08 Sep Boujee on a Budget

Fourth of July weekend in Phoenix

When my friend Dani and I were planning our annual trip (well mostly annual) we landed on Phoenix over 4th of July weekend. Why go to Phoenix in the dead of summer, are we ok?  Yes, and we are also big time bargain shoppers, coupon using, deal hounding people so Phoenix was going to be the best, most luxurious place we could snag.   We settled on the JW Marriott Camelback and it had the most spectacular views, rooms, and spa all at a fraction of the normal cost.  We paid $290 each for a deluxe room, that was nearly as big as my apartment, with two queen beds, and a porch that opened into desert scenery.

We did a 3 night, 4 day long holiday weekend and this was the longest 4 day weekend I’ve ever had.  We went to bed around 10pm every night and the sun was up by 6am daily and so were we.  Each morning we got out before the 110 heat hit and rode bikes, or took a hike in Camelback to soak up the nature and get in some outdoor exercise.  After that we literally did nothing but enjoy the peace of the resort and bask in the sun. 

I usually don’t like early morning flights, but this one was ok.  We both left our departure cities early on the fourth and arrived in Phoenix around 9am.  We had plenty of time to get brunch before heading to our resort to check in.  Since the resort was not at capacity our room was ready at arrival.  We spent the whole day at the pool where there was a DJ booked for the holiday weekend.

That night we went back to the pool, pulled up a chair and watched the fireworks go off.  I recalled our past two trips; the one where I went to NYC to visit him and we watched the fireworks from Brooklyn over lady liberty, and the one where he came to Denver but left the night of the fourth and we watched them on the drive to the airport.  I don’t particularly care for fireworks, but watching them again with Dani was a nice reminder of our summer getaways.

On our second day we decided to pay $25 each to have access to the spa and the quieter spa pool.  It was a dream, the views, the peace, and plush lounge chairs.  I worked on keeping up my tan from Columbia while Dani sat under a large umbrella in the shade reading.  The only place I’ve ever been that’s quieter was the Alila in Oman.

Part of the reason we splurged was to have access to the steam room, sauna, and plunge pool.  These were located in the locker rooms.  Dani went in first and came out looking refreshed, he said the icy plunge pool was perfect for the sweltering day.   Next it was my turn, I walked into the womens locker room, got a plush towel and did a loop, and another, I couldn’t find the plunge pool.   I went back to the front desk and the lady said sorry, the ladies locker room doesn’t have a plunge pool, only the mens, women don’t use it. I was floored and the only two words that came to mind were: gender apartheid.

I suddenly felt slighted of my $25, like women can’t tolerate the cold?  Will their ovaries freeze off rendering them useless?  I was so bummed I felt like emailing The Points Guy to complain.  In fact, I am going to forward this blog to him.  He once responded to a comment I made on his Instagram story, so he may read this.

Upon sadly returning to the pool just as hot as when I left, I told Dani the ladies don’t get a plunge pool.  He couldn’t believe it, but in the end it became a lasting joke of the entire trip.  Just as the conversation was delving into womens rights, maternity leave, and equal pay we heard a pre last call drinks!!  Dani looked me dead in the eye and said have you ever heard that?  I love this woman.  He was referring to our poolside bartender well in to her golden years.  She wanted to make sure we, and all the other guests, had plenty of time to get a drink before last call.  Icon.

On our last full day we had coffee on our porch and then Dani indulged me and went on the botany walking tour of the resort.  I was enthralled with the desert life, the Saguaro cactuses, and the grouse.  I know he was dying of heat and close to sun poisoning, but he was a trooper.  I love deserts, they are my favorite places to travel.   They are quiet, clean, dead and so alive at the same time.  I can now check the Sonora desert off my list.

Our last morning we had a quick breakfast and said our goodbyes.  I flew home thinking about our friendship and all the places we had been.  Dani I met in Munich nearly ten years ago when we both lived there, he’s a Kiwi who later moved to NYC.  He is the best because he’s your ultimate cheerleader, whatever you’re doing he’s giving you spirit fingers and backing you up with the most confidence.  Every morning when we woke up he looked over and said good morning beautiful, that was so endearing, a reflection of his character.

In short, if you want luxury but don’t want the accompanying prices, go to Phoenix in the summer, there are countless resorts and spas with tons of availability.  If you can take the heat then this is a great way to maximize savings while relaxing in peace.