Hilton Vacation Club Rancho Manana Phoenix/Cave Creek

The rooms are huge, with two bedrooms and bathrooms, each with two sinks, plus a large kitchen, living room, and a covered balcony with a table and chairs. The Southwest decor is rustic, but it has the comforts that make it feel homey. The mountains nearby are beautiful and have trails, and there's golf for anyone who plays. Around the area you'll also find loads of distinctive shops and places to eat.

A really distinctive hotel and a lovely base near Phoenix and the surrounding sights. One thing to keep in mind: finding food nearby after 8 pm isn't easy, and the property itself has very little to offer for food.

We found this place on a whim when we urgently needed a room, and the front desk guy was pleasant and helpful. I was worried about my vehicle because it isn't secure and is easy to rob, but it stayed untouched in the safe parking lot. I hadn't checked the prices and expected something over $500 a night. It was around $220, which felt like an insane value. My room was a full duplex, not a small room, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a patio.

The only reason I'd come here is for the golf. The rooms are dated and in rough shape. They seem to have painted, but never replaced the molding, and there's a long crack in the tile floor. The cabinets are beat up, and the dishwasher needs replacing. We left with no-see-um bites all over our bodies. The concierge was out of line when he asked whether we needed help with our luggage. We said yes, and he replied, “We have a Mexican with a golf cart.” Rude. Hilton should be ashamed.