[drewster]

My wife, myself and our 18 month old daughter want to go to the Phoenix area in late Nov, early Dec. I'll likely play golf twice during the week we're there, but the priority is finding a great place to stay with open arms for families and good shopping/quality all-around stuff to do around the place.

Not being familiar with the area or the resorts/communities in Scottsdale or Phoenix, what recommendations might anyone have?

My wife's keen on this place called DC Ranch. I have no clue.

I'm open to anything, we'd like 2-3 bedrooms and something nice-- not looking to be cheapo travellers but also don't want to spend through the nose either.

Cheers & Thanks
Dodo

[CooGAR]

Look into McCormack Ranch and Gainey Ranch. Just remember that you are going around their peak season when the "snowbirds" come in!

[Lundingolfer]

We go to Scottsadale every year from Scotland and stay at the Firesky resort on North Scottsdale road. Great hotel and great pool area and you can walk to the fashion mall in 5 minutes plus all the good restaurants are close to hand and it isnt too spendy. Downtown old Scottsdale is 10 mins away Golf go to Greyhawk, We ko pa Troon North man there are loads all with websites.

Have a nice trip

[FreakinA]

If the wife is not going to play golf, send her to the Scottsdale fashion square, then sit back and watch the credit card damage take effect.

[poppyhillsguy]

Your little girl will love what my son refers to as the "Choo-Choo Park"...

http://www.therailroadpark.com/

[retep]

I got 1 word of advice.... SUITE.
we stayed at a suite at the WigWam which is pretty far out there, but it was a suite and had 3 courses on site. they are pricey, so that of course is a factor....
I was just at Desert Ridge and it was nice, very nice. BUT BUT BUT BUT... the kid in the same room is not easy for a snorkler/ cribbed little guy and that was not easy and you had to turn out the lights at 8 and then watch tv quietly with the wifey in the dark (or do other things in the dark).

[*sigh*]

DC Ranch is a nice part of town. Really anywhere in north Scottsdale or the Paradise Valley area tends to be rather nice. There are plenty of larger resorts or more upscale hotels in that area as well, especially if its one somewhat close to the loop 101 then you have access to just about anything, Desert Ridge is a nice outdoor mall in that area, so is the area around the kierland and of course golf courses galore.

[jpcdmd]

DC ranch is in north Scottsdale, nice but might be a little pricey. Anywhere in north Scottsdale or Paradise Valley area will be nice. The new JW Marriott at Desert Ridge is very nice and kid friendly, and won't break the bank. They have two nice golf courses also, called Wildfire.

The Wigwam, are you kidding me? Thats near absolutely nothing.

There really isn't much all-around stuff to do here other than golf or go to the mall. The wife should be happy, but you may want to play more than twice.