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I'll be encamped on the 14th at the Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Resort, at 7401 N. Scottsdale Rd, at a very reasonable price courtesy of Priceline. Is this place really posh and nice? I need my campsites to be just so, and may have to cancel if it doesn't meet my exacting standards of desert camping. You know, running water, golf course, campsite dining service, pool, shopping and dining nearby? How does this place compare?

The best place to pitch a tent is on one of those relatively flat areas, where the grass is really, really short. It could be windy, so use big stakes.

Edit: I forgot, those come with a pre-excavated cathole, too.

I've never stayed there, but have attended several corporate meetings on site. Its a nice enough place, but definitely not in the upper tier of Scottsdale Resorts.

The pool is pretty standard, no lazy rivers, water slides, or other features often found in Scottsdale these days. Banquet services served us up some pretty good food the couple of times I was there, but I didn't dine at the restaurant or bar otherwise.

It is just across a scenic lake from McCormick Ranch Golf Course, but I don't know if the hotel offers guests a discount greens fee or not.

The location is a bit problematic. Its a good mile north of anything worth walking to, and about 3 miles to Old Town Scottsdale. Sure its a cheap cab ride, (and the hotel may offer a free shuttle service?) but I wouldn't want to "hike" down Scottsdale Road every time I wanted to check out the world-renowned silicone galleries.

My recommendation for a 5-star meal nearby ... Roaring Fork on the SW corner of Scottsdale and Chaparral. Its on the lower floor of an office building. Eat at the bar for great value. Mostly the same menu at half the price. Happy hour there is a bargain too.

Since I don't see it in your triplogs ... I assume you'll be summiting the mighty Mt. Camelback while you're so close! How long will you be in town? Can you get all 7 Peaks of Phoenix in? (They're all snow-free...)

Tell me more about these silicone galleries? Do they come with perks? I'll be summiting Scottsdale Shea, and using an Alpine Start with a checkout of 6am. I don't plan on the other local summits, but I may do something north of the 101 as I enter or leave the Valley.

Unfortunately, the perkiness of the galleries cannot be adequately described by written word. One must experience such treasures in person.