Quick trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale

A February 2005 trip to Scottsdale by CheapSk8

Quote: After weeks of nothing but cold, we decided to head to the warmth of Arizona for a stay at the Westin Kierland. Our chief goals were to relax and thaw. Despite lots of rain, it was a welcome break from winter and a trip I'd gladly repeat next year.

Westin Kierland Villas

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Hotel | "Westin at Kierland"

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THE RESORT: The resort includes more than 700 rooms, ranging from "regular" rooms to casitas and vacation villas. Each room has a Heavenly Bed and a balcony, many overlooking the swimming pools or 27-hole golf course. Regular prices for rooms are usually in the $450 to $550 range per night for winter months, while prices go down as the temperature heats up. Lower prices and discounts are regularly available. The staff was warm and friendly. OUR ROOM: We were given an upgrade to a casita (basically an apartment). The casita was tastefully decorated and had a patio overlooking the swimmi...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 15, 2005

Westin Kierland Villas
15620 NORTH CLUBGATE DRIVE
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480-624-1700

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Mezcal

Restaurant

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Mezcal has gotten lots of press and received several recommendations from the staff of the Westin Kierland. I wonder if any of them have actually eaten there. If you are looking for creative "West by Southwest" cuisine, appreciate food raised/captured organically and sensitively, have the wallet to afford Mezcal, and don't mind servers who are really stuck on themselves, it might be just what you're looking for. If, however, you are looking for a quiet dinner and aren't willing to fork over $13 for a so-so appetizer and $8 for a dessert you can get anywhere, I wouldn't recommend Mezcal. One review I read (after spending $80 on one appetizer, two main courses, and o...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on February 15, 2005

Mezcal
7122 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
(480) 556-0770

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West

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Attraction | "Taliesin West"

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Although we've visited some other Frank Lloyd Wright houses, we're not what you'd call fans—we literally only ended up at Taliesin West because it was raining and we needed something to do indoors. It was a great choice—not only did we learn a great deal from our guide about Frank Lloyd Wright, but we also learned a great deal about a slice of Arizona history. To visit, a tour is required. They have 60-minute and 90-minute tours two times hourly. During our visit, we had to wait 30 minutes for the next tour. An interesting bookstore provides a place to wait before the tour. Our tour group included about 25 people and was sold out. Ticket prices are either $18 for the 60-minute to...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 16, 2005

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd and Cactus Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
(480) 860-2700

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Hiking the Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail

Story/Tip

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Camelback Mountain is a great hiking experience because you don't have to make it far before you get great views. It is definitely challenging, especially after marker number 14. Especially given the Arizona heat, taking water is critical, preferably in a pocket or carried some other way so you can keep your hands free. As incredibly bad hikers, we were able to hike to number 19 (not all the way to the top— we quit just before the hike gets far tougher) and back down in just under 2 hours, stopping to take many pictures and breaks. If you're looking for a way to get some exercise and enjoy an outdoor experience during your trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale, Camelback can be a great option, ...Read More