Ahwatukee, Arizona, is a section of Phoenix located in the far southeast portion of the city. It is separated from the remainder of Phoenix by the South Mountain Park, a 16,000-acre mountainous preserve. Ahwatukee is a popular destination for hikers and road bike riders because of its proximity to South Mountain and the mild fall, winter and spring temperatures. Because Ahwatukee is a mostly residential district of the Phoenix metropolitan area, hotel options are limited to chains along the interstate.
Clarion Hotel Phoenix Tech Center
The Clarion Phoenix Tech Center is located near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Elliot Road in the northern section of Ahwatukee. It sits in close proximity to several key hiking and mountain-biking trailheads in South Mountain Park. Access to the Pima Canyon trailhead is about one mile north of the hotel and accessible via 48th Street. The Beverly Canyon and Javalina Canyon trailheads are about 2.5 miles north of the hotel.
All of the 188 rooms come with free breakfast, shuttle transportation to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, high-speed Internet access and use of the hotel's fitness center. A pool and hot tub also are on-site. This pet-friendly hotel allows up to two pets per room, for a charge. Dining, nightlife and shopping facilities are within a two-mile radius, and the sprawling Arizona Mills Mall is less than three miles away.
Clarion Hotel: Phoenix Tech Center
5121 E. La Puente Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 893-3900
www.clarionhotel.com
Grace Inn
Grace Inn is a moderately-priced resort hotel that caters to business and vacation travelers alike. Like the Clarion, it sits near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Elliot Road, and is in equal proximity to the Pima, Beverly and Javalina canyons trailheads. The six-story hotel has 160 units, eight of which are suites. All rooms come with refrigerators, coffee makers, high-speed Internet, irons and hair dryers. Some have microwaves. There is an on-site pool and whirlpool. A restaurant, lounge and spa also are on-ite. No pets are allowed.
Grace Inn
10831 S. 51st St.
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 893-3000
www.graceinn.com
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites sits in the southernmost portion of Ahwatukee. This nicely positions it for travelers who wish to stay amid Phoenix's dining, nightlife and shopping amenities but seek a quick morning escape to spots frequented by outdoor enthusiasts in the deserts between Phoenix and Tucson. The hotel features an on-site health and fitness center, pool, whirlpool and business center. Of the 125 units in the hotel, only two are suites, but all rooms come with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron and hair dryers. No pets are allowed. The high-end Chandler Fashion Center is five miles to the east. Also nearby is the unique Makutu's Island, a 20,000 square-foot, year-round indoor play center for children.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suits
15221 S. 50th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 785-8500
www.hiexpress.com
About The Author
Ed Baker has worked in the publishing industry since 1994. He is currently an editor and writer based in the Southwest. He previously served as an investigative politics reporter for the "East Valley Tribune" in Mesa, Arizona. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.
