Car Rental, Cheap Hotels, Grand Canyon, Oh My!

Tim sent me an email from the other side of the world:

I’m visiting Phoenix from New Zealand for approximately 3 weeks in July/August. Initially I want to attend a conference over a 3 day period held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort on 5350 E. Marriott Drive at Phoenix AZ85054. I don’t really know the area and am under the impression the hotel is in the Scottsdale area.

I would like to know if there are other hotels nearby and easily accessible to the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort which are more competitively priced while still being comfortable and safe with nearby eateries or restaurants. Our dollar is not worth as much as yours so I need to exercise caution hence my enquiry.

I’ve been told to hire a vehicle as the taxis can be pricy evidently; we drive on the left hand side of the road so I’m feeling a little apprehensive I must admit. Can you advise how much extra I should allow for taxes and other fees over and above the cost stated on websites?

One thing I want to do is visit the Grand Canyon; any information on the best form of travel, costs etc would be appreciated.

Here's how I responded to Tim.

Kia Ora Tim,

The Marriott Desert Ridge is one of the finest resorts in the Valley of the Sun. It's in north Phoenix, very close to north Scottsdale. Here are some more affordable hotels in north Scottsdale that within a few miles of Desert Ridge.

You say that your conference is only for three days, but you'll be visiting for 3 weeks. That tells me that you'll be doing a lot of driving and touring around, including, as you say, a trip to the Grand Canyon. Unless you have a local friend to take you from place to place, which, from your comment about driving I assume you don't, you will have to rent a car. Although we have taxis for hire here, they are not readily available to flag down away from the hotels as you might find in some other large U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco. The Greater Phoenix area alone is about 9,000 square miles, so assuming you'll be covering many exciting places of interest, cabs will be very expensive and inconvenient.

I understand what you say about being nervous about driving! I visited your country for the first time earlier this year, and I felt the same way. It wasn't so much driving on the other side that made me nervous; it was not being comfortable with local laws and customs. Beware--in Phoenix people drive very fast and they are not always predictable. Right turns on a red light are permitted (unless a posted sign says no) after a full stop, and pedestrians in a crosswalk always have the right of way. Luckily, school will probably not be in session when you are here, so you don't have to be too concerned about school zones. On highways, driving up to 10 miles over the speed limit is usually legally acceptable. Go 8 miles over to be sure you don't get stopped. Stay in one of the right lanes, though, since you'll be the slower traffic at that speed. On city streets, don't go more than 5 miles over the speed limit and stay in the right lane if you aren't a confident driver.

With respect to car rentals, you can generally shop online and see the rates as well as the taxes and charges before committing. Hold on to your seat--I would say that you should estimate that taxes and fees will about double your cost of the stated rental price, making a 3 week rental somewhere around a thousand U.S. bucks. If you are under 25 years old, or need extra insurance, or have additional drivers, it will be more. Definitely use an online comparison resource like Kayak. You might also consider contacting a company that isn't at the airport. Their fees might be more competitive.

As far as the Grand Canyon is concerned, it depends how long you'll be there and what you want to do. There are tour companies that go from the Phoenix area to the Canyon, take you hiking, on mules, or just drive you around. You might also consider the Grand Canyon Railway as a unique way to go. Here are some Grand Canyon resources for you. Don't forget to visit Sedona while you are here. It's between Phoenix and Flagstaff, and has its own unique beauty. I always highly recommend a Pink Jeep Tour for Sedona visitors.

Finally, don't forget that summer in Phoenix/Scottsdale is much hotter than summer in New Zealand. Take precautionary steps with your health and with your car.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Arizona!