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Shopping in Phoenix

While retail therapy isn't generally what visitors travel to Phoenix to enjoy, the city certainly isn't short on shopping. Outlets range from trendy boutiques to fun shopping malls, catering for all budgets. Visitors won't have difficulty finding local products to buy here as the city's native American heritage is clear to see in the many smaller gift shops or independent boutiques.

Key areas

Visitors can enjoy a flavour of Asia at the Chinese Cultural Centre (668 N 44th Street), where ornaments and rugs are sold alongside traditional Chinese food and plants. Traditional Wild West cowboy attire is sold at Saba's Western Wear (3965 N Brown Avenue) and for an eclectic range of antiques, Willow Antiques (133 W McDowell Rd) is a popular venue. Art lovers in Phoenix make their way to downtown Scottsdale, where galleries are in abundance.

Markets

Phoenix is packed with market places, from flea markets to local farmers markets. For the freshest produce in the city, the Sprouts Farmers Market (8040 N 19th Avenue), is the best place to visit. For a market with a difference, the Phoenix Park n' Swap (3801 E Washington Street) is a flea market selling everything from canaries and bicycles. Children's fairground rides operate here and food vendors are on site all day.

Shopping centres

Phoenix offers a variety of shopping centres, such as the Biltmore Fashion Park (2502 E Camelback Road), home to popular shops and department stores. For other fashion and homeware outlets, Kierland Commons (Scottsdale Road) is a vast complex with plenty of recognisable stores selling the latest trends, books, toiletries and other items.

Opening hours

Store hours vary in Phoenix. In general, they are open Monday to Saturday, 0900–1800. Some places do open on Sundays, although many do not. Visitors should be aware that most shops close on public holidays.

Tax information

Sales tax 8.6%, although this does not apply to purchases of food.

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The Saguaro Scottsdale

Vibrant colours, handcrafted Mexican furniture and two outdoor pools help give this trendy hotel in Oldtown Scottsdale the va-va-voom factor.
Recently renovated, the hotel boasts 194 guest rooms, each furnished with a pillow-top mattress and 42-inch flat screen TV. Outside, a tropical garden sits between two outdoor pools and a margarita bar, stocking more than 100 varieties of tequila.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

This luxurious desert retreat's backdrop is in the dramatic McDowell Mountains, and has pools, fountains, falls and lagoons in its own grounds. A plaza and courtyard have a Mexican village style. Rooms are spacious, with a southwest theme and either a patio or balcony. Casitas include butlers. Amenities include a free kids’ club, golf concierge for its famous golf course, five restaurants, five pools, water slides and an indoor/outdoor lounge with live entertainment.

Four Seasons at Troon North

Everything you expect from a luxurious Four Seasons resort. The lobby is a living gallery of desert art. Accented with a desert motif, the spacious rooms include a fireplace and a balcony, often with picture perfect views. Marble bathrooms have deep soaking tubs. Accommodation is in casitas, small villas. Excellent cuisine is accompanied by sweeping desert views at Acacia, a contemporary steakhouse, and the southwest-flavoured Crescent Moon. Amenities include a spa and fitness centre, and two lounges.

The Phoenician

With US$25 million worth of art (there is a self-guided tour), this hotel is opulent. The grounds have a large cactus garden, nine pools (some shaped like grand pianos) and a golf course. The hotel's restaurants range from epicurean, with a wine list of 4,500, to an ice-cream parlour and tea court. Airy rooms feature Berber carpeting, Irish linens, as well as rich and oversized Italian marble bathrooms. Not to be missed is its plush spa with a complete treatment menu, and the unusual addition of Tarot card readings.

Orange Tree Golf Resort

This hotel complex, on one of Scottsdale's popular golf courses, offers plenty of luxury for the discerning guest with a slightly less discerning budget. The décor is newly renovated and modern, and has 160 suites, all with a balcony or patio. The facilities include fitness and sports centre, swimming pool and golfing lessons. The poolside bar serves lunch and the golf restaurant is an alternative destination for dinner.

Arizona Biltmore Resort

Since 1929, this has been the place for celebrities, dignitaries and presidents. Spread over 16 hectares (40 acres), structures are interspersed with gardens, nine pools (the Catalina was Marilyn Monroe's favourite) and Irving Berlin wrote White Christmas here. The grounds include: tennis courts, lawn chess, croquet and two championship golf courses. Guests will find earthy-toned, spacious accommodation, large marble bathrooms and excellent service. Light meals are available at a café in the hotel's plaza.