Sweet Biltmore

A pack of half-dead knuckleheads arrived in Phoenix which looked like an oasis after a traumatic accidental foray into the Sonoran Desert. After a stopover at Gila Bend, we somehow got disoriented, and ended up deep inside the Sonoran Desert National Monument and had to continue on to Casa Grande, instead of Avondale. The distance covered was about the same, but it was traumatic nonetheless, mostly because the beer ran out.

Arriving in Phoenix, we had bookings at the Arizona Biltmore, one of the finest hotels in Phoenix. I did catch a bit of flak for the heavy cost, but we were going to be here for 3 days, so I figured might as well make it enjoyable. And luxury it was. Set in the heart of Phoenix, and spread over 39 acres, swimming pools, tennis courts, golfing, multiple restaurants, a gazillion rooms and villas, fitness center, spasalon, the works. This place had everything.

After a short stint at the Wright Bar to get the horrors of the drive out of our heads, we headed to our rooms for a much needed siesta. The rooms are as good as the rest of the resort, with well stocked mini-bars, swanky marble baths and double sinks, heavy workdesk, coupla chairs, free wi-fi internet, and artsy period decor and lamps add to the sense of stately luxury. Nice view, but the sheer number of buildings and rooms makes it a bit of a maze.

Anyway, have to see what kind of nightlife Phoenix has in store tonight. Tomorrow we'll hit the Phoenix attractions and probably check out Gilbert and the ghosts at Jerome too. But tonight is a time for fine dining and checking out the cultural offerings of Copper Square. That's translation for bars and nightclubs.