You all have given me such wonderful advice about our upcoming trip to Arizona in May that I thought I’d come back for another!
So… we will fly into Phoenix and really just stay for 1 night and then do the desert botanical garden and then head up to the Sedona area. Does anyone have any recommendations what area of Phoenix would be fun to stay in if you are there for only 1 night or hotel recommendation in Phoenix. We will have a rental car.
Thanks!
If you ever have time visit the Musical Instrument Museum. It was one of the most interesting museums I have been to.
I’ve only been there once, for a meeting in Scottsdale, but I did stop my a friend’s house in Phoenix suburbs. Scottsdale seemed nicer to me, and close to saguaro desert tours, Taliesin West, plus upscale shopping and dining. My meeting was at the Westin Kierland, which was fine (but it was 9 years ago).
We stayed at the Westin Kierland last year and it was very nice and close to an area with dining and shopping which was also enjoyable.
I have heard such good things about this museum, hoping we have time to visit!
Great, 2 votes for the Westin Kierland, here! I’ll check it out!
Great, thanks for this helpful info!
Old Towne Scottsdale is a fun place to wander, especially if you like art, and there are hotels within a few blocks.
Second the recommendation for Scottsdale.
Third recommendation for Scottsdale. 
Stay a couple of nights. That way, you will be able to use the hotel amenities and have plenty of time to explore the Botanical gardens and museums.
Caution on Westin Kierland – they no longer have their signature (main) restaurant, Deseo, due to Covid and the chef moving on to greener pastures. So, your best dining options will be at the adjoining Kierland Commons or elsewhere in Scottsdale or Phoenix. And, the Westin is a chain, so there’s that for lack of originality and charm. However, even though we now live 50 miles away (used to live within walking/biking distance), we come up to the Westin to enjoy cocktails at sundown on the patio facing the golf course where we enjoy the bagpiper who plays nightly in full attire. Last time we did this (about three weeks ago), we wandered over to Tommy Bahama’s for dinner. Good food, island atmosphere, outstanding desserts.
Personally, I would stay at the Biltmore (dinner at Wright’s), Phoenician, or (voted most romantic every year) The Royal Palms where you can enjoy a fabulous meal at T. Cooks. Maybe best for a combination of ambience, charm, and food is Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn (also a romantic place to stay).
Adding to the recommendations here, Scottsdale Camelback Resort has that nostalgic Arizona look. May is off season, so rates may be a little lower.
We enjoyed a ten-day stay at the Camelback for our anniversary in '98 when we lived in Boston. Six months later, on the basis of that visit, we’d moved ourselves to Scottsdale and have been in AZ ever since. The Camelback Inn is iconic. Two thumbs way up.
Also, the Jade Bar for drinks (watch the sun set over Paradise Valley) and dinner at Elements at the Sanctuary Resort near the Camelback is fabulous as well, but rather pricey.
Depends what you’re looking for and how much free time you’ll have around the hotel area.
If you want a pedestrian-oriented area with restaurants and shopping, then Old Town Scottsdale has both plus a huge mall - Fashion Square. Plenty of good hotels in the area from expensive to boutique.
If you want a more resort type of feel then the Phoenician is definitely nice but there’s nothing in walking distance, but Old Town, Fashion Square, and the Biltmore Fashion Park are short drives.
Closer to the Musical Instrument Museum are the Marriott Desert Ridge which has a lazy river, and the Westin. The Marriott is across the street from a couple of outdoor malls which are pretty nice. The Westin is a little further South and adjacent to Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter which are bit more upscale than the malls across from the Marriott.
Both the Marriott and Westin are close to the highway and further North than Old Town and would knock about 20 mins off your drive to Sedona (assuming you’re doing that the next day).
Also nice in the same area as the Westin is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
These are all more expensive hotels but there’s plenty of cheaper options - just check a map for the surrounding areas.
We are from Boston. Maybe after visiting AZ will follow in your footsteps! I say this as I watch the snow fall from my window, haha! Thanks for the info!