PING: Phoenix area residents and Cactus League Vacationers

lungs · 01-29-2008, 09:05 AM

So I'm looking to plan a trip to the Milwaukee Brewers spring training in March and wondered if anybody who has been to spring training or Phoenix area folks could give me some ideas.

Everything I've heard is that the area the Brewers play in (they play at the Maryvale Sports Complex) is not where you'd ideally stay as there really isn't much else there and if Phoenix has a rougher part of town, that area is it.

Basically I'm looking for an area that I could stay that has a decent hotel (nothing too fancy) and a few places nearby to go out and have a couple at night.

Also if anybody knows any hotels or places that have shuttles to the different parks, that'd be great.

Any ideas of any kind are appreciated. I haven't been to the Phoenix area since I was a tadpole.

Thanks in advance!

Lorena · 01-29-2008, 09:42 AM

Anything south of Dunlap is a bad area, from what I remember. When my mother-in-law used to visit us, she'd stay at Homestead Hotel on Dunlap. I did a google maps and it's about 9 miles away from the complex.

johnnyshaka · 01-29-2008, 10:19 AM

I went to spring training a few years ago for about a week and actually stayed at a Hampton's Inn two blocks south of Maryvale Stadium. True, it wasn't the nicest area but we were busy all day and really only were at the hotel to sleep. And, when we did go out for a dinner or a beer we didn't mind driving a little ways because the guy I was with didn't drink much so there was no need to worry about cabbin' it at any point. But, if you are by yourself or just don't want to worry about driving, I'd definitely recommend staying somewhere in Scottsdale...if money is no object. You will definitely be as far away as you can get from Maryvale but you'll find more to do in Scottsdale and it is probably one of the safer areas of town...from what I saw in my limited time there at least.

I'm an A's fan, so we spent more time at Papago Park and I really recommend trying to see a game there, but Maryvale wasn't a bad spot at all.

Also, if you are a golfer, let me know as I played about 10 rounds while I was there and definitely have some tips on where to play and how to book...if you are concerned about budget, that is.

I'm very jealous...I'd love to go back...I think I'll have to look for a conference or something in the area because that is the only way I'll ever get back!!!!

Farrah Whitworth-Rahn · 01-29-2008, 10:48 AM

I'm not sure if you're into the college party scene, but Mill Avenue in Tempe is a pretty good area to stay. It's pretty central to all the different parks, and has a bunch of things to do at night.

Toddzilla · 01-29-2008, 11:56 AM

Keep in mind that it's not that difficult to drive around to wherever Milwaukee is playing - except for Tucson, which is still easy to get to, albeit a ways away.

lungs · 01-29-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

Keep in mind that it's not that difficult to drive around to wherever Milwaukee is playing - except for Tucson, which is still easy to get to, albeit a ways away.

Yeah, I took a look at a map yesterday on the Cactus League site. Doesn't look too bad. I'm going to schedule around any Brewer games in Tuscon probably, or if I can't I could always go check some other teams play. Could always go to some Cubs games with a Voodoo doll

What are the different areas like in terms of nightlife? I saw and have heard that Tempe would be the college scene and that one is pretty obvious. What are other areas like?

Arles · 01-29-2008, 12:12 PM

Scottsdale is also a big party area. A ton of nice bars and a little more variety than Tempe (mostly college). It's more expensive, though, but you could look at some of the places in North or western Scottsdale to get access to the spring training.

Whatever you do, don't come out this week. I'm going to the golf open on Thursday and it will be a zoo. Between the FBR Open and the Super Bowl, traffic is a mess.

path12 · 01-29-2008, 12:32 PM

I stayed in Scottsdale last time I was at spring training for the Mariners. It was quite a drive to their stadium in Peoria, but had plenty to do there (though as mentioned it's more expensive than other areas).

BYU 14 · 01-30-2008, 01:03 AM

The new Westgate center (Where the Cardinals play) is pretty much complete and they have a couple of Hotels on site, (one pricey, one so-so). The center has a Movie Theater, a bunch of restaurants (The Yardhouse is awesome), shops and lots of things going on over the weekend (live music, cars shows, etc) It is just off the 101 and you can get to the Brewers field in 15-20 minutes either via surface streets or freeway in mid day. There are also some cheaper places in this general neck of the woods down by the I-10/101 junction that will get you out of the "Vale". The nice thing about staying in this area is that road games against the Mariners and Padres (Peoria) or the Royals and Rangers (Surprise) are pretty close as well. 20 minutes or less to Peoria sports complex and about 20-25 minutes to Surprise Stadium. I live in Surprise and the complex there is really nice as Spring training facilities go.

Here is a link to the Westgate center
http://www.westgateaz.com/

digamma · 01-30-2008, 06:55 AM

We stayed at the Angels complex last year. I think the hotel is a Marriott. Pretty good place to stay and neat to get up and walk down to their complex.

lungs · 03-13-2008, 05:59 PM

I'm flying out tomorrow morning.

I was a little dismayed to see some possible rain in the forecast Sunday and Monday. It's not supposed to rain in Phoenix, is it?

BYU 14 · 03-13-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lungs

I'm flying out tomorrow morning.

I was a little dismayed to see some possible rain in the forecast Sunday and Monday. It's not supposed to rain in Phoenix, is it?

