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Southwest Desert
Road TripsArizona's Big-City Destination
Splashy resort and spa websites gush with words like “posh” and “pampered.” “South Beach meets the Sonoran Desert” sums up the nightlife and shopping. And there are more than enough golf courses here (250-plus at last count) to keep Tiger Woods out of trouble. Phoenix, once known as little more than a tanning salon for traveling retirees, has become the Arizona desert's big-city vacation oasis for all ages.
The downtown core, while pleasant enough with fun things to do, isn't going to knock your socks off like, say, the flashy Las Vegas Strip or historic Santa Fe, New Mexico. But that's not what you're here on vacation for. It's those plush resorts (and the fancy-schmancy places to eat inside them), the outstanding museums, the top-flight pro sports venues, the culture (from art galleries to symphony concerts) and, most importantly, the ideal fall-to-spring weather you've come to experience.
Don't forget the desert. Rising behind the downtown skyline are the twin humps of Camelback Mountain, a choice spot for desert-style hiking close to your hotel. East of the city, beyond the spill of cookie-cutter suburbs, are the rugged, saguaro cactus-strewn Superstition Mountains. That's just the tip of the iceberg. And if you think an iceberg could withstand 3 months of 100-degree-plus Phoenix heat (June to August), there's a vortex up in Sedona we'd like to sell you.
Phoenix, AZ
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Sponsored Listing
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa5350 E Marriott Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85054
Book NowSponsored Listing
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
The Camby, Autograph Collection2401 E Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North3838 E Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85008
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown100 N 1st St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Book NowCity Population
1,445,632
Elevation
1,117 ft.
Sales Tax
The statewide sales tax is 5.6 percent; an additional 2.3 percent is added in Phoenix and an additional 0.7 percent is added in Maricopa County. There is a hotel/motel tax of 12.57 percent. Rental cars incur a 15.1 percent tax, plus an 11.11 percent concession fee. There is a stadium tax of 3.25 percent. Airport parking includes a daily surcharge of $4.50.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(602) 262-6151
Hospitals
Banner Estrella Medical Center, (623) 327-4000; Banner—University Medical Center, (602) 839-2000; Maricopa Integrated Health System, (602) 344-5011; St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, (844) 369-5479.
Visitor Information
125 N. 2nd St., Suite 120 Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone:(602)254-6500 or (877)225-5749
Air Travel
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Rental Cars
At the airport, Hertz, (602) 267-8822 or (800) 654-3131, offers discounts to AAA members.
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc. has terminals at 2115 E. Buckeye Rd., (602) 389-4200, and 2647 W. Glendale Ave., (602) 246-0907 or (800) 231-2222.
Taxis
Taxi companies serving the greater Phoenix area include Yellow Cab, (480) 888-8888; Discount Cab, (602) 200-2000; and VIP Taxi, (602) 300-3000.
Public Transportation
Valley METRO Light Rail connects downtown Phoenix to the neighboring communities of Tempe and Mesa. To reach Sky Harbor International Airport, get off at the station at 44th and Washington streets. From there, the free PHX Sky Train connects to the East Economy parking area and Terminals 3 and 4. At Terminal 4, shuttle buses provide transportation to Terminals 2 and 3.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
