Hotel Valley Ho anchors Cactus League experience

Original Hotel Valley Ho owner Robert Foehl, Ted Williams and Bob Feller.

To truly embrace Arizona’s spring training experience you need to start with an anchor. For Cactus League baseball fans, there may be no better anchor than the retro-chic Hotel Valley Ho in Downtown Scottsdale.

The hotel has hosted Baseball Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Bob Feller, Ferguson Jenkins, George Brett, Rickey Henderson and Leo Durocher. More recently, the Hotel Valley Ho has been the spring training home to Tim Lincecum, Ryan Howard, Coco Crisp, Ichirio Suzuki, Barry Zito and Hideki Matsui, to name just a few.

But beyond the baseball history, the Hotel Valley Ho is centrally located with easy access to all spring training facilities in the valley, features some rooms equipped with kitchens and all rooms have access to the hotel’s amazing OH Pool Bar + Cabanas.

The hotel really hits a home run with baseball fans by offering a Spring Training Weekday Savings special. The special is valid Sundays to Wednesdays through March 31 and includes 15 percent off the best available room rate, a welcome amenity and two drinks upon arrival. Click here to make reservations or call 866-882-4484.

For a complete guide to every Cactus League team and stadium, check out the digital issue of Play Ball magazine.

STAYING CLOSE TO SCOTTSDALE?

If you’re staying at the Hotel Valley Ho or somewhere else in Scottsdale, here are some of the best hotspots to make your Spring Training game day complete:

SOL Mexican Cocina

Located at the Scottsdale Quarter, SOL Mexican Cocina’s patio is the ideal place to sit back, relax and sip on a margarita before or after a day at the ballpark. The restaurant’s menu features Executive Chef Deborah Schneider’s bold, modern interpretations of traditional Coastal Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday you can stop by for SOL’s happy hour. Try some of the restaurant’s baja inspired dishes or refreshing margaritas at a discounted price. SOL is located at 15323 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. For more information, visit www.solcocina.com.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Old Town

Enjoy your favorite pizza while you soak up the Desert sun and spring breeze. Each of Grimaldi’s eight Arizona locations has a distinct patio. So if you’re in the mood for pizza and a cannoli or just want to enjoy a glass of vino or beer, Grimaldi’s in Old Town is a perfect place to unwind after a game. Grimaldi’s in Scottsdale is located at 4000 North Scottsdale Rd. Ste. 105. For more information, visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.

Kelly’s at SouthBridge

To enjoy the cool weather and feel the awesome Old Town atmosphere, hit Kelly’s at SouthBridge before or after your spring training game. It’s the perfect place for some pre/post game day drinks. Join them on Wednesdays for their live music on the patio after 5 p.m. Located on Sixth Avenue in downtown Scottsdale, the 8,000 square foot upscale restaurant offers traditional pub classics mixed with exceptional modern cuisine and the perfect laid back atmosphere. Kelly’s is located at 7117 E 6^th Avenue, in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.kellysatsouthbridge.com.

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

Save some money before you hit the game with those ballpark prices and enjoy specials on their “Hoppy Hour” menu throughout the week. The dishes range in price from $2 to $5 and are offered daily. Visit their Scottsdale location at 7077 E. Bell Rd or try out their Paradise Valley location at 4731 E. Cactus Rd. www.tiltedkilt.com.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

Scottsdale’s newest dining addition, Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill, opened in February at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Hail a golf cart to take you to the games from the comfort of their 1,500 square foot patio. Enjoy happy hour, seven days a week from 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. & again from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Choose from $4 featured pints, house margaritas, well drinks and featured wine. There’s even a $3.95-$5.95 food menu. The venue is located at 7014 East Camelback Road Suite 1423, in Scottsdale. For more information, visit thirstyliongastropub.com/scottsdale.

HEADING WEST?

From March 3 through April 4, baseball reigns supreme in the West Valley with five ballparks hosting more than half of the MLB teams in the Cactus League. If you’re heading toward the West Valley to check out spring training game, Westgate Entertainment District is the hub of activity for baseball fans looking to grab a bite, a few beers and sweet treats or enjoy live music and a little shopping before or after the game.

All season long, fans are encouraged to show their ticket stub to take advantage of the many deals offered by Westgate tenants including:

Saddle Ranch Chop House

20 percent discount on total food bill. Does not apply to happy hour.

http://www.srrestaurants.com/glendale, 623-889-7770

McFadden’s

20 percent discount on total bill.

http://www.mcfaddensglendale.com, 623-872-0010

Just Sports

20 percent discount on one regular-priced item.

www.justsportsaz.com, 623-872-9490

Calico Jack’s Mexican Cantina

20 percent discount on total bill.

www.calicojacksglendale.com, 623-877-5225

Crave Waffle Sandwich Creations

Buy one, get one 50 percent off. Applies to all menu items except alcohol and discounted items. Must be of equal or lesser value and cannot be combined with any other offer.

www.icravewaffles.com, 623-772-0622

OPA Life Greek Café

20 percent discount on any order.

www.opalifegreekcafe.com, 623-242-8338

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

Receive one free appetizer with the purchase of one regular-priced entrée.

www.whiskeyrosewestgate.com, 623-877-7673

As You Wish Pottery

50 percent discount on a regular studio fee.

www.asyouwishpottery.com, 623-772-5403

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

15 percent discount on total bill. Offer valid for same-day ticket stubs only.

http://www.kabukirestaurants.com, 623-772-9832

IT’SUGAR

$5 off a purchase of $20 or more with same-day ticket stub.

www.itsugar.com, 623-877-8124

Fractured Prune Doughnuts

One free 16 oz. fountain soda drink with the purchase of two or more made-to-order Fractured Prune Doughnuts. Not valid in the US Airways Center, must show game-day ticket stub and valid on game days only.

www.fracturedprune.com, 623-872-0008

Cold Stone Creamery

10 percent discount on any order (excluding gift card purchases).

www.coldstonecreamery.com, 623-877-1580

Fresh Healthy Café

10 percent discount on any order.

www.cafefresh.com , 623-505-3277

Shane’s Rib Shack

20 percent discount on one regular-priced item.

www.shanesribshack.com , 623-877-7427

Mama Gina’s Pizzeria

20 percent off one regular-priced item.