If you’re looking for a nice place to stay during your Reds spring training trip to Arizona, Hilton’s Homewood Suites in Avondale is a winner. These multi-room suites make an extended stay in a hotel less cabin-fever-y by giving you more of the amenities of home, like a refrigerator and a place to sit other than your bed. If you’re traveling with kids, you can even get two bedroom suites so you don’t have to listen to them jumping on the bed and yelling at their Gameboys all the time.

Personally, I loved having breakfast provided each day. I like to get out and try the local fooderies, but sometimes you don’t want to have to be ready to face the day before you have your waffle. And, even though Homewood’s pool was way too cold for a wimp like me to enjoy, their Garden Inn partner property across the street keeps their pool nice and toasty and doesn’t mind if you walk over to make use of it.

Reds fans won’t want to miss the company at the pool, since every night we were there, it was populated with aspiring major leaguers who were, like us, taking a dip to relax after a long day at the field. It was an immersive experience in more ways than one.