possibly might NOT be snowed in, too. You'll be better able to judge the weather once you get to Las Vegas and then you can make a decision about your route then.

 

[heathpack]

Ok, here's what I would do with the reasons why.

Day 1: Fly in to Vegas. Plan a nice dinner & a show.
Day 2: Morning, go see Hoover Dam. Afternoon/evening, tour the various over-the-top Vegas hotels, this is quite a bit of walking unless you just pick a few that are in close proximity. Head down to the Fremont Street experience after dark.
Day 3: Get an early start and drive to Grand Canyon, planning your day such that you arrive by early afternoon. Visit as much as the Canyon as you can in the afternoon. Plan on dinner after dark, so that you maximize your daylight hours in the park. Overnight in GC NP.
Day 4: Get an early start, see more of the GC, leaving 11am. Arrive Sedona by mid-afternoon, this drive is beautiful, be sure to do it during daylight. Take the 180 to 89a and drive through Oak Creek Canyon. In Sedona, take a Pink Jeep tour that starts late enough in the day that you will be on the tour around sunset. Ideally stay O/N in Sedona (surely there is a Marriott there), if not, drive down to Scottsdale that night.
Days 5, 6, 7, & 8: Relax at the Westin Kierland, being sure to go get yourself a Toffee Banofi sundae, and flying home on Day 8.

H

 

[laurac260]

Heath, where ya been all my life? (or atleast the past two weeks). I really like this suggestion. We are looking at this or some version of it, to use for our trip. Many thanks, to you and everyone who took their time to respond to me!

Ok, here's what I would do with the reasons why.

Day 1: Fly in to Vegas. Plan a nice dinner & a show.
Day 2: Morning, go see Hoover Dam. Afternoon/evening, tour the various over-the-top Vegas hotels, this is quite a bit of walking unless you just pick a few that are in close proximity. Head down to the Fremont Street experience after dark.
Day 3: Get an early start and drive to Grand Canyon, planning your day such that you arrive by early afternoon. Visit as much as the Canyon as you can in the afternoon. Plan on dinner after dark, so that you maximize your daylight hours in the park. Overnight in GC NP.
Day 4: Get an early start, see more of the GC, leaving 11am. Arrive Sedona by mid-afternoon, this drive is beautiful, be sure to do it during daylight. Take the 180 to 89a and drive through Oak Creek Canyon. In Sedona, take a Pink Jeep tour that starts late enough in the day that you will be on the tour around sunset. Ideally stay O/N in Sedona (surely there is a Marriott there), if not, drive down to Scottsdale that night.
Days 5, 6, 7, & 8: Relax at the Westin Kierland, being sure to go get yourself a Toffee Banofi sundae, and flying home on Day 8.

H

 

[deemarket]

Winter break to Scottsdale, LV, Grand Canyon

Heath, where ya been all my life? (or atleast the past two weeks). I really like this suggestion. We are looking at this or some version of it, to use for our trip. Many thanks, to you and everyone who took their time to respond to me!

Heath does have a great itinerary for you. As I was reading the suggestions, I also thought going to CA too was really pushing things and the kids would be very tired riding so much. And one of your must sees besides the Grand Canyon should definitely be Sedona.
A few more suggestions for you near Kierland is "www.therailroadpark.com". It is only 6 miles from Kierland. Inexpensive and I think a great break for the kids. I agree that the Desert Bontanical Gardens would give you a lot of information about the desert environment. I think you would enjoy it but maybe not so much for the kids. The kids would enjoy the Phoenix Zoo. In December they have Zoo lights. You visit the Zoo at night and it is all lit up for the holidays.
And you don't need to go to Tucson to see Sahuaro cactus. You will see them traveling down from the Grand Canyon to Scottsdale and around Scottsdale also. The attraction mentioned in Tucson is the AZ-Sonoran Desert Museum (www.desertmuseum.org). It is really a great place but check it out and see if it is worth a day of your time. It is at least a 2 hour drive down and back plus the time spent at the museum, etc.
Another suggestion, especially if your kids play a musical instrument is the new Musical Instrument Museum. It is not far from Kierland. Also take into consideration that you will be visiting when many others will be here visiting and out shopping for the holidays. It is going to be crowded everywhere you go. Hope you have a great trip. Keep asking questions.