Anyone from Phoenix area?

Thinking about staying at Harrahs Ak-Shin in Maricopa,using it as a base to see Phoenix and Tuscon area. Not going there for the hotel itself,only because of the cheap rate we get. $399 for six nights Have a nephew in Mesa also. Dont need 5 star hotel ,just clean ,half decent. Appreciate any info .

 

Tough golf course there, Southern Dunes. Do NOT play it too far back. Ouch.

 

isn't that Harrah's a little ways out there? i'm talking about 20+ miles outside of the Phoenix metro

 

I'm an hour from there and play slots a few times a year at Harrah's Ah-Chin.

The place is kinda old and dumpy IMO, it's 20 minutes away from I-10, but a good location between Tucson and Phoenix/Mesa area. If you decide to play their slots, almost all the good penny slots are 2-cent machines.

I would check out Wild Horse Pass. Yes, it is a Sheraton hotel, but the casino is sweet and fun as well. Good location on I-10 near Phoenix/Chandler area. Closer to Mesa, but a bit further from Tucson than Harrah's.

I've never stayed in the rooms at Harrah's, but I don't think I ever would. Even though it's just over an hour from my house, I don't get a very cozy feeling about the place. I do get free room offers for them all the time, but like I said, it's the whole vibe thing for me.

Maybe someone else can chime in about the rooms for you.

 

I agree, Harrah’s is a bit off the beaten path. Rush hour traffic can be a real bear out to Harrah’s and Freeway access is limited.
I would look for an Extended Stay or Wild Horse Pass is another good option. I made a few calls and don't know anyone that has stayed their either.

 

Thanks guys

Is it really that hard to get to? Is it on a main road or real remote? The Trip Advisor reviews seem positive ,but who knows. Like I said ,price is a motivating factor,the pics of the room seem ok,Supposedly have been remodled .Is there anything else around there as far as a town or more restaurants within a mile or two?

 

Just around the corner is the town of Maricopa. Trashy town that always smells
weird like garbage or something everytime I drive through it. On the main drag, about 5 miles away, is a Fry's grocery store, some strip malls, and tons of places to eat. Plenty of fast food and a few restaurants.

Use google maps, satellite view and fly around so you can see where the freeway is and the local town of Maricopa.

 

Thanks again Smo

Doesnt sound like the greatest place ,but it's not isolated out in the middle of the desert I hope. Sorry, no clue how to use google maps.

 

No, you're not out in the middle of empty desert there, but Maricopa ain't exactly an oasis. And it is decidedly off the beaten path and not a Grand Canyon State must-see place.

I'd work it backwards, figure out what you want to see/do and then use hotels.com or booking.com or whatever.com to see what you can get.

 

The old hotel was nice. I've not stayed there since they opened the new tower. The pool is fantastic but no idea if its open year round. casino is decent but not amazing.

I'd also keep looking around for something a little closer to town. Ak-Chin isnt out in the middle of the desert but it will add an extra hour or so driving every day. We have our truck worked on at the Cummings dealership in Tolleson and stay at the Premier Inn...its clean and right off the interstate and only like $50 or so a night.

 

But Tolleson is out west, and if he's interested in trips to Mesa and Tucson that's way the wrong way.

And of course you GOTTA play golf at We-Ko-Pa!!

 

Just talked to my nephew in Mesa

He said forget Maricopa ,he said the place to sight see and get a feel for the South West is definitely Tuscon,rather than Phoenix. He said there's casino hotels ,plus good restaurants and national parks ,historic places like Tombstone ,the kinds of things we want to see.
So tomorrow I'll check into Tuscon hotels and see whats happening. Thanks again guys, sorry Ken,no golf this trip.

 

Tucson rocks. In fact, I'm writing a Tucson golf and travel/getaway piece right now (not literally right now but it is in my current queue of articles). Great food down in the Old Pueblo, beautiful scenery, tons of stuff to do.

 

jg, here's something I wrote about the non-burrito/-carne seca food scene in Tucson:

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/11/travel/la-tr-tucson-20110410

 

OK Did the deed

Staying 5 nites at Casino Del Sol, free flights from EWR to Phx ,thanks again to all . Promise I'll read your article soon Ken.

 

I haven't played this yet, but have heard good things. On par with We-Ko-Pa?

What's your favorite, Cholla or Saguaro?

Also, have you played Quintero?

Kind off the beaten path, but on the way from Phoenix to Vegas. Just west of Lake Pleasant.

 

That's a Lambo/Ferrari question. Love 'em both but if I have to pick one it's Saguaro, only because Cholla has a hole or three that aren't quite as outstanding as their brethren. Certainly the best two-course offering over there and both are top 5.

I like Quintero. The par 3s get a little repetitive by the end. Solid solid play, however. NO intrusions!

I'd not make a lot of effort to get to Southern Dunes more than once. Nothing against the course. The competition is just so tough over there that a killer play elsewhere can't crack the Valley of the Sun top tier.

P.S. You play Rancho Manana? Great sleeper. LOVE Golf Club Scottsdale. Still trying like mad to get out at Whisper Rock.

 

I live about 15 minutes from Rancho Manana. Tight course, not a big fan because it plays so slow. Tonto Grill is awesome though and they have great dogs at the turn.

I haven't been out to Whisper Rock, supposed to be great.

 

Just checked car rentals in PHX yesterday

Really high compared to Vegas,just about double.I dont rent many cars except mostly in Vegas,so this is real sticker shock.