The Best Phoenix Valley Hotels

On the heels of a property-wide transformation, this iconic resort has a fresh, new feel and central location nestled into the backyard of the Valley’s best restaurants and shopping.

The Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, has been captivating the hearts of travelers since 1929. Designed during Hollywood’s Golden Age—a collaboration between famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his former student Albert Chase McArthur—this 39-acre property just reopened on May 1, 2021, after a 15-month-long renovation that’s catapulted it to the top slot of best Phoenix hotels.

Original elements, such as the signature Biltmore Block and Wright Bar (where the famous Tequila Sunrise was invented), were lovingly restored while new features skillfully meld history with modernity. The heart of the property now centers around the new Spire Bar, a swanky alfresco lounge space adorned with water and fire features that’s anchored by a 30-foot spire that pays homage to Wright’s bold design aesthetic. 

Throughout the property, you’ll find seven pools, including the adults-only Saguaro Pool (featuring a 140-year-old Saguaro cactus) and the reimagined Paradise Pool. There are air-conditioned cabanas for the adults and a 65-foot triple waterslide and splash pad for the kids. Afternoons at one of six tennis courts or two pickleball courts are sure to rev up your appetite.

Renata’s Hearth is the new Latin restaurant on site, with a dinner-only menu that explores “the essence of smoke” in many of its dishes and drinks—the Los Muertos cocktail comes enveloped in a delightfully smoke-filled presentation; the Argentinian red shrimp ceviche is fresh and bright; and the "para compartir" (for the table) crispy slow-cooked pork belly roast with warm tortillas and salsa verde is rich and savory. Complete your meal with the charred pineapple crème caramel (you can thank us later). Book a lavish one- or two-bedroom villa suite with a kitchen or a luxuriously remodeled cottage bathed in a palette of earthy hues, wood, bespoke furniture, and comforting touches. 

Between its vibrant pool scene, chic bar and easy access to Scottsdale’s best nightlife and shopping, Hotel Valley Ho is the place to see and be seen.

Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Zsa Zsa Gabor...what do these celebrities from every era have in common? A stay at the mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho, a staple in Scottsdale since 1956. Just one year after opening its doors, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood held their private wedding reception in the hotel’s ballroom. Yep, this property has roots steeped in pure Hollywood gold. Today, the crowd tends to be design-savvy, young, and hip—perhaps because it’s conveniently situated in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, mere steps away from bustling shops, art galleries and museums, and fine dining spots on Main Street. 

The colorful property is bursting with amenities that include 24-hour access to a state-of-the-art fitness center and sauna, a renowned spa, two pools, and ample outdoor lounge space. Where’s the party at one of the best hotels in Phoenix? One of two spots: the vibrant in-house restaurant, ZuZu, which serves classic American fare and artisanal cocktails, or the OH Pool, featuring local musicians and DJs on the weekends. Guests have their pick of contemporary rooms and suites that feature floor-to-ceiling glass and private patios or balconies, in addition to basic amenities like a morning bar with complimentary coffee, oversized bathtub, luxe toiletries, and a flat screen. 

Spring training fans planning to see a Chicago Cubs game should consider this hotel baseball basecamp.

Each February, the MLB’s Spring Training Cactus League (with 10 facilities hosting 15 teams from around the country) heats up in Phoenix, but there’s no hotter ticket in town than a Chicago Cubs game at Sloan Park. Diehard fans would be wise to snag a room at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, right next door, and select a room facing the stadium to watch some of the action from their room. When you’re not at the ballpark, enjoy some downtime at the one-acre pool recreation area with fire and water features throughout. There are two heated swimming pools, a hot tub, and poolside services. 

You won’t miss a moment of any ballgame airing on TV when you grab a bite at the Stats Sports Grill, thanks to its 20 flat-screen TVs. Across the street, you’ll find Mesa Riverview Park, a massive outdoor park perfect for letting the little ones burn off some energy: It has two playgrounds and the world’s tallest rope climbing tower, which stretches 50 feet into the air. There’s also a 75-foot zip line and splash pad, shaded picnic table areas, and miles of accessible sidewalks. 