It probably won't, where you staying at?

lungs · 03-13-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYU 14

It probably won't, where you staying at?

I sure as hell hope not. Even if it is around 60 degrees, it sure as hell beats Wisconsin. As long as the baseball isn't interfered with.

I'll be at the Days Inn off I-10, near 51st.

BYU 14 · 03-13-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lungs

I sure as hell hope not. Even if it is around 60 degrees, it sure as hell beats Wisconsin. As long as the baseball isn't interfered with.

I'll be at the Days Inn off I-10, near 51st.

Look at you staying right in the hood... That Motel actually gets a lot of spring training guests, just make sure if you go out at night it is not in that area

That is close enough to some nice areas downtown and some of the better place on the west side (15-20 min either way)

It has been real nice here this week, should definitely stay in the high 70's for you during the day.

lungs · 02-24-2010, 11:26 AM

Bumptity bump.... Going out there again March 10-15.... staying in Tempe this time.

01-29-2008, 11:56 AM	#5
Toddzilla Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burke, VA	Keep in mind that it's not that difficult to drive around to wherever Milwaukee is playing - except for Tucson, which is still easy to get to, albeit a ways away. __________________ Will Admin Sys for food.

01-29-2008, 12:12 PM	#7
Arles Grey Dog Software Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Phoenix, AZ by way of Belleville, IL	Scottsdale is also a big party area. A ton of nice bars and a little more variety than Tempe (mostly college). It's more expensive, though, but you could look at some of the places in North or western Scottsdale to get access to the spring training. Whatever you do, don't come out this week. I'm going to the golf open on Thursday and it will be a zoo. Between the FBR Open and the Super Bowl, traffic is a mess. __________________ Developer of Bowl Bound College Football http://www.greydogsoftware.com

01-29-2008, 12:32 PM	#8
path12 Coordinator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	I stayed in Scottsdale last time I was at spring training for the Mariners. It was quite a drive to their stadium in Peoria, but had plenty to do there (though as mentioned it's more expensive than other areas). __________________ King Renly Baratheon Storm's End We have always been at war with Eastasia.

01-29-2008, 09:42 AM	#2
Lorena Unregistered Join Date: May 2004	Anything south of Dunlap is a bad area, from what I remember. When my mother-in-law used to visit us, she'd stay at Homestead Hotel on Dunlap. I did a google maps and it's about 9 miles away from the complex.

01-29-2008, 10:19 AM	#3
johnnyshaka College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB	I went to spring training a few years ago for about a week and actually stayed at a Hampton's Inn two blocks south of Maryvale Stadium. True, it wasn't the nicest area but we were busy all day and really only were at the hotel to sleep. And, when we did go out for a dinner or a beer we didn't mind driving a little ways because the guy I was with didn't drink much so there was no need to worry about cabbin' it at any point. But, if you are by yourself or just don't want to worry about driving, I'd definitely recommend staying somewhere in Scottsdale...if money is no object. You will definitely be as far away as you can get from Maryvale but you'll find more to do in Scottsdale and it is probably one of the safer areas of town...from what I saw in my limited time there at least. I'm an A's fan, so we spent more time at Papago Park and I really recommend trying to see a game there, but Maryvale wasn't a bad spot at all. Also, if you are a golfer, let me know as I played about 10 rounds while I was there and definitely have some tips on where to play and how to book...if you are concerned about budget, that is. I'm very jealous...I'd love to go back...I think I'll have to look for a conference or something in the area because that is the only way I'll ever get back!!!!

01-29-2008, 10:48 AM	#4
Farrah Whitworth-Rahn Red-Headed Vixen Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ	I'm not sure if you're into the college party scene, but Mill Avenue in Tempe is a pretty good area to stay. It's pretty central to all the different parks, and has a bunch of things to do at night.

01-30-2008, 01:03 AM	#9
BYU 14 Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The scorched Desert	The new Westgate center (Where the Cardinals play) is pretty much complete and they have a couple of Hotels on site, (one pricey, one so-so). The center has a Movie Theater, a bunch of restaurants (The Yardhouse is awesome), shops and lots of things going on over the weekend (live music, cars shows, etc) It is just off the 101 and you can get to the Brewers field in 15-20 minutes either via surface streets or freeway in mid day. There are also some cheaper places in this general neck of the woods down by the I-10/101 junction that will get you out of the "Vale". The nice thing about staying in this area is that road games against the Mariners and Padres (Peoria) or the Royals and Rangers (Surprise) are pretty close as well. 20 minutes or less to Peoria sports complex and about 20-25 minutes to Surprise Stadium. I live in Surprise and the complex there is really nice as Spring training facilities go. Here is a link to the Westgate center http://www.westgateaz.com/

01-30-2008, 06:55 AM	#10
digamma Torchbearer Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Along the Los Angeles River	We stayed at the Angels complex last year. I think the hotel is a Marriott. Pretty good place to stay and neat to get up and walk down to their complex.

03-13-2008, 05:59 PM	#11
lungs College Starter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Prairie du Sac, WI	I'm flying out tomorrow morning. I was a little dismayed to see some possible rain in the forecast Sunday and Monday. It's not supposed to rain in Phoenix, is it?

02-24-2010, 11:26 AM	#15
lungs College Starter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Prairie du Sac, WI	Bumptity bump.... Going out there again March 10-15.... staying in Tempe this time.

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