Any info on Phoenix Marriott's Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge

[GADisneyDVC]

My family is staying here next June and want to get some info on the resort and things to do around the resort. Has anyone stayed here before? Thanks for any information!!! P.S. This will be our first trip anywhere out west!

 

[goofymania101]

I live like 5 minutes away from it, and have walked around it before... You will love it! It is so nice, and sitting by the pool with a frozen drink is amazing. It is located like 30 seconds driving from Desert Ridge shopping center, which has restraunts, shops, and sometimes live performances. Trust me, if you're looking to get away, i would either stay here or at the Point South Mountain resort.

Hope this helps

You'll love Arizona! It's pretty hot though! :]

 

[GADisneyDVC]

Great, thanks for the info. I am even more excited now!! What kinds of cool things should we plan to do? I am totally a Southern girl so I am looking forward to a totally different place!! We would love to do some active things as well as just chill out by the pool!! Thanks!

 

[Barbday62]

Ive never been to that resort but here are some things I enjoy doing in Phoenix and areas.

I love to climb Hole in the Rock
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hole-in-the-Rock_(Papago_Park)
Its a very easy climb and a nice look out. (I have done it in May but never June,. Bring lots of water if you go in June, The climb is sort of gradual and to me worth it.

We have three water parks right now
Big Surf in Tempe, Sun Splash in Mesa I think and Water world in the North valley.
http://themeparks.about.com/od/finduswaterparks/p/waterworldsaf.htm
http://tempe.golfland.com/
http://themeparks.about.com/od/finduswaterparks/p/sunsplashmesa.htm
They all open Memorial Day

The grand canyon can be done as a day trip. (About 3 1/2 hours each way plus time spent up there) Its cost $20 per car load to get in and the buses that take you to look outs are free. You can see as many or as few look outs as you want.

Sedona is nice but I never enjoyed it as much as a day trip. There is lots of shopping and no time to see alot if you have to drive home. But it can be done and they have Jeep tours that look fun. Its about 3 hours drive from Phoenix too. They also have a natural spring you can slide in called SLide Rock. I have never done it but my husband (A native of Arizona) has done it many times growing up)
http://www.visitsedona.com/

On a clear day I love to drive to the top of South Mountain state park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Mountain_Park
You can see for miles and miles from there. Its free and a nice car trip up the mountain. You can hike and ride horses there too if you like that.

Anyone who comes to Phoenix loves to visit old west stuff I think. Rawhide has a lot of things like that
http://www.rawhide.com/

Down CLoser to Tuscon is Biosphere 2. Its still in the air if it will contine to operate but here is the link for it to find out more. its a tour of the place scientist lived with nothing from the outside.
http://www.b2science.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosphere_2

 

[GADisneyDVC]

Wow!! Thanks for all the great information! I am really getting excited. I have checked out most of the websites and they look great! Keep the info coming!! Thanks again.

 

[Random Villains]

Coming from someone that has lived here their whole lives. Let me debunk a few rumors for you....

Arizona is pretty rumor:
True, alot of AZ is very pretty, of course all these parts are about 50 miles or more north of Phoenix. Areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas are dirty, crowded, and annoying.

Tons to do in Phoenix rumor:
You can go to resturaunts, or bars, or movies. Thats about it. There are a few mini golf courses and water parks around but, do you really wanna go hang around outside in 115 degree heat?

You will love it:
I hate it, and cant wait to move out of this state.

ENJOY!

 

[Barbday62]

LOL Random Villans, My husband is also a true desert rat, not many of them around I see. (He was born in Superior and raised in Phoenix). He did get away for many years in the Navy and for me but we are back for good. It helped us to move away and come back to appreciate the desert again. Our favorite past time is to drive 5 1/ 2hours for a weekend visit to Disneyland. we do that every 2 to 3 months.

In June you wont likely get 115 but let me tell you villain is right nothing good about anything over 110. At least in June its rare to get over 110 but it can happen. Then you just find the closest pool or head North out of town. I find my pool to feel cool to me with the breeze when its 110 outside, its sort of a crazy phenomonon. The water is about 95 all the time but the air makes it feel cooler to me.

 

[Random Villains]

Yeah even going swimming in the summer time here is no fun. It feels more like taking a hot bath. No fun. Moving to San Diego next May, this is my last summer in AZ, WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[justapixel]

Coming from someone that has lived here their whole lives. Let me debunk a few rumors for you....

