Hardbody Visitor’s Guide to the Phoenix Pro

I had the chance to check out the area in and around this weekend’s Phoenix Pro after a recent photo shoot. Here’s a look at some information that may be helpful to those of you attending this weekend’s event.

Those of you flying into Phoenix will find it’s about 25 minutes from the airport to the host hotel. Ordinarily it’s about a 15 minute drive but there is construction en route to the hotel. Once you arrive you should be pleased with the accommodations.

Transportation:
• A car service to the hotel is a flate $35 fee. The number to call is 480-251-1451 for this service.
• Cab – will cost you around $40-50 but could be more depending on traffic.
• $16-$20 SuperShuttle – cheapest way but will also take you the longest.

Host Hotel:
Marriott Phoenix Mesa
200 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: (480) 898-8300

Front of the host hotel.

View of the pools at the host hotel.

Another look at the back of the host hotel.

There’s a Starbucks in the lobby for your morning jolt and a restaurant (Café Azul) that should have a special menu as well as a reasonably priced regular menu.  There are refrigerators in every room, which competitors will find quite handy to keep their food. The hotel also has a number of microwaves that competitors can use. The internet is free and there is a business center should you need to use a computer other than your own. Roll-aways are available at check-in should you feel the need to have a slumber party in your room.

Gyms:
The hotel gym has a few pieces of cardio but beyond that you’ll likely want to find another place to hit the weights. I was able to score a dozen free passes to the local YMCA that is walking distance from the hotel. If you’re interested in one of these passes email me and I’ll save one for you find me on Friday and I can give you one then.

The YMCA gym has an adequate supply of weights and workout equipment that should suit your needs. If you’re a hardcore cat and want to get your pump on at other gyms here are some nearby ones. Those of you looking to do photo shoots should note the YMCA does allow shoots but they charge $50/hr. The nearby Gold’s Gym allows it but not on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday because a magazine already has dibs on it. Here’s a couple nearby gyms other than the YMCA:

La Fitness - 4.3miles (10min) from hotel
1126 S. Gilbert Rd, Mesa AZ #480-503-0344
$15 a day, or can get free pass online www.lafitness.com
hrs – m-th 4am to 11pm, fri 4am to 10pm, sat-sun 7am to 8pm

Golds Gym – 5.2miles (12min) from hotel
2156 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa AZ #480-497-8686 www.goldsgym.com
$15 a day, or if have out of state mbrship just need to bring travel pass
hrs – m-f 5am to 11pm, sat-sun 5am-10pm

Mesa Community College - 4.4miles (10min) from hotel
1833 W. Southern Ave. Mesa AZ
Free track and stadiums

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Food:
Aside from there hotel restaurant mentioned there are a few places within walking distance or a 5 minute drive from the hotel.

• Diamond Sports Grille - across the street from the hotel. They server basic bar food, a number of burgers and if looking to keep it healthy they have 6-8 different salads to choose from. This joint holds about 100 people so I look for it to be packed after the show on Saturday night. The manager told me they stop serving around 10 or 11 but will likely have a special menu available after the show.

• There’s your usual fast food if you’re anxious to have an after show “meal”. McDonald’s, Jack-N-Box and Rosa’s Mexican

• Food near the contest venue consist of a Subway and pizza

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Misc.
Ladies, if you need your nails done or looking for a place to get your hair done, there are two salons within walking distance to the venue and 5 minutes from the hotel.

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Weather:
The weather should be great and highs are expected to be in the 70s all weekend. I’m stoked for this part because a snowstorm is heading into Denver today. SWEET MOTHER NATURE THANK YOU FOR ARIZONA IN THE WINTER!

If anyone in or near the event has something to add that would be helpful to those of us from out-of-state/country, please post in the comments below. Thanks and safe travels everyone and we’ll see you at the show!