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Downtown Phoenix | Greater Phoenix | Scottsdale | Tempe and Around
The Valley of the Sun now offers locals and visitors some of the country’s best choices when it comes to funky, high-fashion accommodations.
Developers and hoteliers have taken advantage of the Valley’s wide-open spaces to introduce super-size, luxury resorts like the Westin Kierland and the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, offering everything from their own golf courses and water parks to four-star restaurants and shopping villages. Places like the retro-hip Hotel Valley Ho and the sleek, mountainside Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain have brought Arizona to the forefront of luxury-hotel style. Regal resorts like The Phoenician, the Four Seasons, the romantic Royal Palms Resort, and the Moroccan-inspired Omni Scottsdale keep lodging grounded in traditional, unsurpassed elegance, while plenty of boutique and business hotels keep it grounded in price.
Downtown Phoenix properties tend to be business hotels, close to the heart of the city and the convention centers—and often closer to the average vacationer’s budget. Many properties here cater to corporate travelers during the week, but the lively weekend events downtown are more than enough to entice leisure travelers. With more than 60,000 hotel rooms in the metro area, you can take your pick of anything from a luxurious resort to a guest ranch to an extended-stay hotel. For a true Western experience, guest-ranch territory is 70 miles northwest in the town of Wickenburg.
Many people flee snow and ice to bask in the warmth of the Valley, so winter is high season, peaking from January through March. Summer season—mid-May through the end of September—is giveaway time, when a night at a resort often goes for half the winter price, but be forewarned: in the height of summer it can be too hot to do anything outside your air-conditioned room.
Don’t be surprised if you see a “Resort Fee” on your checkout statement. Most Valley hotels charge these fees, which range from $20 to $30 and cover such amenities as parking, in-room Wi-Fi, daily newspapers, in-room coffee/tea, fitness centers, pools, and more. Ask your hotel for a complete description of what the resort fee covers.
Downtown Phoenix
Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Palomar Phoenix.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Hip and unabashedly quirky, this boutique hotel has kicked up Phoenix’s urban street cred a few notches and offers a compelling reason to stay in Downtown Phoenix. Luxe modern furnishings and amazing city views, coupled with a fantastic location within CityScape, make Palomar a great spot to rest your head—or party the night away. Pros: modern and luxurious furnishings; great Downtown views; attentive staff; evening wine reception; pets welcome. Cons: parking is costly; rowdy atmosphere could be tiresome. | Rooms from: $369 | 2 E. Jefferson St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/253–6633, 877/488–1908 | www.hotelpalomar-phoenix.com | No credit cards | 226 rooms, 16 suites | No meals.
Hyatt Regency Phoenix.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The convenience of Downtown Phoenix’s light rail makes this convention-center hotel an attractive destination for vacationers, too. The seven-story atrium has huge sculptures, colorful tapestries, potted plants, and comfortable seating areas. Don’t miss a trip to the revolving Compass restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the entire valley. Pros: business amenities; light-rail access; views from restaurant. Cons: atrium blocks view on floors 8–10; parking gets pricey. | Rooms from: $424 | 122 N. 2nd St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/252–1234 | www.phoenix.hyatt.com | No credit cards | 688 rooms, 5 suites | No meals.
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown.
$$$ | HOTEL | One of the city’s architectural marvels, this Downtown destination has an appealing mix of classic comfort and modern accommodations. Spacious rooms are designed for the business traveler, and are relatively quiet and well lit, with large desks and ergonomic desk chairs. They’re also convenient for pro baseball and basketball fans as well as theater- and concertgoers. Pros: prime location for light-rail travel; great lobby bar. Cons: primarily oriented to business travelers; ongoing renovations are sometimes noticeable. | Rooms from: $299 | 50 E. Adams St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/333–0000, 800/309–8138 | www.renaissancephoenixdowntown.com | 447 rooms, 80 suites | No meals.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The grande dame of Downtown Phoenix hotels has positioned itself as the go-to residence of convention-goers, but its service and the District restaurant make it desirable for leisure travelers as well. Rooms feature all the modern conveniences associated with a convention-caliber hotel, with the generous addition of unobstructed views of the Valley. Pros: restaurant has one of the best happy-hour deals in town; great lobby for lounging or meeting people. Cons: hallways are long and impersonal; parking is expensive. | Rooms from: $520 | 340 N. 3rd St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/262–2500, 866/837–4213 | www.sheratonphoenixdowntown.com | No credit cards | 953 rooms, 47 suites | No meals.
