Sometimes trips get canceled and you just have to drop and punt. This happened in March of 2023 when 10 feet of snow closed California’s Yosemite National Park. A get together with friends was suddenly canceled three days before our departure.
American Airlines - wonderful to work with. I was allowed to change destinations within the US; though Pete and I still had to use our companion ticket by month end, March 31st. Looking at the Rand McNally, we decided on a destination which wasn’t getting buried under rain or snow and offered at least a fair chance of sunshine and warmth.
The desert seemed a good choice. Neither of us had ever visited Scottsdale, Arizona. An added bonus for this choice included a visit to Tucson Donna, a friend we hadn’t seen in over 25 years.
Traveler’s Tip: If you have the chance to visit Scottsdale - drive on past and spend more time in Tucson.
From our experience, Scottsdale is not a destination city. It offers golf related resorts , but it’s not Palm Springs. I give Scottsdale a max of 3 days to see everything of interest. Using Tripadvisor, I found very few unique activities to enjoy.
We hiked - but; folks, it's the desert. The local cacti are interesting but a few miles of dusty trails is enough for me. We spent a morning at the nearby Goldfield Ghost Town - a tourist trap if ever I’ve seen one. Wandering the old mining town offered a bit of kitschy fun, and a macabre moment.
Pete and I sat on steps enjoying a “gunfight” before witnessing a three year old standing with a noose around her neck at the jail's gallows. She was threatened with hanging if she didn’t behave. As you can see, the sheriff certainly had the audience's attention.
A morning at the Southwest Animal Conservation Center gave us insight into the plight of rescued wild animals. Folks, this place is awesome and is worth a visit along with the five star reviews and 2023 Traveler's Choice Award on Tripadvisor.
Traveler’s Tip: Did you know that once a wild animal comes in close contact with a human, it has little chance of surviving alone in the wild again?
Scottsdale can be expensive to visit. I chose Marriott’s Adero Resort because online the hotel looked perfect for our needs. Our five day stay came with its pros and cons.
Pros: I loved the welcome glass of champagne upon arrival. The hotel staff is overall friendly and provides great customer service. You’ll never find a more clean hotel. The Adero's adults only hot tub wins my “Best hot tub at a resort” award. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Cielo was terrific.
Cons: Our mountain view accommodation overlooked the parking lot. Yes, you can see mountains in the distance but the website should clarify "parking lot view with mountains as a backdrop". For $500/night, we expected a bit more than watching the laundry truck load and unload directly below our balcony on a regular basis.
I’m a hotel bath goodie snob and found Adero products harsh on my skin and hair and the shower gel bottle dispenser didn’t dispense. Ugh!
Traveler’s Tip: Bring your own bath products when traveling, just in case.
You won’t find an ice maker at the Adero. I called daily for ice delivery to be stored in our room cooler (have that tip money ready). Our accommodation felt spacious but I didn't feel much romance surrounded by early 50's Eastern European decor. All that concrete made me feel a bit like an inmate.
We also didn’t find out until our third day that we were entitled to hotel robes and slippers to pad back and forth in to the pool/hot tub. Again, for the room rate, shouldn’t these have been presented upon arrival?
Traveler's Tip: Especially at high end resorts, be sure to inquire at check in if your room rate includes extra amenities such as robes and slippers.
The Adero website advertised an amazing looking rooftop bar/restaurant which turned out to be closed during our stay leaving us with limited dining options onsite.
Traveler’s Tip: Read all the fine print carefully. My enjoyable piloga class was included in our daily resort fee but we were not forewarned that our pickleball lesson cost extra. I hate surprises like this one.
Old Scottsdale is cute but doesn’t offer much shopping variety. What I can recommend is dining at Arrivederci in Fountain Hills, and any Mexican restaurant. By all means, ya just gotta stop at the Hitching Post Saloon - a true locals hangout where the food is good and your surroundings are delightfully playful.
I’ll leave Scottsdale to the retired folks who don’t need four seasons, hiking in green meadows, or a variety in architecture.
Wherever your Arizona travels take you, visit Saguaro National Park. It is here where the Old West truly feels alive!
Traveler’s Tip: Seeing the saguaro cacti in their limited US habitat is worth a trip to southern Arizona alone. Both calming and enchanting, the park will sooth a traveler’s soul when walking among the majestic Saguaro.
Traveler’s Tip: Instead of staying in Scottsdale, consider flying or driving south to stay in Tucson. The city offers a plethora of concerts year round, highly recommended restaurants, and spectacular scenery in every direction worthy of a dozen magnets.