IMAZ Hotels
I am starting to look for a place to stay in Tempe for IMAZ. 
The host hotel (Tempe Mission Palm) is a little too much for my wallet. Can anyone suggest different hotel (or location) that will make it easy for my family to get around on race day. I see several in the area, and all price ranges, but I have no clue as to which ones will be easy to come and go for my wife and small kids. Thanks in advance.
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PnI stayed at the Best Western on Scottsdale Blvd. Across the street from Starbucks, In and Out, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop (!) and about 200yds from a point on the run course where you see everyone many, many times. I think we paid about $100/night or so.
I was directly across the road from the R & P show at the ALoft* Tempe. iirc, it was around the same price, free wifi, a good bar (can't beat a sleection of beers after a race), close enough to basic needs of coffee, coffee, burritos, and coffee. Some, but not too many, triathletes in race week. Easy home base to get to / from the race site, expo, pasta dinner, etc . I like it and stay there whenever I'm in phx - overall, it's a good value for dollar.
(and a hop, skip and jump from Tribe multisport, though I understand they are moving/have moved.)
Gotta get these hotels and details on the wiki someday.
*Think "Downmarket W Hotel."
The BW was pet friendly and is Riley Tested and Approved. Two paws up, especially so close to the water and the running paths. He swam 2x per day and did not glow in the dark, suprisingly.
Rich - how far is the hotel from the start and finish? r/Paul
Just a heads up on the BW on Scottsdale. Don't wait to book. They jack up the price. We got it for $89 per night for 2008 a year ahead of the event, but talking with other people staying at the hotel, they paid over $200 per night.
There is another BW on Priest about 3 or 4 miles south of the site. We booked there for 2009 and paid $88 per night. We booked about 8 weeks before the event. Easy to get in and out of race area and this BW is far enough away from mayhem. Downside...no Starbucks, In and Out, or self serve frozen yogurt shop.
Another recommendation: "My Big Fat Greek Restaurant" on Mills is excellent! It is a must!
Mission Palms is the way to go for convenience. Yes, more expensive, but worth it for the family. 2 blocks from venue, nice pool for the kids, Starbucks 1 block away, nice pre-race buffet. We started out at Springhiil Suites and moved to Mission Palms.
tom
I've booked at the Best Western on Scottsdale for 2010. It's close enough. I looked at the Mission Palms and couldn't justify paying an extra $140 per night plus 12% tax on that. Since I'm staying 5 nights, I'll save about $800 which ought to cover about half the gouge I'll buy in the IM store!