• Mountains form the backdrop of downtown Phoenix.mountains of phoenix, arizona image by EuToch from Fotolia.com
  
  Phoenix, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, is the fifth largest city in the United States. It is located in the Sonoran Desert, which makes for a hot, dry climate. Phoenix averages less than eight inches of rain yearly. Downtown Phoenix has experienced a resurgence in recent years with the renovation of the Convention Center, one of the top 20 convention centers in terms of size in the United States. Attractions in downtown Phoenix include the Phoenix Symphony, several theaters and the Heard Museum of Native American Art.
  
  

Hyatt Regency Phoenix

• The Hyatt Regency Phoenix completed a total renovation in August 2010 with an upgrade of each of its 693 rooms. All rooms have an iPod deck, 37-inch flat-screen TV and bathrooms with granite counters and rainforest showerheads. The Hyatt is environmentally friendly, offering guests hypo-allergenic room options. The hotel has complete business facilities including a full-service business center, 37,000 square feet of meeting space, 32 meeting rooms and a 10,200-square-foot ballroom. A state-of-the-art fitness center overlooks the outdoor pool and whirlpool. Guests can choose from three restaurants, ranging from a cafe to a revolving restaurant on top of the hotel. High-speed Internet is available throughout the hotel; however, there is a charge for room usage. Accommodations range from a standard room to an 1,800-square-foot suite. Rates vary accordingly; discounts are available online.
  
  Hyatt Regency Phoenix
  
  122 North Second St.
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
  
  602-252-1234
  
  hyattregencyphoenix.com
  
  

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel

• The 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown hotel is the largest hotel in Arizona. It has 80,000 square feet of meeting space and a 29,000-square-foot ballroom. The hotel was built in 2008 using local resources and supplies. A life fitness room, four times larger than the standard workout facility, is open 24 hours a day. The fitness center is equipped with iPod docking stations and TVs. An outdoor heated lap pool and hot tub complete the workout facility. All rooms, which range from standard size to executive suites, have flat-screen TVs, marble baths and refrigerators. High-speed Internet service is available for a fee. The Sheraton is priced in the expensive range.
  
  Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel
  
  340 North 3rd St.
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
  
  602-262-2500
  
  starwoodhotels.com
  
  

Hotel San Carlos

• The Hotel San Carlos is the only historic boutique hotel in downtown Phoenix. Built in the Italian Renaissance design, it has been continuously operating since 1928. The hotel has 128 rooms; several of the suites are named for some of the the movie stars (e.g., Mae west, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard) who once stayed there. A star walk in front of the hotel commemorates many of these famous guests. Hotel San Carlos underwent a renovation in 2003 that modernized the facility, yet preserved its historic value. Rooms are inexpensive; free breakfast and cocktails are included when a guest books directly with the hotel. The hotel has a rooftop heated pool and two restaurants as well as meeting rooms and assorted business services. Each room has free wireless Internet, ceiling fans and coffee makers.
  
  Hotel San Carlos
  
  202 North Central Ave.
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
  
  602-253-4121
  
  hotelsancarlos.com
  
  

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Phoenix Downtown--Ballpark

• Holiday Inn Express in downtown Phoenix is moderately priced with 90 rooms and 29 suites. Totally smoke free, it is walking distance to Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and U.S. Airways Arena. The hotel has an outdoor pool and whirlpool, a limited fitness center and a basketball court. Other amenities include free high-speed Internet access in each room, a flat-screen TV, microwave and mini-fridge, in addition to a hot breakfast daily.
  
  Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Phoenix Downtown--Ballpark
  
  620 North 6th St.
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
  
  602-452-2020
  
  hiexpress.com