Frommer's American Southwest (Frommer's Complete Guides) [Paperback]

Lesley S. King (Author), Karl Samson (Author), Don Laine (Author), Barbara Laine (Author), Mary Herczog (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 2005 | Series: Frommer's Complete Guides (Book 182)

You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go—they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!

Meticulously researched, with every recommendation based on personal experience, Frommer’s American Southwest is the only guide you’ll need to experience all the adventure and natural wonders of this amazing corner of the country. In this detailed and completely up-to-date guide, you’ll find geat places to stay in every price range: luxury resorts, historic B&Bs, family-friendly motels, ranches, rustic cabins, and more.

We’ll show you all the sights, from dinosaur fossils and ancient cliff dwellings to Wild West saloons and Native American pueblos. You’ll rely on our complete coverage of the national parks and monuments, including the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Canyon de Chelly. Whether you’re looking for family fun or daredevil thrills, Frommer’s American Southwest will help you design the adventure that’s right for you.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. Frommer's. The best trips start here.

• The best of the Southwest, from Native American culture and outdoor adventures to luxurious resorts and world-class golf courses.
• Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
• Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
• Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.

Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com

About the Author

Lesley S. King (New Mexico coverage, plus chapters 2, 3, 5, and appendix) grew up on a ranch in northern New Mexico, where she still returns on weekends to help work cattle. A freelance writer and photographer, she’s a contributor to New Mexico Magazine and an avid kayaker and skier. She has written for the New York Times, United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine, American Cowboy, and Audubon. She is writer and host of Written on the Wind, a television documentary series. She is also the author of Frommer’s Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque and Frommer’s New Mexico.

Karl Samson (Arizona coverage) finds that the sunny winter skies of the Arizona desert are the perfect antidote to the dreary winters of his Pacific Northwest home. Each winter, he flees the rain to explore Arizona’s deserts, mountains, cities, and small towns. It is the state’s unique regional style, Native American cultures, abundance of contemporary art, and, of course, boundless landscapes that keep him fascinated by Arizona. Summer finds him researching his other books, including Frommer’s Washington, Frommer’s Oregon, and Frommer’s Seattle & Portland.

Residents of northern New Mexico for more than 30 years, Don and Barbara Laine (Colorado and Utah coverage) have traveled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest. They are the authors of Frommer’s Colorado, Frommer’s Utah, Frommer’s Rocky Mountain National Park, and Frommer’s Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks; are the lead authors of Frommer’s National Parks of the American West; and have contributed to Frommer’s Texas and Frommer’s USA. The Laines have also written Little-Known Southwest and New Mexico & Arizona State Parks (both for The Mountaineers Books).

Mary Herczog (Las Vegas coverage) lives in Los Angeles and works in the film industry. She is the author of Frommer’s New Orleans and Las Vegas For Dummies, and has contributed to Frommer’s Los Angeles. She still isn’t sure when to hit and when to hold when playing blackjack.

Product Details

• Paperback: 626 pages
• Publisher: Frommers; 2 edition (November 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076459883X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764598838
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,595,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars out of date and out of touch, August 22, 2005

By 

Kathleen Wright "kittylou410" (Severn, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frommer's American Southwest (Paperback)

I took this book with me on my vacation to the southwest and I found it disappointing. The restaurants it suggested in Flagstaff were all quirky or trendy. Lake Havasu City is completely different from what they describe, as the major tourist section went bankrupt TWO YEARS AGO. It describes Las Vegas, but none of the natural and historic wonders so close to it like Valley of Fire State Park, which is filled with ancient petroglyphs, incredible scenery, and wildlife. It was somewhat useful, but I'd recommend getting it from the library just to get some ideas of places to go. Don't rely on it for comprehensive, up-to-date information.

5.0 out of 5 stars great tour book!, April 23, 2010

By 

Pitkin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Frommer's American Southwest (Frommer's Complete Guides) (Paperback)

My family is going on our first ever tour of several national parks soon and this book is terrific. It is informative, well-laid out, and full of helpful information. It is great to have background on each park, trustworthy lodging recommendations and suggestions for interesting side-trips. There are many, easy-to-read maps for each chapter. I appreciate the suggested itineraries for half-day, one day, and two day stays in each area. A great resource!

4.0 out of 5 stars Some helpful pointers..., June 26, 2009

By 

Steffferrrzzz - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Frommer's American Southwest (Frommer's Complete Guides) (Paperback)

I wish I had more time to read this book before going on my vacation this year, but we did pull out some helpful hints from the book.

It provided some good feedback on local restaurants, as well as some kooky out of the way attractions we really enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it for your southwestern getaway.