Arizona is pretty rumor:
True, alot of AZ is very pretty, of course all these parts are about 50 miles or more north of Phoenix. Areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas are dirty, crowded, and annoying.

Tons to do in Phoenix rumor:
You can go to resturaunts, or bars, or movies. Thats about it. There are a few mini golf courses and water parks around but, do you really wanna go hang around outside in 115 degree heat?

You will love it:
I hate it, and cant wait to move out of this state.

ENJOY!

Wow. I have been to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona and love it. I find it beautiful. It's much greener than many people might imagine and the Sonoran desert is gorgeous. Yes, it's hot but I was there in the heat and spent my days by the pool. I found it very comfortable, and only the occasional dip was needed to cool me off. I even did a hike in the afternoon. The cactus are amazing. Do go to the botanical gardens, they are beautiful.

I'm sorry you don't like your state, but many people do think it's beautiful. I live in California, which some say is the most beautiful state in the union, and I prefer Arizona. So, OP, I don't know about your hotel - I've not stayed there. But, I think you will enjoy your holiday and let us know how it went.

 

[scooter15]

Coming from someone that has lived here their whole lives. Let me debunk a few rumors for you....

Arizona is pretty rumor:
True, alot of AZ is very pretty, of course all these parts are about 50 miles or more north of Phoenix. Areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas are dirty, crowded, and annoying.

Uh...Arizona is pretty. The Sonoran Desert is quite unique and its a lot better looking than driving through the deserts of California. Cities are like anywhere else in the United States especially California. Personally, you wouldn't have me complaining about being stuck in Peoria, Mesa or Tempe than let's say....South Central LA, East LA, or Santa Ana.

Tons to do in Phoenix rumor:
You can go to resturaunts, or bars, or movies. Thats about it. There are a few mini golf courses and water parks around but, do you really wanna go hang around outside in 115 degree heat?

True, during the monsoon season, it can get quite hot and humid. There is a lot to do as DH and I have found. It does get a little bit harder when we bring the kids but we've always managed and have had a LOT of fun when we go. We go about 3-4 times a year.

You will love it:
I hate it, and cant wait to move out of this state.

Well considering Arizona is technically California since half of our state has moved over there and taken over moving here won't be much different...except 50x more expensive.

ENJOY!

Well we do everytime we go

To the OP, we haven't stayed that the Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge but we stay at Marriott resorts everytime we go. We have stayed at the JW Desert Ridge and loved it though. We never have had a problem in any place we've stayed ...ok...except the Hyatt Place in Scottsdale but I don't think you can go wrong with the Marriott resorts.

 

[justapixel]

Last time I was there I stayed at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. It was wonderful. I think I had the best time of any vacation. And, it was 109 by day, 80s by night. Heavenly, I'm telling you.

Next time I go I want to see Bisbee. I hear it's a quaint little town.

 

[GADisneyDVC]

Thanks to all of you for the info.
I think I am pretty well prepared for the heat--okay--maybe not 115 degrees!!
I have lived in the south all of my life and we have the humidity. I have always heard the old saying--It's not the heat but the humidity. I guess I will get a chance to try it out.
I am so looking forward to being somewhere totally different for vacation but I do love where I live so I won't be looking to move!!
I believe the villas are adjacent to the JW Marriott so any info about that is great too. I think we have full privileges at the JW. TIA

 

[scooter15]

I believe the villas are adjacent to the JW Marriott so any info about that is great too. I think we have full privileges at the JW. TIA

We stayed there two nights just before my 2nd child was born. I remember the pool area being a lot of fun with our oldest who was 1 at the time. After dinner we sat outside poolside and just relaxed. I do remember sitting outside and from afar we saw some lightning from an approaching storm. It never came close to us but it was quite a show.

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

Thanks to all of you for the info.
I think I am pretty well prepared for the heat--okay--maybe not 115 degrees!!
I have lived in the south all of my life and we have the humidity. I have always heard the old saying--It's not the heat but the humidity. I guess I will get a chance to try it out.
I am so looking forward to being somewhere totally different for vacation but I do love where I live so I won't be looking to move!!
I believe the villas are adjacent to the JW Marriott so any info about that is great too. I think we have full privileges at the JW. TIA

Normally speaking I would agree with you about the humidity issue. But anyone that claims that has obviously never been to Arizona during the middle of the summer. Our 115 days literally feel like you've just stuck your head inside the oven. Sure it's dry... but that almost makes it seem worse. Just make sure to drink LOTS of water during your stay. Especially with young kids remember to keep hydrated. Also use strong waterproof sunblock.

