On a recent roadtrip to spend the Christmas holiday with my fiancee and his family in Arizona we discovered the Marriott at McDowell Mountains. We were on a bit of a roadtrip (one girl--me, one husband-to-be, one wannabe rock star and one comedian on our way from LA to Arizona and then leaving again for Vegas) and this seemed like a good solution to a pull out couch or the living room floor.

I found out about the hotel after calling the townhouses that are available for rent across the way and finding out that they were already booked for the Christmas holiday. The gentleman at that establishment kindly recommended the Marriott to me since it is next door. Both the Marriott and the neighborhing condos are located on the TPC golf course in Scottsdale. We were delighted to find out about their off-season special at the time, $99 per night for a beautiful one-bedroom suite (with two double beds) with adjoining living room with pull-out sofa bed. The rooms, bathrooms and common areas were immaculate. Bedding was clean and tasteful. Bathrooms were not only clean but were spacious and well designed with two sinks, a stall shower and a large, separate bath tub.

The hotel pool was very clean and kept at a perfectly enjoyable temperature. Lawn chairs, towels and iced water were provided for guests. There was also a fitness room and bathrooms by the pool to save you from having to go up to your guestroom each time you needed to use the restroom.

Let me tell you how I spent Christmas morning. I woke early (at about 6:30am since I was still on NYC time) and went for a walk on the beautiful desert gold course. I was ecstatic to see rabbits, road runners, cacti and unusual birds. The greens are spotless and early risers can get a nice walk in pre-golfers if you get up early. (Note: I do not know for sure if you are supposed to walk the grounds or not. We casually hopped over the low fence between the course and the hotel. I think if you are respectful and rise with the grounds keepers you may be okay. It's worth getting up for.) After a long walk we made our way to the hotel restaurant for an excellent brunch. The brunch is worth making a special trip to the hotel if you are in the area--even if you are not guests. For around $12-$15 I enjoyed the best oatmeal I have ever had with fresh raspberries, blueberries and bananas to top it from the fresh fruit bar. Yogurt, bagels, your own fresh pot of coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice...it was all included. Other options were available such as eggs, french toast, etc...service was excellent and other diners were friendly and engaging. (I'm not sure if it is just because it was Christmas or just something about waking up to 70 degrees, brilliant sunshine, a superb brunch and clean air.) Get there early, secure a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy the sun as it gradually makes it way across the patio while sipping coffee and eating a fresh pink grapefruit. It's a beautiful way to meet your morning. (Note: in the evening there are heat lamps on the patio and pool tables--I thought this was unique and the men I was travelling with definitely enjoyed it.)

Attentive staff. Simple yet tasteful accomodations and beautiful Scottsdale. I highly recommend staying at this hotel if you are planning to visit family, a golf trip or business.

Recommended: Yes