Hotel Waterfront Ivy, Scottsdale

When our family spends long weekends enjoying Spring Training in Arizona, we always stay at the Hawthorn Suites in Scottsdale. We've had both 1- and 2-bedroom suites, although "suites" is somewhat of a misnomer. These accommodations are more like well-furnished apartments.

All the suites include a spacious, eat-in kitchen with full-size refrigerator, dishes, utensils, microwave, and just about anything else you'd need to prepare a simple meal. The living room includes 2 sofas and chairs and a large TV. There's Internet access for those who can't tear themselves away from email. The bedrooms aren't huge, but certainly sufficient with a TV in each.

The hotel doesn't have a restaurant, but you won't miss it in the morning. The large lobby area is the place to be in the AM. There's a hot, buffet-style breakfast every morning � and it's complimentary.

Mom and Dad and the kids will enjoy any of the five swimming pools. Serious swimmers, however, will get dizzy trying to do laps. Although they aren't large, the pools are adequate for cooling off in the evenings. Parking is right outside your door and there's a trail in back that runs along a canal. The location is in a quiet residential neighborhood, but still close enough to restaurants and attractions. The Hawthorn Suites is a great, affordable choice for families.