Hotel for young couple w/great pool, close to dining/shop?

I would like to take a long weekend trip with my husband for about 4 nights in late May. We%26#39;ve never been to Phoenix. We%26#39;re looking for a nice resort with great pools, not too expensive (trying to keep it less than $200 per night), that%26#39;s not too far from shopping and dining.

What can you recommend? Thanks in advance!

Hotel for young couple w/great pool, close to dining/shop?

So far the ones that I%26#39;m considering are:

Squaw Peak

Hilton Tapatio Cliffs

Westin Kierland in Scottsdale

Thoughts?

Hotel for young couple w/great pool, close to dining/shop?

Oh, considering the Phoenician too.

Of those, close to shopping and dining are Westin Kierland and the Phoenician. Also Royal Palms.

Would you pick any one over the other?

Hi VRun. The Phoenecian or Westin are more upscale resorts compared to the Point Hilton properties. They are also more convenient to shopping and dining (Kierland Commons is adjacent to the Westin http://www.kierlandcommons.com/home.asp), and you will be a 5 minute drive to Old Town/Downtown Scottsdale and Fashion Square Mall www.scottsdaledowntown.com/default.aspx and http://www.fashionsquare.com/). Phoenician is larger with beautiful tiered pools and views but will be more expensive. I just got a special offer from both that bring down the price to $150/nt for the Westin and $210 for The Phoenician - let me know if you need the special rate code. It expires 3/29/09.

Royal Palms is a gorgeous property, but since you asked for great pools I wouldn%26#39;t recommend it. JWMarriot Desert Ridge has shopping nearby, but it%26#39;s box stores like Target and Old Navy so probably not what you%26#39;re looking for. JWMarriott Camelback Inn should be on your list of possibilities for sure. Lovely resort with a true Arizona atmosphere. Their spa is great, too.

Let us know if you have any specific questions and we%26#39;ll try to answer them for you.

Thanks for the info. I looked up Camelback, but I didn%26#39;t see much of a pool on their website. How are the pools there?

Also, I foung 179 a night for both the Phoencian and the Westin on Expedia. Given that they are the same price, which would you recommend?

Thanks!

I would choose The Phoenician. Rooms and patios are bigger. I like the grounds better. If you%26#39;ll have a car it%26#39;s quick to get to downtown Scottsdale. Be sure to have cocktails on the patio of the lobby. Gorgeous views. Be aware of their resort fee - and self park your car to avoid $26/nt valet charge.

BTW - I lived in Pittsburgh area as a child. Beautiful part of the country and so very different from our Sonoran desert. Hope you enjoy your visit.