Scottsdale Journals

Arizona in January

A January 2007 trip to Scottsdale by satori1

Quote: Cold weather but beautiful area.

Arizona in January

Overview

Quote:

Went at cold snap in January 2007 - coldest spell in 17 years. Still, just a beautiful area for natural beauty. Must take trail to walk up Camelback Mountain, and also must see Wright Taliesin West.

Quick Tips:

Bring sunblock year round; if coming in winter, it gets quite chilly in evenings and very early morning (down to 40's or less).
Wright Taliesin West an absolute must-see.
Make reservations at all restaurants for dinner to be sure you have no waits.

Best Way To Get Around:

Best to rent car and drive as quite a long drive from Sky Harbor airport to Scottsdale and to get around from place to place.

Cheer!
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Camelback Inn A JW Marriott Resort and Spa

Hotel

Quote:

Our second stay at Camelback since taken over by Marriott. Still excellent service and charming accommodations. Restaurants are excellent, with great morning buffet breakfast for $20, and really great prime rib and shrimp, etc., dinner buffets on weekends (reservations recommended). The rooms are nicely appointed but nor luxe elegance; more a rustic Southwestern style. Apparently Marriott plans to do major renovations/upgrades in 2007. A definite top choice, especially if you can stay using Marriott points or at discounted rates. Excellent spa; separate and complementary fitness center, though, is quite small - 3 treadmills only e.g., and one hopes they expand and upgrade this in 2007.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 18, 2007

Camelback Inn A JW Marriott Resort and Spa
5402 East Lincoln Dr
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
(480) 948-1700

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T. Cook's Dining

Restaurant | "T. Cook's"

Quote:

First visit to this great place at Royal Palm Resort. Free valet parking, everyone courteous and friendly. An elegant but casual setting with southwestern decor. Outstanding food, American/Southwestern, with good wine list though least costly bottles $40+.
Excellent, attentive service; pricey meal but worth it for special romantic evening.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 18, 2007

T. Cook's Dining
Royal Palms Resort And Spa - 5200 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
(866) 579-3636

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West

Attraction

Quote:

Went on a cold windy but sunny day in January. Given its setting, got a beautiful panorama of the valley of the sun. A ruggedly beautiful setting, now close to built-up Scottsdale area but can appreciate how remote it was when Wright first arrived. Large complex of structures. Superb Wright architecture, well conserved, with informative and detailed guided tours. Nice small gift shop with great selection of architecture books. An absolutely must do half-day excursion to anyone in Phoenix area with an interest in Wright or in American architecture in general.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 18, 2007

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