Affordable family gem near PHX?

Question

Our family of four (boys are 11 and 13) are in the market for some President's Day sunshine to combat our dreary PNW winter. PHX is the best direct flight from our airport. I understand it's the busiest/most expensive season, but considering that we're just looking to escape from 42 degree rain, the sun itself will be five stars.

From what I've found so far it looks like Phoenix proper is kinda meh and Scottsdale is expensive. Anything in the SE direction - Chandler, Tempe, etc to look into? We'd love a heated pool at least, but not sure if the resort style water parks are in our budget. Thinking about going to the Rennaissance Festival, so something in that direction would be great! Would love to stay around $400/night.

Answer

For a family of four seeking a sunny, affordable getaway near Phoenix over President's Day, focusing on areas like Chandler, Tempe, or the southeastern suburbs can give you better value than Scottsdale while still offering plenty of family-friendly amenities and access to attractions.

Here are some practical considerations for your stay:

Chandler: Chandler has a number of mid-range resorts and hotels with heated pools and family-friendly amenities. It’s quieter than Scottsdale but still offers convenient access to Phoenix and Tempe. Look for resorts or hotels near Ocotillo Golf & Country Club or near Chandler Fashion Center for easy dining and shopping.
Tempe: Tempe is close to Arizona State University and Mill Avenue, offering restaurants, casual entertainment, and some outdoor attractions. Hotels here can be slightly more affordable than Scottsdale and still provide pools and kid-friendly spaces.
Gilbert: Just east of Chandler, Gilbert can be a surprisingly good option for family stays. Many newer hotels offer suites with kitchenettes, which can help save on meals. Pools are generally heated and resorts are often less crowded than central Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Other tips and ideas:

Check for hotels offering “family suites” or two-room configurations to comfortably fit four people.
If the Renaissance Festival is a priority, consider staying in Chandler or Gilbert, which provide easier access than Phoenix or Scottsdale without paying premium resort rates.
For a heated pool, explicitly confirm with the hotel, as some smaller properties have pools that aren’t heated even in February.
Major chain hotels often have weekend rates closer to your $400/night target, and booking early for President’s Day is essential due to high demand.

Recommended approach:

Search for resorts or hotels in Chandler/Tempe/Gilbert that advertise family suites, pools, and proximity to dining and attractions.
Prioritize properties with flexible cancellation in case of price fluctuations.
Consider spending a day exploring the Desert Botanical Garden or Papago Park in Phoenix, both of which are free or low cost, and offer scenic desert landscapes.

By staying in these southeastern suburbs, you can enjoy sunny Phoenix-area weather, family-friendly amenities, and easier access to the Renaissance Festival without paying Scottsdale’s premium rates.

Affordable family gem near PHX?

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