There’s no better place to relax and reconnect with yourself or a loved one than the aptly-named Sanctuary on Camelback.

If it’s a luxury and upscale relaxation you’re after, look no further than Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, a spectacular 53-acre resort carved into the side of its scenic namesake. The landscape here is awe-inspiring—panoramic views of the mountainous desert are almost worth the room rate alone. Multi-level casitas with floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the sweeping vistas, while one- and two-bedroom suites offer even more room to spread out. Next-level luxury resides in the seven private mountainside villas, each offering impressive amenities such as private pools and tennis courts. 

Guests can luxuriate in the 12,000-square-foot spa featuring Asian-inspired treatments, join a standup paddleboard yoga class, go for a hike on one of the many lovely trails that dot the property, take a dip in the infinity pool (which becomes adult’s only Friday-Sunday), lounge in a private outdoor soaking tub, dine at famed on-site restaurant Elements, or play tennis or pickleball. Accommodations at Sanctuary are the pinnacle of luxury, with magnificent views of the mountains to match. A stay at the Sanctuary Camelback Resort won’t come cheap, but if you’re craving romance in the lap of luxury, it doesn’t get more upscale than this.  

This sophisticated property with a myriad of kid-approved activities proves it is possible to book a vacation that’s fun for the whole family. 

Picture your entire family smiling, laughing, and having the time of their lives—the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess goes above and beyond to make this blissful thought a reality. Each morning, kids ages 5-12 are kept busy in the Kids Club, with supervised games, crafts, and swimming. Parents may choose to indulge in some self-care at the Well & Being Spa with an aromatherapy massage or aerial yoga class, or hit the greens at the nearby championship-level golf courses. In the afternoons, guests of all ages can visit the recreation center to borrow sports equipment and fishing poles, play ping pong and arcade games, or ride 3D simulators. 

For fun in the sun, choose from one of six pools based on your mood: There’s an adults-only option with day beds and floating bean bags, the Sonoran Splash with two 200-foot twisting water slides and covered sandboxes, or Sunset Beach, which instantly transports you to a tropical paradise thanks to 9,000 square feet of white sand (the only patch in Arizona) and palm trees.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Bourbon Steak, where award-winning chef Michael Mina serves up dry-aged steaks cooked over mesquite wood flames or La Hacienda for fresh-made guacamole, carne asada, and flights of tequila and agave spirits. 

Nestled into the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician has it all—from pools and shopping to a spa and golf course—and graciously delivers it to guests on a silver platter.

While most of these best hotels in Phoenix offer luxurious touches, The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, oozes extravagance at every turn. Heck, even the standard guest rooms come with marble bathrooms, signature robes, and a Keurig coffee maker. Consider upgrading to a Presidential Suite, with 4,000 square feet of space, views of the vistas from your balconies, a full-service kitchen, expansive living space, and locally sourced artwork.

But to really wow yourself and your guests, choose the Canyon Suites—the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in the greater Phoenix area, located on The Phoenician grounds — which offer the best of the best: private infinity pools, complimentary breakfast, and a personal Canyon Ambassador to assist with anything you need. Your daily resort fee includes in-room Wi-Fi, outdoor yoga classes, tennis, cruising bicycles, and craft beer tasting. 

Spend your days lounging at the three-tiered pool complex that features the iconic hand-tiled mother of pearl pool on the lower level plus three separate pools on the upper level. There’s a treehouse, splash pad, and waterslide for the kids, too.

The Phoenician Spa is a must-visit, with 24 treatment rooms and a Tranquility Suite for couples (not to mention, the rooftop pool has 360-degree views) and golfers will go ga-ga for the Phoenician Golf Course, an 18-hole course that plays to par 71 and truly showcases the desert landscape.

Feeling famished after all that fun? Mowry & Cotton dishes up modern American cuisine inspired by the seasons, while J&G Steakhouse features a tasting menu that’ll give you an impressive sampling of the expansive offerings.

Just because you’re traveling on business doesn’t mean you should have to skimp on style, comfort, and sophistication.

