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| - It's amazing what you'll be willing to overlook when a warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie is handed to you. So the giant "Welcome Oakland A's" banner was draped over the front entrance could have been the dealbreaker. Warm Cookie beats annoyance at A's banner.
Okay, Spring Training wasn't my first time at this Doubletree. Been here before and it's nice. The rooms at this place are modern, clean, spacious, and comfortable. Couches, coffee table, a work table, and plenty of open space to stretch out. The suites (and they're all suites here) are nicely outfitted with a big Plasma HDTV in the living area and a standard-def CRT in the bedroom. Local channels and HBO are in HD, the rest are Standard def. Huge pool, although it's usually pretty busy. A Precor Fitness Center that is pretty nice, Wi-Fi and wired internet in every room although it's not free, parking is free. Avoid the 3rd floor if possible because it's the only floor without a crossover above the pool from the elevator so if you get stuck on the far side of the building, it'll take a while to walk there.
The complimentary breakfast facility is very swank, but there's nothing spectacular about the food itself. Standard Doubletree menu of a buffet - bacon, sausage, eggs, and either pancakes, blintzes, french toast or other starch alternating.
Can't deny the location close to the airport and Central Phoenix is convenient. Rooms are well insulated and quiet and it's location less than a minute away from Highway 202 is really easy access. I'm really indifferent to the staff here - they do their job. They're most definitely not rude or unpleasant but some enthusiasm and maybe cracking a smile once in awhile would be nice. I'm pretty split between this location and the Embassy Suites on East Thomas - if only for the free in-room internet and easy access to some of the best friggin Latin food in Phoenix - it would ultimately come down to which place has the better price.
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