Westin Phoenix Downtown.
$$$$ | HOTEL | This gem offers some of the largest rooms in the city, which give you a feeling of seclusion amid the urban hustle and bustle. Located within a section of a high-rise office building, the Westin’s rooms feature plenty of storage and luxurious bathrooms. Pros: large rooms with sitting areas; fantastic views; elegant furnishings and fixtures. Cons: tiny lobby and awkward process of getting to the hotel elevator; you have to walk through the whole hotel to get to the pool. | Rooms from: $500 | 333 N. Central Ave., Downtown Phoenix | 602/429–3500, 866/961–3775 | www.westinphoenixdowntown.com | No credit cards | 214 rooms, 28 suites | No meals.
Greater Phoenix
Camelback Corridor
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s colleague Albert Chase McArthur, the Biltmore has been Phoenix’s premier resort since it opened in 1929. The lobby, with its stained-glass skylights, wrought-iron pilasters, and cozy sitting alcoves, fills with piano music each evening. Guest rooms are large, with Southwestern-print fabrics and Mission-style furniture. The Biltmore sits on 39 impeccably manicured acres of cool fountains, open walkways, and colorful flowerbeds. Pros: centrally located; stately; historic charm. Cons: finding a parking spot near your room can be a headache; hard to find lounge chairs at some pools. | Rooms from: $419 | 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Camelback Corridor | 602/955–6600, 800/950–0086 | www.arizonabiltmore.com | 648 rooms, 90 suites | No meals.
Courtyard Phoenix Camelback.
$$$ | HOTEL | Public areas in this four-story hotel are mostly glass and tile, while rooms are tastefully done with light-color walls and accents like plush down bedding, cherrywood armoires, and large, pullout desks to accommodate business travelers. A lap pool and Jacuzzi await in the landscaped courtyard. A small café serves breakfast and dinner, and there are more than 50 restaurants within a 1½-mile radius. Pros: great value; within walking distance of great shopping and dining. Cons: few frills; business-oriented. | Rooms from: $239 | 2101 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/955–5200, 800/321–2211 | www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxcc-courtyard-phoenix-camelback | 155 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.
Hampton Inn Phoenix-Biltmore.
$$$ | HOTEL | Conveniently located one block off Camelback Road, this four-story hotel is great for business travelers, with spacious and accommodating rooms appointed with comfortable yet modern furnishings. Breakfast, local calls, parking, and Wi-Fi are free. Pros: great value; central location; modern conveniences. Cons: though gated, the pool area is exposed to the parking lot and street. | Rooms from: $284 | 2310 E. Highland Ave., Camelback Corridor | 602/956–5221 | www.phoenixbiltmorearea.hamptoninn.com | 112 rooms, 8 suites | Breakfast.
Homewood Suites Phoenix–Biltmore.
$$$ | HOTEL | This all-suites hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the upscale Biltmore district and Camelback Corridor. Suites have a living and working area with a sleeper sofa and one or two separate bedrooms; each has a full kitchen. Every Monday to Thursday evening there is a complimentary “Welcome Home” reception featuring anything from a taco bar to baked potatoes with all the trimmings. Guests also get free breakfast and transportation within a 5-mile radius of the hotel. Pros: great location; within walking distance of several restaurants and grocery stores. Cons: you get what you pay for with the free food; pool is old; sofas aren’t very comfortable. | Rooms from: $259 | 2001 E. Highland Ave., Camelback Corridor | 602/508–0937 | homewoodsuites1.hilton.com | 124 suites | Some meals.
Fodor’s Choice | The Phoenician.
$$$$ | RESORT | In a town where luxurious, expensive resorts are the rule, the Phoenician still stands apart, primarily in the realm of service. The gilded, marbled lobby with towering fountains is the backdrop for a $25 million fine-art collection. Despite the opulence, the resort is remarkably comfortable and accommodating—especially for children. There’s a secluded tennis garden and 27 holes of premier golf, and everywhere you look there’s a pool. The Centre for Well Being spa has a meditation atrium and a pool lined with mother-of-pearl tiles. Afterward, take in a sophisticated afternoon tea or dinner at J&G Steakhouse. Pros: luxurious; highest industry standards. Cons: high prices, even in the off-season. | Rooms from: $564 | 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 480/941–8200, 800/888–8234 | www.thephoenician.com | 577 rooms, 66 suites | No meals.
