The legendary Phoenix rose up in the desert and so has the town of Glendale, AZ. Glendale is one of the western communities with a growth spurt due to the current development in downtown Phoenix spreading north, south and west. In 2006, Phoenix was listed as the 5th largest city in the United States with a population of 1,512,986. With an arid climate, the “Valley of the Sun” has an annual average maximum temperature of 100 degrees F and is the highest of any major U.S. city. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has an annual average temperature of 72 degrees F.

The mythical “Phoenix” bird, bedecked in feathers of red and gold, stands for rebirth and resurrection. Phoenix, Arizona was named as a rebirth of the Hohokam Indian civilization that founded the area. You’ll also find the Phoenix bird on the city’s logo and flag.

Neighboring Glendale is like an oasis in the desert featuring the newest 12-story four-star Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa (a John Q. Hammons hotel) with 320 rooms, three presidential suites, 46 suites, and two concierge levels. The suites have cable high-def TV, a microwave, mini refrigerator, in room coffee and tea service and a work desk equipped with a Jack Pack dataport for your Internet audio and video use. The contemporary beds are furnished with fine linens, soft pillows, a comforter and a colorful designer duvet reflecting the warm reds, oranges and golds of the desert and setting sun. There is a modern shoji-style sliding screen between the bedroom and luxurious bath with a whirlpool tub. You can leave the screen open as you relax in the tub and gaze out at the setting sun. The adjoining sitting area provides a table and two chairs for in-room dining from room service. The contemporary couch and chair offers comfort and a place to sit back and relax.

The contemporary marble-tiled lobby has a 3-story colored glass sculpture and water fountain. There are colorful and comfortable chairs for lounging and celebrity watching.

Soleil Restaurant features upscale casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try Executive Chef Scott Cape’s luscious Lobster Omelet for breakfast, and contemporary American Cuisine with a Southwest flavor for lunch and dinner. Ray’s lobby bar serves beverages and light appetizers. Refresco’s serves cuisine poolside. Caffeina’s Marketplace Café has wireless Internet access and your favorite mocha latte served at Starbucks.