So in November we hit the road to Phoenix, Arizona to check out the final few hotel options. We usually start with a dozen or more hotel options, but looking at the location, size, pricing, nightlife and a fabulous pool, we’d narrowed down the choices to three resorts. All three had great, although different, pools, but one was a clear front-runner choice for TPT 11. Take a look and see what you think, and mark your calendars for October 1-5, 2008!

The resort above is the closest resort to the new Big League Dreams that could work for our group, and it had a great jacuzzi, but it was only a 3-star property. It was also located in a newer part of town, and lacked the southwest-feel we were looking for in a Phoenix destination.

This second option above had a GREAT pool and a casino next door. And while the casino was a interesting addition, it was the only nightlife on offer. In the end, we had to rule this one out due to the drive time to BLD, potentially up to an hour with traffic.

The third option, and ultimately our final choice for the host resort for TPT 11, has a great two-sided pool, multiple nightlife options, an outdoor bar overlooking the pools, three hillside jacuzzis, and was one of the closest 4-star resorts to the new Big League Dreams.

There is a mini lazy river joining the two pools, and a unique feature we think many of our players will enjoy. In the middle of the lazy river is a ‘window’ so you can view the swimmers as they pass from pool to pool. We suspect there will some interesting photo-opportunities over the course of our five-day event.

Players might also enjoy the slide - open only during daytime hours!!

The resort also has multiple jacuzzis set into the hillside with view of Phoenix.

But the thing that really sealed the deal for this resort were the many great bar and nightlife options. Pictured here is a bar that sits above and between the two sides of the pool. Where’s Waldo? See if you can spot the tournament organizer. Tequila on the Rocks is another favorite spot. Open every evening, it’s an indoor bar with music and a dance floor. We expect this to be the hot spot every night of the event. Check out more details for the 2008 TPT Host Resort at www.ButtesMarriottResort.com.