The Best Resorts to Book in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is high on the list of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in the USA, but a vacation in Phoenix needn’t be a typical urban experience. Instead, travelers may opt for visiting the Valley of the Sun for its incredible desert beauty in the form of cacti-studded mountains with ample hiking opportunities, biking and golfing – and, of course, more than 300 days of sunshine a year to enjoy it all. These resorts in Phoenix are ideally positioned near some of the best parks and preserves in the city, not to mention Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – all bookable on Culture Trip.
1. Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, for exquisite dining
Resort, Hotel, Spa Hotel
2. Royal Palms Resort and Spa, for old-world opulence
Resort, Hotel
3. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, for varied dining experiences
Resort
Families will love this palatial Phoenix resort north of the city, its beautifully-landscaped grounds are home to numerous outdoor pools and two golf courses. Upon arrival, get your lay of the land by running the four-mile trail around the property, or grab an inner tube and float along the extensive lazy river. Elegant rooms are decorated in soft, desert-tinged hues; some come with fire pits perfect for making s’mores. Dining options run the gamut from Pacific Rim cuisine at Roy’s to a seasonal menu accompanied by exclusive varietal wines and Arizona craft brews at industrial-chic Meritage.
5. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, for easy hiking access
Resort
Close to the Shaw Butte trailhead, this upscale all-suite Hilton lets guests spread out in its cream-colored suites with one and two-bedroom layouts. Grab a coffee in the lobby before hitting the hiking trails at North Mountain Preserve. Cool off at the onsite water park with its multi-tiered outdoor pools and a water slide. Bliss out with the body wraps, facials and massages at the Tocaloma Spa or brush up on your skills at the Hilton Golf Academy offering private or group lessons. End a day of fun at the mountaintop restaurant with views of the Phoenix area – especially at sunset – with roasted pork belly parmesan risotto and smoked tomato hollandaise.
6. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, for pool access
Resort
Situated at the South Mountain Preserve base – the largest city park in the country – this sprawling resort in Phoenix is easy to get to from the airport. Chic suites are defined by having cream decor, wicker furnishings, hardwood floors and wet bars. Though you probably won’t want to stay indoors for long with an 18-hole golf course and an entire water park with six pools, waves machines and waterslides. Six onsite dining outlets work with local purveyors and serve up steaks and seafood as well as Mexican fare and brick-oven-baked chicken alfredo pizzas. Walkers are spoiled for choice with a range of nearby trails and you can rejuvenate yourself at the spa with a signature Desert Botanical wrap.
7. Legacy Golf Resort, for self-caterers
Resort
This Spanish-style condo property is a convenient option for DIY travelers, particularly if they’re keen golfers keen to check out the adjacent 18-hole public golf course. Not only is it easy to get to from the airport just 5mi (8km) but there are self-contained units, all decked out in warm tones, with washers and dryers, as well as granite-top kitchenettes or full kitchens. Fire up the grill at the shared barbecue area, or order burgers and fish tacos at the onsite restaurant and bar. Other perks include an outdoor pool, hot tub, and courts for tennis and volleyball.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.