Hi Fellow travelers! I hope you all are exploring! It’s the doldrums of winter in January and February and you are wanting a vacation that will give your family some sun and a resort type of experience, but don’t want to spend as much as a spring break vacation costs. Living in Colorado at this time of year can be pretty gray and cold, but, I always have one vacation spot in mind that is tropical resort worthy, but not too expensive. That’s right, Phoenix, Arizona (I’m sure the title gave it away). I have been traveling to Phoenix ever since I was a kid, my father loves to golf and I went to college at Arizona State University, plus, my Uncle lives there, so obviously I visit this glistening desert a lot. Many people don’t realize just how much Phoenix has to offer, there are resorts a plenty, baseball spring training, activities for families like the OdySea Aquarium and Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs (which my kids love). But, when I think of the most exciting thing to do in Phoenix for me and my kids, it’s definitely pool time! Temperatures during January and February can be in mid 70’s to lower 80’s, which is just warm enough to swim and there are a few resorts that I love in this desert oasis for the pools and the kids activities.
The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa–
This resort is fabulous for families, it’s enormous, beautiful and boasts a water park that rivals any other. The great part is that this resort is not super expensive. When you book through travel sites you get the best deals, rates are typically $200/night and you get free access to the Oasis Water Park. They have several restaurants that are casual enough to dine with kids, including an all time personal favorite, Aunt Chilada’s, it’s divine Mexican food. The suites are large and have queen sofa beds, so everyone can sleep comfortably and be ready to take on the water park. You may not even want to leave the resort, although there is so much to see and do in this sizzling city. If you are looking for a little action while you relax, this place is definitely the spot for it. http://www.arizonagrandresort.com
The Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort–
This resort is my favorite and the least expensive of the resorts. It’s located in a quiet little neighborhood in Phoenix and tucked away under Squaw Peak which is a little mountain that sits behind it. With rates starting at $150/night, depending on when you stay, you can’t beat all this hotel has to offer. The kids activities are out of this world, the pool is superb and the restaurants are delicious. Squaw Peak offers a Coyote Camp for kids, so they can play all day, while you sit by the pool and sip something frosty. Rates are reasonable, starting at $35 for a half day and $65 for a full day. They also have a Parents Night Out event, that is just $35/child and they serve them dinner, allowing you a romantic night out. The River Ranch water park is a great way to spend the day cooling off, floating in their lazy river or speeding down their water slide. It’s not as expansive as the Arizona Grand, but, is absolutely a blast. If you can stand the heat they even have a miniature golf course for kids, it’s designed like an old mining town and as you float along the lazy river, you can see the course. They have a few restaurants that are casual for kids, my favorite is the Hole- in -the- Wall restaurant near the pool, that serves BBQ and burgers. This resort will give you top notch entertainment and fun your dollar. http://www.squawpeakhilton.com
The Phoenician–
If you want to go all in and really splurge, this last resort is up your alley. I have stayed at The Phoenician with my parents and brother more times than I can count, it is my father’s favorite resort. It has gone through some renovations over the years, making it a stylish, posh place to relax and be seen. Because it has become very hip, it’s going to cost you to stay a few nights, around $550/night and up, depending on when you stay. However, don’t let that stop you from having the most decadent vacation ever. The resort may be fancy, but they still want your kids to have a ball, they have a gigantic pool for the whole family and a kids zone that has a splash pad. They also have a Funicians Kids Club that houses a play area and animals for the kids to see. It is a little more expensive though, around $95/day, it may be worth it, just to have a little peace and quiet lounging by the pool. They also have some casual dining options for the kids, if you want something more laid back, try their exceptional weekend brunch, at Mowry and Cotton. http://www.thephoenician.com
Phoenix is laden with resorts to relax you and help you cool off from the blistering heat. Perfect! Because in the last snowy days of winter, I need a blast of hot weather and a lounge chair to soak up the sun. So, when you want a getaway to a location that is not too far, not too expensive and willing to entertain the littlest members of your family, what better place then the valley of the sun!