Q: The Waldorf-Astoria it is not, but hey -- I wasn't looking for that. I wanted to visit Phoenix in the summertime, just to see what the "but it's a dry heat!" was all about. On a previous Phoenix vacation, I was advised that you can get good Phoenix deals in the summer because no one wants to go there then due to the heat. I got a good deal on this hotel via one of Travelocity's Last Minute Packages. I chose this hotel 1) for the good deal, 2) for its proximity to the airport, 3) and most importantly because it is the only hotel with a stop directly on Phoenix's new light rail (read: no rental car expense!). An all day pass on the light rail is cheap, it stops at the Diamondbacks baseball stadium (I caught a game while here), and you can get to downtown and just about any shopping you'd want. The hotel staff was very pleasant; room was standard but comfortable; and they have complimentary shuttle service to the PHX airport, as well as shopping areas within 2 miles of the hotel. A convenient store across the intersection was a good place to get cheap water and snacks. The pool was okay but they really need to have some pool chairs which are more conducive to human skin and 100+ degree temps, and even though you know Phoenix is hot, they really need to have more palm trees around the pool area which provide shade. I was able to snag a spot under one in the heat of the day and it was fabulous, but they need more. I travel a lot for business, and my employer tends to place me in Hiltons, Marriotts, Hyatts, the Waldorf-Astoria, etc. Crowne Plaza is a notch or two below any of those hotels (or five, in the case of Waldorf); however, when I'm footing the bill I'm happy with convenience, a good deal, pleasant staff, a pool, and convenient amenities. If you want to see Phoenix on a budget, I'd recommend the Crowne Plaza. Be sure to check out the light rail route, though -- if you want to see anything away from south Phoenix or downtown Phoenix, you'll need to rent a car. (It's true what they say -- it really is a dry heat. I will take Phoenix's 108 degrees over Charlotte's 81 degrees any day!)

A: positive

Q: Really good pho, spring rolls and decent bun, I just wish my chicken came out a bit hotter. Service was quick and abrupt, but they make a mean imperial roll.

A: positive

Q: Wait, this is not XS...?? Same layout, make you do a double take. Perhaps the waterfall was the only thing different.....Promoters are awesome. (hence the extra star) Crowd is generally cool (less greasy than XS). SMALL dance floor....so best not to go in a group and expect everyone to get down on there. You will be elbowed, and pushed and sholved.

A: positive

Q: Crabby cashier...Evelyn..?...Didn't greet me. Didn't speak to me through my entire transaction. Heck, she didn't even tell me the total!! Hello??? When there are 4 grocery stores equal distance from my house, you really should be nice or at the very least, talk to your customers!!

A:
negative