The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Known for impeccable service, this graceful luxury hotel doesn’t disappoint the interior decorator lurking inside you. The lobby and public rooms are elegantly decorated with European paintings and furnishings. Guest rooms and suites are spacious enclaves of luxury with premium mattresses and pillows, Egyptian-cotton sheets, and downy duvets that are even more inviting after the nightly turndown service, complete with fine chocolate. The staff is conscientious and attentive, and the central location means dining, shopping, and entertainment are within strolling distance. Mountain and city vistas can be appreciated from the second-floor terrace, where there is also a heated pool. Pros: impeccable service; a walkway (under Camelback Road) gives guests easy access to Biltmore Fashion Park. Cons: lacks the golf and spa amenities of other luxury resorts in town; can be business traveler–focused. | Rooms from: $379 | 2401 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/468–0700 | www.ritzcarlton.com/phoenix | 267 rooms, 14 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | Once the home of Cunard Steamship executive Delos T. Cooke, this Mediterranean-style resort has a stately row of the namesake palms at its entrance, courtyards with fountains, and individually designed rooms. Deluxe suites, casitas, and villas are all different, though they follow one of three elegant styles: trompe-l’oeil, romantic retreat, or Spanish colonial. The restaurant, T. Cook’s, is renowned, and the open-air Alvadora Spa seems like it has every imaginable amenity, including an outdoor rain shower. Pros: great for romantic getaways; houses a cozy cigar lounge; impeccable service. Cons: expensive; only one pool, and it’s small. | Rooms from: $599 | 5200 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/840–3610, 800/672–6011 | www.royalpalmshotel.com | 44 rooms, 26 suites, 46 casitas, 3 villas | No meals.
North Central Phoenix
Best Western Plus Inn Suites.
$ | HOTEL | A comfortable base for travel, this affordable hotel is within a short drive of great recreation areas (Piestewa Peak) and great dining options, and is less than 1 mile from AZ 51, which offers quick and easy access to major freeways, Valley shopping, and Sky Harbor Airport. Pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and upgraded furnishings are recent additions to the rooms, which are frequently updated. Pros: the price is right, especially for the area; pet-friendly. Cons: amenities aren’t on par with nearby resorts; on a busy corner that can be a challenge during rush hour. | Rooms from: $149 | 1615 E. Northern Ave., North Central Phoenix | 602/997–6285 | www.bestwestern.com | 77 rooms, 32 2-room suites | Breakfast.
Hilton Phoenix Suites.
$$$ | HOTEL | This practical hotel is a model of excellent design within tight limits. It sits off Central Avenue, 2 miles north of Downtown amid a cluster of office towers. The marble-floored, pillared lobby opens into an 11-story atrium with palm trees, natural boulder fountains, glass elevators, and a lantern-lit café. There’s a light-rail stop steps from the front door, so you can get to Downtown events in minutes. Pros: spacious rooms with microwaves, refrigerators, and large desks; close to light rail. Cons: expensive parking; business-oriented. | Rooms from: $289 | 10 E. Thomas Rd., North Central Phoenix | 602/222–1111 | www.phoenixsuites.hilton.com | 226 suites | No meals.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | Arizona’s largest resort has an immense entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sandstone lobby, the Sonoran Desert, and the resort’s amazing water features to meld together perfectly. This sprawling and busy property includes 4 acres of water fun with a popular “lazy river,” where you can float the day away on an inner tube. Young ‘uns love the kids’ program, while adults can rejuvenate at Revive Spa or tee off at the on-site golf courses. Each elegantly decorated room has a balcony or patio. Pros: perfect for luxuriating with family or groups; close to north Valley restaurants, entertainment, and attractions. Cons: large size makes it a bit impersonal for the price tag; lots of walking and stairs required to get anywhere. | Rooms from: $399 | 5350 E. Marriott Dr. | Phoenix | 480/293–5000, 800/835–6206 | www.jwdesertridgeresort.com | 869 rooms, 81 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort.
$$$ | RESORT | The highlight of this family-oriented hotel is the 9-acre Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch; it has swimming pools with waterfalls, a 130-foot waterslide, and a 1,000-foot “river” that winds past a miniature golf course, tennis courts, and artificial buttes. Accommodations in the stucco buildings vary from standard two-room suites to a grand three-bedroom house; all have balconies. It is also adjacent to the very busy AZ 51, though it manages to filter out most freeway noise. Kids can enjoy the “Coyote Camp” youth programs while adults take in area golf and the Tocasierra Spa. Pros: adjacent to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, making it an ideal base for hiking and biking trips; affordable alternative to luxury resorts nearby. Cons: finding a parking spot can be a challenge; rooms near lobby are noisy. | Rooms from: $309 | 7677 N. 16th St., North Central Phoenix | 602/997–2626, 800/947–9784 | www.pointehilton.com | 563 suites, 80 casitas | No meals.
