Scottsdale Princess.

Scottsdale was so boring. I wish we’d stayed in Phoenix instead. When we stayed in downtown Tucson, we had so much fun.

I found that part of AZ not really walkable during the day unless you have a high heat tolerance.

I would stay in the Camback East area. Closer to downtown than Scottsdale. Lots of hikes fairly close. Depending on your budget I’d look at the Phoenician, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Mountain Shadows. They all have nice pool area but aren’t as resorty as the Scottsdale hotels. If money is no object I’d pick the Global Ambassador but it’s insanely expensive.

Don’t stay downtown.

Second on the 'skip the resort' because as another put it, you are wasting money as you don't have time to use the fun activities. If you're in town for a week, sure. Otherwise you are throwing away money on resort fees and expensive rooms. Stay a Residence Inn and call it a day.

Northeast Phoenix / North Scottsdale. Westin Kierland, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Fairmont Princess, and a host of others.

Resort in Scottsdale

Stay in Scottsdale - the area where all the resorts are.

We did a long weekend in Phoenix with two kids and stayed in the city at a low level holiday inn with a pool. I had ihg points to burn but it worked out well. We had two full days and went to the botanical garden first, which was great because we learned a ton about things that we subsequently saw on hikes. We did one hike in South mountain Park and one in the superstitions. Spent some time at the kids museum (our kids are in ES) and went to two brewery pub restaurants while there. There's nothing much in downtown but it was nice to be centrally located and since we were out most of the day we didn't miss not being at a resort.

If I went back I'd probably stay in Tempe right across the river. Still central and basically in Phoenix but some semblance of walkability.

Don't stay a resort and I only say that b/c your family is not going to have time to enjoy the amentities with all you have planned. You have about 1 free day (at best!!) for sightseeing and you have it filled with museums, gardens and hikes. When will your kids have time to play on the waterslides? Waste of money.

Also, that botanical garden is going to cost a you a fortune. It's very expensive. Do a hike -- it's free (or it's a nominal fee if parking in a state park or Tonto National Forest) and you can see the same plants while you're on the trail

Anonymous wrote:La Posada Hotel in Scottdale!

Sorry it's in Winslow...is that too far for you?
https://www.laposada.org/

La Posada Hotel in Scottdale!

Downtown Phoenix is not nice. If staying in Phoenix proper, stay near the riverwalk

I live in the Phoenix area although I'm new here myself. I wouldn't bother staying in downtown Phoenix, it's not that great. I'd probably stay at one of the resorty places in/around Scottsdale. But if you don't want to drop that kind of money, there are plenty of decent suburban chain hotels all over the area - that's what I did when I visited here before moving here, but I don't have children. The best hiking is in the Superstitions which is kind of far from Scottsdale.

A wedding and a long weekend - you're not going to have much time for sightseeing. I wouldn't bother with museums. The weather is stunning this time of year - spend it outside and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery.

IDK what hikes you are thinking of but most visitors are obsessed with Camelback Mountain. IMO, it is a completely overrated hike - you're just getting a view of the city. You can see the same thing by driving up to Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain and save yourself the time. LMK if you want hiking rec's.

We have a long weekend in Phoenix area tacked onto a wedding that is east of Scottsdale. Is downtown Phoenix worth staying in, vs a more resort-like hotel someplace like Camelback that has nothing else around? We have young teens and will probably see museums and the botanical garden, possibly some hikes.