I attended a Christmas party last year at the Marriott at Desert Ridge. I can't be sure which one, but either way that whole area is practically brand new and developed very nicely. We were amazed at the hotel, and all we got to see was the lobby and ballrooms. So I'm sure you will enjoy

A lot of visiting AZ in summer is for the resort experience. Its not Disneyland and it's sad to hear people say there is nothing here because they think of DLR type commercial entertainment as the only type of entertainment. Plan on spending quite a bit of time sipping mojitos & margaritas pool side while the kids swim until they look like prunes. Also, plan on the occasional mid day naps. The combination of the extreme heat and the water can really take its toll a family. Phoenix is world famous for its resorts, and part of that is the "relax and enjoy" atmosphere.

Also, check out the desert. You can take a tour in a jeep or hummer, by horse, or just drive the highways past the city to experience it. The drive up Highway 89 towards Payson has some great scenery. Also Sedona (2 hrs from Phx) is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and well worth a day trip.

It goes without saying that if you are golfers you will love what Phoenix has to offer. Just make sure to ask for an early (like 6:30am) tee time so you can beat the mid day heat and enjoy your outing.

There are a couple of ghost towns and Rawhide right in town, for that wild west experience. Kids love it!

Phoenix also has some giant homes. My wife and I love just driving around Paradise Valley and Camelback Mountain from time to time to check out the multi-million dollar architecture.

Outside of that Random Villains is partially correct. Phoenix isn't that much different than a lot of other big metropolises and as a result inside town you will find the usual things like movie theaters, museums, sporting events, restaurants, and shopping. Desert Ridge has all of these to offer. Our for that Rodeo Drive experience check out some of the upper eschelon boutiques and stores in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

 

[wvnative]

If you're not set on your hotel at Desert Ridge (which is a really nice area btw), and depending on the age of your kids, you might consider Pointe South Mountain. They have a water park on site which will come in very handy in June. There is also a place right there that does horseback trail rides. Rawhide is close, as is a go cart race track (F1 race factory)

You might also consider the AZ Science Center or maybe even one of the dinner theaters. I also agree that a day trip to the Grand Canyon would be good. You could probably do a day trip to Sedona too and I believe Slide Rock is right there as well. Kartchner Caverns down by Tucson is supposed to be really neat. I have yet to make the trip down there yet though. Of course, there's also Tombstone and the Biosphere 2.

 

[eeyore3847]

You will love Phoenix. I grew up in NY and moved here in my teens. Let me say I will take heat over SNOW anyday. The desert is beautiful. It is hard to appreciate when you have lived here 20 years, but it is soooo nice.
Take some tours on the way to the Grand Canyon also. There is a few Native indian stops (that arn't casino's) you can get some great jewelry etc. There are some great restuarants and if you contact the hotel, they will also let you know about guided tours etc.
I live about 15 minutes from your hotel and it is beautiful there! Enjoy the Pool!

Lori

 

[honeymom]

I live 10 minutes from Desert Ridge, but have stayed at Pointe South Mountain (pre-waterpark days). I'll take Desert Ridge anyday. We just were not impressed by the Pointe (especially the room right next to the freeway although we did get to switch the next day).

It is a really nice resort. Desert Ridge has plenty of nighttime entertainment options if you need more excitement. It is really hot that time of year, but if you get going early in the morning, you might be able to fit in a quick hike before it gets too hot. We like hiking on Pinnacle Peak. Otherwise lazing by the pool is about the right speed.

 

[minniebeth]

Can anyone who knows the area around the Mariott's Desert Ridge resort say what other kinds of restaurants are around the immediate area? We are staying there while my DH is on business, and eating in the resort over time can get pricey. (Especially looking for a Paradise Bakery...my DD's favorite!)
Also, anywhere for Easter?
It would be so appreciated!
Thanks so much!

 

[debabe723]

There are quite a few restaurants at Desert Ridge shopping center, which is across the street from the Marriott. Off the top of my head I can think of Dave and Busters, Macaroni Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Sweet Tomatoes, Bahama Breeze, Yard House, Rock Bottom Brewery, In N Out Burger, Einsteins Bagels.

The closest Paradise Bakery just opened on Mayo Blvd at Scottsdale Road. You take Deer Valley Road east to 56th Street (about 3/4 mile at most), turn right, go a mile or so south to Mayo, turn left and the shopping center is about another mile on your left side, just before you get to Scottsdale Road.