Paradise Valley
Hermosa Inn.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The Hermosa, on 6 acres of lushly landscaped desert, is a blessedly peaceful alternative to some of the larger resorts nearby. This boutique hotel’s ranch-style lodge was the home and studio of cowboy artist Lon Megargee in the 1930s; today the adobe structure houses Lon’s at the Hermosa, justly popular for its New American cuisine. Villas as big as private homes and individually decorated casitas hold an enviable collection of Western art. Pros: luxurious but cozy; pet-friendly; fantastic restaurant. Cons: neighborhood location means you’ll have to drive to get anywhere; lacks some luxury amenities of larger resorts nearby. | Rooms from: $399 | 5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd. | Paradise Valley | 602/955–8614, 800/241–1210 | www.hermosainn.com | 34 casitas | No meals.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | Built on 125 acres in the mid-1930s and gorgeously renovated to keep its cowboy character, this hacienda-style resort remains top-notch and was the first JW Marriott ever established. Grounds are gloriously adorned with stunning cacti and desert flowers. Rooms are spacious and elegant with luxury amenities and private patios. Pros: specialty restaurant (BLT Steak); world-class spa and golf course; stunning place to catch a sunset. Cons: noisy neighbors are easily heard at night; pool is small for a resort of this stature. | Rooms from: $399 | 5402 E. Lincoln Dr. | Paradise Valley | 480/948–1700, 800/242–2635 | www.camelbackinn.com | 427 rooms, 26 suites | No meals.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia.
$$$$ | RESORT | This luxury resort brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Paradise Valley with its exquisite dark furnishings and light stone work, impeccable Joya Spa, pool pavilion, and Spanish-inspired wedding chapel. Spacious rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with sunken tubs, large balconies, feather beds, and handmade Moroccan light fixtures. The hotel’s restaurant, Prado, has a superb mix of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, while the Kasbah pool is another heavenly place to watch the Paradise Valley sunset. Pros: inner-city getaway with stellar sunset views. Cons: while the grounds are beautiful, the layout is boxy, awkward, and confusing. | Rooms from: $439 | 4949 E. Lincoln Dr. | Paradise Valley | 480/627–3200, 888/444–6664 | www.omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia | 251 guest rooms, 40 suites, 2 villas | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain.
$$$$ | HOTEL | This luxurious boutique hotel is the only resort on the north slope of Camelback Mountain; secluded mountain casitas are painted in desert hues and feature breathtaking views of Paradise Valley. Bathrooms are finished in modern details with elegant sinks and roomy tubs. For those who enjoy going eau and even au naturel, some suites have outdoor tubs. An infinity-edge pool, Zen meditation garden, and Asian-inspired Sanctuary Spa make this a haven for relaxation. The hotel’s restaurant, elements, is a local hot spot for sunset cocktails and award-winning cuisine. Pros: inner-city getaway with mountain seclusion; unparalleled views of Camelback’s Praying Monk rock. Cons: walking between buildings can mean conquering slopes or flights of stairs; not kid-friendly. | Rooms from: $549 | 5700 E. McDonald Dr. | Paradise Valley | 480/948–2100, 800/245–2051 | www.sanctuaryaz.com | 105 casitas | No meals.
South Phoenix
Arizona Grand Resort.
$$$$ | RESORT | This beautiful all-suites resort next to South Mountain Park is home to Oasis, one of the largest water parks in the country, and one of the Valley’s more challenging golf courses. Modern but warm, it’s a good match in a place called the Valley of the Sun. Ideal for families, this massive property feels like a true getaway, even though it sits just off Interstate 10. Enjoy a four-story sports center, spa, multiple restaurants, tennis, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Pros: great family or large-group location; all rooms are suites. Cons: huge property can be overwhelming; freeway noise could be a problem in some rooms. | Rooms from: $449 | 8000 S. Arizona Grand Pkwy., South Phoenix | 602/438–9000, 866/267–1321 | www.arizonagrandresort.com | 740 suites | No meals.
