What’s New 2009
Credit: Greater Phoenix CVB
Phoenix Metro Light Rail
Among recent accomplishments is Phoenix Metro Light Rail, which connects parts of Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe. Comfortable, state-of-the-art light rail vehicles whisk passengers to Downtown Phoenix, and destinations that include Tempe Town Lake, Sun Devil Stadium, Mill Avenue and ASU from outlying areas. During peak hours, a train stops at a station every ten minutes.
Eagerly awaited by lovers of desert golf, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Dove Mountain near Marana recently opened to rave reviews. Twenty-seven holes of golf and a huge clubhouse complex welcome players to a challenging game, then entice them to linger for an apres-golf libation and meal at Cayton’s, the club’s signature restaurant. Open for lunch and sunset dining seven days a week, it serves American comfort cuisine with Southwestern flair. Entrees are accented with local ingredients that include Agave nectar vinaigrette, chile pepper remoulade and Cotija cheese. Rich, decadent Mexican chocolate cake highlights the dessert menu.
Adventure lovers have a new way to enjoy the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with the opening of the Gateway. A protected area of land in Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains, this new preserve provides a place to connect with saguaro cactuses and roadrunners (beep-beep!) that are unique to the Sonoran desert. The Gateway welcomes hikers of all ability levels. An interpretive trail specifically accommodates those with disabilities.
New Accommodations
Among the state’s newest hostelries, the Best Western Sundial Resort recently opened in downtown Scottsdale. The charming boutique hotel features 54 contemporary guestrooms including 12 suites that have a Zodiac theme and astrological artwork. Balcony views of Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains make it a genuinely Southwest place to stay.
Credit: InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
In Northern Arizona, the View Hotel is now open in Monument Valley. It is the first hotel to open inside Monument Valley and is the first hotel ever built on Navajo Tribal Park land. It is owned by Armanda Ortega of the Kiy’annii (Towering House) Clan. Every guestroom has a spectacular view from the low contour building that conforms to the mesa overlooking the valley. Eco-friendly features include low-flow water devices, extra insulation, windows with energy efficient values, and fluorescent lighting. The 90-room hotel has a restaurant, but serves no alcohol.
Southern Arizona’s first casino hotel recently opened just south of Tucson. The Desert Diamond Casino opened the 149-room property as part of an expansion that also includes a new casino. The hotel has a premium steakhouse, a buffet restaurant, a nightclub with live acts and a fast food venue for those in a hurry. Rooms range from standard to executive suites, which come with a whirlpool garden tub, wet bar and separate living and sleeping quarters.
Also in Tucson, new value-priced family-friendly suites have opened along the city’s premiere retail-dining-art corridor on Skyline Drive. The Embassy Suites Tucson-Paloma Village has upscale amenities without upscale prices and is designed for business and family vacations. Two separate living areas, work desk and kitchen appliances complement a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and beverages at a nightly manager’s reception.
New Dining
With so many renowned restaurants, Arizona has become a culinary capital to rival New York and San Francisco. Two AAA Five Diamond restaurants and countless other critically applauded eateries verify the importance of the state in the national culinary milieu.
Also in downtown Scottsdale, just-opened Petite Maison, headed by local favourite Chef James Porter (renowned for his marvelous locavore dinners) is a French-themed country bistro. Quality food at a lower price point and a compact menu focusing on classic Gallic fit in with today's less-is-more proclivities. Brunch highlights include beignets and chicory coffee.
Those looking to create masterpieces of their own might book a class at the new Chef’s Loft in the SouthBridge district. This state of the art chef’s studio plays host to renowned chefs from across the country who impart the secrets of their own special techniques. Other opportunities to hone personal culinary talents are offered at just-opened Cooking Studio AZ in Tempe. This recreational cooking school is the place where everyday people discover how to take their food preparation skills to the next level. Taught by a revolving list of top Valley chefs, classes are held in a stunning, live Viking demonstration kitchen that never fails to inspire kitchen envy.
