The 9 Best Arizona Hotels of 2020

In the picturesque (and aptly named) village of Carefree, at the postcard-worthy foothills of the Sonoran Desert, lies Arizona's coolest lodging. The 1,300-acre Boulders Resort & Spa has won dozens of awards and accolades, and upon arrival, guests will have no trouble seeing why. This wildly scenic, luxe property provides the perfect getaway for travelers seeking upscale R&R in a drop-dead gorgeous desert setting. The resort features 160 casitas and 62 villas that boast wood-beamed ceilings, cozy Southwestern-inspired decor, 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. There are four swimming pools, two world-class golf courses, eight tennis courts, and miles of ruggedly beautiful hiking trails on the premises.  

Thanks to lovely accommodations and affordable room rates, the four-star Clarendon Hotel & Spa gives nearby ritzy resorts a run for their money. Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, the Clarendon has a great list of on-site amenities that range from a spa to a rooftop deck to a popular Mexican eatery, Tranquilo. But the crown jewel of this budget-friendly hotel is the Oasis — a funky courtyard pool and 50-person Hydro Spa with underwater speakers. You can cozy up to the scene by way of one of the many cabanas, chaise lounges, and beds that line the deck. Accommodations at the Clarendon are modern, sparkling clean, and vibrantly decorated with colorful artwork; all rooms and suites are equipped with the essentials including a flat-screen TV, safe, alarm clock, desk, coffeemaker, ironing board, and plush bathrobes. For the price, you simply can’t beat the Clarendon. 

Hotel Valley Ho easily wins top billing when it comes to stellar boutique hotels in Arizona. Conveniently situated in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this charming hotel is just steps away from bustling shops, art galleries, and fine dining spots on Main Street. After a recent renovation, the hotel still retains its chic, mid-century modern charms — when it was built in 1956, Hotel Valley Ho attracted old Hollywood screen stars like Natalie Wood and Zsa Zsa Gabor, and today, the crowd tends to be design-savvy, young, and hip. The property is bursting with amenities that include 24-hour access to a state-of-the-art fitness center and sauna, a renowned spa, free weekend yoga classes, two pools, ample outdoor lounge space, and a vibrant in-house restaurant, ZuZu, that serves classic American fare and artisanal cocktails. Guests have their pick of 193 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 49-inch flat-screen.

With its plethora of children’s amenities and opulent, romantic accommodations, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is truly the best of both worlds. Everything here is family-friendly without sacrificing five-star comfort — expect serious luxury in a serene desert setting (the lovely Paradise Valley) and decor and architecture inspired by Spain’s Andalucia region. Exclusive yet welcoming, the Omni at Montelucia boasts a Mediterranean-chic vibe all its own — think sprawling brick terraces, fountains, arched entryways, fire pits, and sparkling pools surrounded by palms and fragrant blooms. For families, the hotel offers complimentary Pack ‘n Plays, milk and cookies for the kiddos upon arrival, a special “Kids Crew” program, and a backpack with coloring books, stickers, and other fun items. Parents can also choose from a number of different combos of connecting rooms and cots can be easily rented. Other on-site amenities here include six different dining outlets, VIP access to world-class golf courses, outdoor space for yoga and fitness classes, and a full-service spa.

A truly breathtaking setting, personalized touches, otherworldly cuisine — what more could you want from a weekend getaway for two? At Enchantment Resort, romance is the name of the game. The location — in the most stunning canyon in Sedona Red Rock country — is unbeatable, and one of the best perks about staying here is just how secluded and peaceful everything feels. The resort itself is built into the canyon and surrounded by ruby-red rock formations, and it’s so sleekly decorated that it looks like it’s been ripped straight from the pages of Dwell. The facilities here are first-class: There are several romance packages to choose from (with full breakfasts, spa services, nightly dinners, and more), epic hiking and mountain biking trails for the adventurous types, an exclusive spa, and a private golf course that boasts a truly spectacular setting. Rooms are luxurious, as you might imagine, and are each outfitted with a spacious, furnished balcony, generously sized bathrooms (double sinks, a deep soaking tub, and separate walk-in shower), and exquisite furnishings.

If it’s utter luxury and upscale relaxation you’re after, look no further than Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, 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. Guests can luxuriate in the 12,000-square-foot spa, go for a hike on one of the many lovely trails that dot the property, take a dip in the infinity pool, lounge in a private outdoor soaking tub, dine at famed on-site restaurant Elements, play tennis at one of five tennis courts, or indulge in a whole-body treatment at the Asian-themed spa. Accommodations at Sanctuary are the pinnacle of luxury, with magnificent views of the mountains to match. No, 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. 

Situated right in the middle of Phoenix’s bustling, newly revitalized downtown business and entertainment district, the Westin is uber-stylish, and for nightlife-seeking travelers, it doesn’t get better than this location. You’ll be near an array of bars, clubs, restaurants, and other nightlife, in addition to popular attractions like Chase Field, Talking Stick Resort Arena, and the Phoenix Convention Center. Rooms here outfitted with all the essentials, including plush linens, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and more. Guests can take advantage of the hearty breakfast buffet that’s served every morning, dine at in-house Province Urban Kitchen & Bar, take a dip in the lovely Lapis Terrace Pool, or work out at the fully equipped fitness center. This four-star property also offers limousine rentals, for those who want to enjoy a night on the town in style.

Just because you’re traveling on business doesn’t mean you should have to skimp on style, comfort, and sophistication, right? 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, right next to a plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants (including Biltmore Fashion Park, Chase Field, and the Desert Botanical Garden), this elegant hotel boasts a snazzy rooftop pool, three buzzing bars, a full-service spa, 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 hot stone treatment. 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. High-end, thoughtful amenities and classy decor set this grand hotel apart from other business-friendly lodgings in Arizona.

When you picture the ultimate romantic bed-and-breakfast, you’re probably envisioning something like the England House B&B in Flagstaff. Originally built in the early 1900s, this picturesque Victorian-style stay is masterfully elegant and stuffed with late-1800s French antiques and homey decor. Rooms are cozy and come with thoughtful amenities such as fresh flowers, extra pillows, a fan, healing bath oils, and other personal touches. Guests can enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea, or an evening aperitif on the veranda, snuggle up with a book on a velvet couch in the foyer, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two at a private bistro table. Plus, the staff at the England House is notably warm and friendly, and always brimming with travel tips and city secrets that they’re ready to dole out at a moment’s notice.