Litchfield Park
The West Valley became a retreat for, of all people, tire executives in the 1930s. That’s where Goodyear, Arizona got its name. Today, it’s a suburb that still has resorts and attractions from its heyday nearly a century ago.
Wigwam Resort.
$$$ | RESORT | Built in 1918 as a retreat for executives of the Goodyear Company, the grand Wigwam Resort maintains its historical character while delivering a modern-day luxury experience. The property, which can be accessed by chauffeured golf carts, is stunning, and features great golf, tennis, a fantstic spa, and a true Old West experience. Pros: although only a few minutes from downtown Phoenix, this resort feels away from it all; great service. Cons: odd resort layout makes it difficult to find anything; rooms can teeter the fence between old historic charm and just plain “old”. | Rooms from: $329 | 300 E. Wigwam Blvd. | Litchfield Park | 623/935–3811 | www.wigwamresort.com | 259 rooms, 72 suites | No meals.
Scottsdale
Fodor’s Choice | FireSky Resort & Spa.
$$$$ | HOTEL | This Scottsdale escape provides an elegant, intimate, eco- and family-friendly environment. Attentive staff focus on even the smallest details—personal and professional—to anticipate and alleviate worries. Rooms are done in pleasing contemporary Western decor and have crisp linens, cozy bathrobes, and brand-name bath amenities. Jurlique, the full-service spa, offers massages and treatments that the muscles will remember fondly. A hosted wine reception is offered to guests nightly. Soothe your soul and your soles in the luxurious sand-bottom pool. Pros: the lavish pool and lounge area are considered among the area’s nicest; pet-friendly; special rooms for tall people. Cons: no elevator; interior hallways can be noisy. | Rooms from: $375 | 4925 N. Scottsdale Rd. | Scottsdale | 480/945–7666, 800/528–7867 | www.fireskyresort.com | 196 rooms, 8 suites | No meals.
Gainey Suites Hotel.
$$$ | HOTEL | This independently owned boutique hotel is a rare find for both amenities and price. Floor plans vary from studios to two-bedroom suites that sleep eight, all with fully equipped kitchens and flat-panel wide-screen TVs. Cozy conversation areas in the lobby and an evening hors-d’oeuvres reception create a warm atmosphere. The hotel is directly adjacent to the Gainey Village development, with boutique shopping, upscale dining, and a spa. Pros: hotel layout, price, and inclusive breakfast buffet are ideal for families and groups. Cons: comfortable but fairly generic decor; have to leave property to enjoy recreation amenities. | Rooms from: $289 | 7300 E. Gainey Suites Dr. | Scottsdale | 480/922–6969, 800/970–4666 | www.gaineysuiteshotel.com | 162 suites | Breakfast.
Holiday Inn Express Scottsdale North.
$$ | HOTEL | This hotel has a great location along the Scottsdale Road corridor, with trendy restaurants and shopping opportunities within easy walking distance, making this a comfortable, affordable, and family-friendly option. The three-story glass entryway is bright and welcoming. Rooms are utilitarian but moderately updated, clean, and include free parking and Wi-Fi. Pros: quiet; excellent for the price in this area. Cons: these affordable rooms can’t meet the high-scale standards of nearby hotels and resorts. | Rooms from: $225 | 7350 E. Gold Dust Rd., at Scottsdale Rd. | Scottsdale | 480/596–6559, 888/465–4329 | www.hiexpress.com | 121 rooms, 1 suite | Breakfast.
Fodor’s Choice | Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.
$$$$ | RESORT | While staying here, it’s easy to imagine that you’re relaxing at an oceanside resort instead of in the desert; shaded by towering palms and with manicured gardens and paths, the property has water everywhere—a large pool area has a beach, three-story waterslide, waterfalls, and a lagoon. The two-story lobby opens to outdoor conversation areas where fires burn in stone fireplaces on cool nights. Large rooms have balconies or patios. Three golf courses at nearby Gainey Ranch Golf Club will suit any duffer’s fancy. Spa Avania soothes the soul, while kids get their kicks at Camp Hyatt. Pros: lots of pools for all; oasis atmosphere; live entertainment nightly. Cons: if you’re early to bed, avoid a room near the lobby. | Rooms from: $559 | 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. | Scottsdale | 480/444–1234 | scottsdale.hyatt.com | 462 rooms, 7 casitas, 24 suites | No meals.