For the utmost in boutique business travel, book a room at the Camby Hotel in Phoenix (formerly a Ritz-Carlton). Conveniently located on Camelback Road and 2401 E Street in the heart of Phoenix, right next to a plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants (including Biltmore Fashion Park), this elegant hotel boasts a snazzy rooftop pool, two buzzing restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 24-hour room service, so you can treat yourself to a post-work cocktail, a leisurely workout, or a refreshing swim. 

Accommodations at the Camby are sleek and comfortable, with spacious marble bathrooms, original artwork, expansive views, and copper Mylar ceilings, in addition to basics like a Keurig coffeemaker, fridge, and TV with access to streaming services. Stop by The Bee’s Knees, a chic lounge that serves a stylish happy hour perfect for entertaining clients—on weekends, try Tipsy Tea, a boozy tea service with adorably Instagram-worthy teapots and delicious snacks. And when meeting for drinks turns into a dinner meeting, head to onsite restaurant Artizen and choose the mouthwatering herb-marinated flat iron steak. 

A hot newcomer to the Uptown Phoenix scene, locally-owned Rise Uptown delivers a chill pool experience and rooms outfitted in local touches—with a price that can’t be beat.

Uptown Phoenix is one of the trendiest spots in the Valley, boasting many of the best restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. So Rise Uptown was smart to swoop in and provide out-of-towners and staycationers alike a social place to lounge by the pool and rest their weary heads.

This locally-owned boutique hotel offers plenty of amenities to attract younger crowds—from foosball tables and Bali beds to frozen treats made from fresh fruit and a Cartel Coffee Lab for anytime caffeine fixes—without alienating older generations.

The heart of this property is the Lylo Swim Club, a mid-century modern outdoor restaurant and bar adjacent to the pool area that’s known for its delicious cocktails (the Dole Whipped is a rum-drenched, pineapple-flavored soft serve that goes down a bit too easily) and Hawaiian-Japanese-inspired bowls (the KBBQ Beef is unbeatable). The fun doesn’t stop in the evenings, however. With ample seating and fire features beckoning guests to gather around, the nighttime ambiance at Lylo sets the tone for a good night’s sleep.

Rooms are outfitted with 100% Egyptian cotton bedding, Lather bath amenities, Apple TV and Direct TV, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, and a record player with a collection of albums curated by local record store Stinkweeds.

Looking for a nightcap? Newly opened Don Woods Say When rooftop bar is brimming with rich burgundy carpets and brass- and leather-accented furnishings, and views that stretch from Camelback Mountain to the downtown skyline to the westward sunsets Arizona is known for. 

The 1,300-acre Boulders Resort & Spa has won dozens of awards and accolades, and upon arrival, guests will have no trouble seeing why.

In the picturesque (and aptly named) village of Carefree at the postcard-worthy foothills of the Sonoran Desert, lies Arizona's coolest lodging. This wildly scenic, luxe property provides the perfect getaway for travelers seeking upscale R&R in a drop-dead gorgeous desert setting surrounded by 12-million-year-old boulder formations.

The resort features 160 casitas and 61 villas that boast beamed ceilings, cozy Southwestern-inspired décor, natural stone showers, and wood-burning fireplaces, as well as a wide range of in-room amenities that include a sleek HDTV with premium HD channels. Some casitas have a private patio or balcony with awe-inspiring views of the ancient rock formations in the area; villas and haciendas are very spacious and stylishly decorated, with fully equipped kitchens, laundry rooms, living areas, and multiple bedrooms. 

Consider the Boulders Resort & Spa the ultimate wellness retreat, complete with four swimming pools, two world-class golf courses, eight tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, and miles of ruggedly beautiful hiking and biking trails on the premises. For the more adventurous, book a guided boulder climbing experience or nighttime bike ride with LED lights.

The spa not only delivers treatments showcasing healing traditions from various cultures around the world (such as massages using locally sourced clay or citrus), but unexpected offerings, such as a meditative labyrinth, Native American tipi, and a spiral steam room. Nutritional counseling, personal training, chakra balancing, and astrological soul readings are also available.