The Pointe is Grand!

I've lived in the valley my entire life... I've never spent more then a few weeks at a time away. So, when people talk about things to do and places to stay with out driving more then 20 minutes... I rarely get excited. Yes, I am easily entertained and I LOVE my hometown but it takes a lot for me to spring for an expensive room at a local resort. But maybe there's something to these places? I visited the Arizona Grand Resort in Tempe and I was pleasantly surprised! If the Arizona Grand Resort doesn't sound familiar that's because it is formerly known as The Pointe Hilton at South Mountain. You would not believe the level of entertainment this resort will provide for you and your family, you and your friends, or even just YOU!
$180-Gets you a beautiful room at the foot of South Mountain. The resort is surrounded by delicious restaurants-All with in walking distance! But, the restaurants and the luxurious rooms are not to be out done by the pool or should I say the OASIS!! It's paradise in the middle of the property. Picture a giant water slide, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a bar separated by giant boulders. Spend the day at the pool, take a nap in the room, and then hit the nearby restaurants and bars. When you're done you can walk back to your room!
www.arizonagrandresort.com
Check it out! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Calistoga anyone?

... and I'm not talking about the water. As I mentioned in my previous blogs I'm heading off to Northern California and I can honestly say I can't wait! However, I am really having trouble deciding where to stay and on what nights.
I had also mentioned in one of my previous blogs while having a terrible dinner at an undesirable Phoenix restaurant, Calistoga was recommended to me as a must see place to stay when visiting Napa Valley.
So... here's what I found....
Either the hotels are really really cheap, really really expensive, or really strange. Yes Strange!