North Scottsdale
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
$$$$ | RESORT | Home of the Tournament Players Club Stadium golf course and the Phoenix Open, this resort covers 450 breathtakingly landscaped acres of desert. Well & Being, one of the top spa spots in the country, has a dramatic rooftop pool, and kids love the fishing pond. Rooms are done in a chic blend of contemporary styles, as are the Fairmont Gold hotel-within-a-hotel boutique rooms. Service is what you’d expect at a resort of this caliber: excellent and unobtrusive. It is also home to the acclaimed Bourbon Steak and La Hacienda restaurants. Pros: upscale favorite, especially for families; excellent spa and workout facilities. Cons: sprawling campus can be difficult to navigate. | Rooms from: $499 | 7575 E. Princess Dr., North Scottsdale | 480/585–4848 | www.scottsdaleprincess.com | 505 rooms, 69 casitas, 74 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.
$$$$ | RESORT | A resort in every sense of the word, Four Seasons Scottsdale is tucked in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak, near the popular hiking trail, and features large, casita-style rooms with separate sitting and sleeping areas as well as fireplaces and balconies or patios. Some suites come with telescopes and star charts. It’s adjacent to two Troon North premier courses, where guests receive preferential tee times and free shuttle service. Talavera, the hotel’s main restaurant, is elegant and accommodating. Pros: amazing service; breathtaking views. Cons: far from everything. | Rooms from: $519 | 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., North Scottsdale | 480/515–5700, 866/207–9696 | www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale | 188 rooms, 22 suites | No meals.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Scottsdale North-Airpark.
$$$ | HOTEL | Located right off the 101 freeway, this affordable hotel is a convenient base of operations; cool and modern throughout, it has clean, large, simply decorated rooms. A pool and waterfall are great for escaping the summer heat. A large shopping and dining area is less than a mile away. Pros: clean and spacious rooms; comfortable beds; good price for location. Cons: more practical than perfect, primarily for business clientele. | Rooms from: $269 | 14255 N. 87th St., North Scottsdale | 480/922–6500, 888/465–4329 | www.wingatehotels.com | 82 rooms, 35 suites | Breakfast.
Fodor’s Choice | Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
$$$ | RESORT | Original artwork by Arizona artists is displayed throughout the Westin Kierland, and the spacious rooms all have balconies or patios with views of the mountains or the resort’s water park and tubing river, where kids can enjoy programs organized by age group. Kierland Commons, within walking distance, is a planned village of upscale specialty boutiques and restaurants. A leisure center specifically accommodates nonbusiness travelers. Of the eight restaurants, Deseo is the star, presided over by well-known chef Douglas Rodriguez, regarded as the inventor of Nuevo Latino cuisine. Pros: bagpipers stroll around the courtyard at sunset; amazing beds and bedding; fantastic children’s programs. Cons: bagpipers can be noisy; adults’ pool very close to kids’ area. | Rooms from: $339 | 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., North Scottsdale | 480/624–1000, 800/354–5892 | www.kierlandresort.com | 732 rooms, 55 suites, 32 casitas | No meals.
Old Town
Hotel Indigo.
$$$ | HOTEL | This spot is simple, modern, and, most of all, well placed for Scottsdale’s best bars, nightclubs, and venues. Eclectic rooms are colorfully accented with clean lines, flat-screen TVs, and exceptionally comfy beds. Large, natural-stone showers add an extra dose of luxury. Pros: great value; convenient Scottsdale location; pet-friendly. Cons: noise, whether it’s from music in the lobby, people in the room next door, or the bar down the street, can be annoying. | Rooms from: $266 | 4415 N. Civic Center Plaza, Old Town | 480/941–9400 | www.scottsdalehiphotel.com | 117 rooms, 9 suites | No meals.
Hotel Valley Ho.
$$$ | HOTEL | When it originally opened in 1956, this hotel was a hangout for celebrities, including Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, and Tony Curtis. It remains a hot spot today, especially the main pool. The hotel was recently restored to its former ‘50s fabulousness, and the rooms don’t disappoint with retro furnishings and styling. Pros: retro decor; great history; hip, youthful style. Cons: busy location; occasionally rowdy weekend crowd. | Rooms from: $269 | 6850 E. Main St., Old Town | 480/248–2000, 866/882–4484 | www.hotelvalleyho.com | 185 rooms, 6 suites | No meals.
