Hotel Review: Residence Inn/Courtyard Marriott Downtown

The hotel's sleek exterior. 

Downtown Phoenix is undergoing a renaissance. I've only lived in Phoenix for a little more than two years, and in that time, I've seen it grow and change in mostly positive ways with more and more restaurants, bars, shops and venues popping up in what was once a relatively sleepy part of town.

One of the signs of growth? New hotels popping up. One of the latest to hit the scene is the Residence Inn/Courtyard Marriott Downtown. This a very affordable spot, with rates hovering at about $100 in November of 2017. This is a dual hotel, with the Residence Inn providing long-term lodging options and the Courtyard portion supplying a daily place to stay. 

Residence Inn room. Note the pretty geode on the wall. 

The biggest advantage of this hotel is that you're literally staying as close as you can get to the Talking Stick Resort Arena and Chase Field. If you're in town to see a baseball or basketball game or a show, that makes this hotel an ideal option. Plus, the views of downtown Phoenix are practically unmatched. I admire the modern details in the rooms here. The most striking one was a geode panel that separated the bathroom from the bedroom. 

Like many hotel chains, many Marriotts now allow dogs. And this hotel is no exception. There's a limit of two pets per room. The max weight for the dog is 75 pounds. There's a nonrefundable fee of $150. You'll want to contact the hotel directly for details. 

"Here at the Residence Inn/Courtyard Phoenix Downtown, pets are considered a part of the family, and are treated to the same outstanding service as our human guests. There’s nothing better than curling up with your cat or doggie in a luxurious bed to make you feel at home. And if you’re planning an outing with your pet, you can use our complimentary Internet access to find the nearest dog-friendly spots and local pet stores," says Yvette Koebke, director of sales and marketing at the hotel. 

The hotel is in a relatively quiet area of downtown, making it an ideal place where you can walk your dogs. The bathrooms in the Residence Inn are spacious enough where you could leave your dog there if you were afraid that he or she might make a mess when you're gone. I'd recommend this affordable hotel if you're looking to have an adventure downtown with your dogs and want to be near many of downtown's top venues. 

**Please note that my hotel stay was comped. Thoughts are my own. 

Review of Dog-Friendly Arabella Hotel Sedona

Arabella Hotel Sedona is a budget-friendly lodging option in a town chock full of expensive hotels. This spot is located within walking distance from shopping center Tlaquepaque (a must-visit place brimming with boutiques that feels very European) and just a short ways from the center of Sedona's downtown. As you might have guessed, the hotel is also pet-friendly.

A warm welcome for my two dogs. 

It was recently remodeled and the dog-friendly rooms are all right next to a dog park featuring Sedona's red rock soil. I loved the convenience. Plus, the hotel's grounds make for a gorgeous setting for a dog walk. I've walked my dogs in too many drab parking lots and know this is a true pet parent perk. The hotel also has access to Margs Draw Trail, which is also pet friendly. I didn't get a chance to hike this, but I've read it's a fairly moderate hike.

Loved this on-site dog park. Sorry about the smudge.

Nice view, huh?

The hotel created a sunset vista view point, as you might have guessed from the sign. 

Here's the view you can get from your hike that starts at the hotel. It was cloudy on the day I went up there. 

As far as rates go, this is one of Sedona's more budget-friendly options with rooms costing a little more than $100 a night. But don't think that budget means you have to sacrifice.

The hotel has incredible views from the pool. I also liked the location. You're close to downtown without having to deal with the traffic.

Happy dogs on the bed!

From the roadside, the hotel looks a little run down. But inside, the rooms are clean and modern. Although the bed felt a little old and a tad lumpy--I'm a hotel bed connoisseur--but every other detail felt right. For the price and location, it would be hard to top this hotel.

Bonus: Arabella's most famous attraction is Elote Cafe. The Mexican food here is phenomenal. I've never had anything I didn't like. Try the elote--a sweet and spicy corn dish that you can scoop up with chips. The margaritas are also pretty damn tasty. You'll usually have to wait for a table, but it's well worth it.

The famed and must-try elote appetizer. 

Elote Cafe also has great drinks. 

**Please note: my stay was comped. Opinions are my own.