The Saguaro.
$$$ | HOTEL | Surrounded by lush landscaping, this urban resort features two pools that are among the hottest hangouts in all of Scottsdale, and rooms that juxtapose old and new with flat-screen TVs and retro furnishings that bring you back to the ‘60s. Indulge in a feast of modern Mexican cuisine at Distrito, or grab a well-fashioned cocktail in the lobby bar. Pros: great location for shopping, entertainment, and Valley activities; part of the happening Scottsdale scene. Cons: very noisy; no elevator; furnishings are new but fixtures are old. | Rooms from: $329 | 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Old Town | 480/308–1100, 877/808–2440 | www.thesaguaro.com | 177 rooms, 17 suites | No meals.
W Scottsdale.
$$$$ | HOTEL | A taste of youthful but sophisticated New York elegance, this hotspot hotel in the heart of Scottsdale’s shopping and social scene caters to the wants and needs of the fashionable but fickle traveler with “Whatever/Whenever” service that provides guests with anything they want (“as long as it’s legal!”). Live like a celebrity in the top-notch bars and lounges, including the Living Room Lounge and Sushi Roku, the property’s fine-dining restaurant; or lie low at the posh pool or Bliss Spa—all things that make this a metropolitan desert oasis. If you’re looking to hang your hat somewhere modern, hip, and downright fabulous, look no further. Pros: unpretentious elegance right across from Scottsdale Fashion Square. Cons: the youthful exuberance that makes the hotel so much fun during the day can get a little noisy at night. | Rooms from: $939 | 7277 E. Camelback Rd., Old Town | 480/970–2100 | www.wscottsdalehotel.com | 230 rooms, 33 suites | No meals.
Tempe and Around
Chandler
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | The culture and heritage of the Pima and Maricopa tribes are reflected in every aspect of this tranquil property on the grounds of the Gila River Indian community, 11 miles south of Sky Harbor Airport. Guest rooms are detailed with Native American art and textiles, and Kai Restaurant, one of Arizona’s best, combines Southwestern and Native American culinary traditions. Families enjoy the Koli Center for on-site equestrian activities and the kids-oriented activity pool. A 2½-mile replica of the Gila River meanders through the property; you can take a boat to the Whirlwind Golf Clubhouse, the nearby Wild Horse Pass Casino, or Rawhide Western Town. Keep your eyes open for the wild horses for which the resort is named—or keep them comfortably closed at the Aji Spa. Pros: great views and service; peaceful; good for families and older travelers looking to escape urban chaos. Cons: conferences can sometimes overrun the place; beautiful hand-hewn guest-room doors are loud when they slam shut; long hallways. | Rooms from: $479 | 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. | Chandler | 602/225–0100 | www.wildhorsepassresort.com | 500 rooms, 26 suites | No meals.
Tempe
aloft Tempe.
$$ | HOTEL | True to its name, this hip hotel, located right on Tempe’s Rio Salado waterfront, features loft-inspired design with modern, minimalist decor. It seeks to create a social experience for travelers, pulling them out into community areas where “energy flows” instead of encouraging them to hole up in their rooms. This means the modern European-style rooms are small, affording views of Tempe Town Lake on the south side. Bathrooms are also stylish but utilitarian. Pros: eco-friendly; highly social; adjacent to Town Lake and ASU action. Cons: social lodging experience not for everyone. | Rooms from: $199 | 951 E. Playa Del Norte Dr. | Tempe | 480/621–3300, 888/867–7492 | www.alofttempe.com | 136 rooms | No meals.
Tempe Mission Palms.
$$$ | HOTEL | A handsome, casual lobby and an energetic young staff set the tone at this three-story courtyard hotel. Rooms are Southwestern in style and comfortable. Between the Arizona State University campus and Old Town Tempe, this is a convenient place to stay if you’re attending ASU sports events. Pros: nice hotel with friendly service and a rooftop pool; right at the center of ASU and Mill Avenue activity. Cons: all that activity can be bad for light sleepers. | Rooms from: $309 | 60 E. 5th St. | Tempe | 480/894–1400, 800/547–8705 | www.missionpalms.com | 291 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.