It’s a popular spot for travelers looking to explore the desert and Valley area, so it’s no surprise that Phoenix has a selection of cool and creative hotels to choose from. Here, Culture Trip picks 10 of the best hotels to book during your stay.
As made clear by its name, this hotel truly is a sanctuary. Resting atop Camelback Mountain, the Sanctuary overlooks all of Phoenix, letting it boast some of the best views in the valley. This 53-acre, five-star resort provides its guests with a myriad of opportunities to both relax, with its infinity pool and Asian-inspired spa, and exercise, made possible by its modern gym. Rooms are large and contemporary, boasting great views and a host of amenities. Guests can choose between casitas, suites and full-on houses – although you might prefer to dine at the hotel’s world-class restaurant run by Chef Beau MadMillan, Elements, and grab a nightcap at new Jade Bar, where a wide range of cocktails are made from premium liquor and local, fresh ingredients.
With an intimate yet upscale feel, it is no surprise that the Royal Palms has attracted big names like George W. Bush in 2004. The five-star resort is located a mere three miles from Camelback Mountain and just a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix. Rooms boast a quintessentially southwestern vibe, and some even have fireplaces and patios. Along with the open-air Alvadora spa, the Royal Palms’ restaurant is a real draw – T. Cook’s, which features seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, has the perfect outdoor dining area for enjoying the beautiful Phoenix weather (summer months excluded).
The Biltmore, arguably the most historic hotel in the valley, has been welcoming visitors, including the one and only Marilyn Monroe, since 1929 and has continued to shine throughout. The 4.5-star hotel, which was built by disciples of Frank Lloyd Wright, has held onto its Gilded Age feel throughout the years, as made clear by its luxurious lobby, decked with hardwood floors and dim lighting. The Biltmore’s never-ending green spaces, with Camelback Mountain in the background, make for the perfect stroll with a view, and its exceptional golf courses, seven tennis courts, and award-winning spa make for the perfect R&R destination. The hotels four restaurants, including Wright’s and Frank & Albert’s, are truly delectable and are go-to spots for even those staying elsewhere. The Biltmore turns into the ultimate North Pole around the holidays, with the whopping Christmas tree in front, the gingerbread-house-adorned lobby, and famous Christmas tea.
Since its 1936 opening, Camelback Inn, sandwiched between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, has been a favorite desert escape. This resort provides guests with comfortable rooms that feature a combination of Southwestern decor and private balconies and patios. Considered to be among the top JW Marriot hotels in the world, Camelback Inn offers up some of the finest amenities in the valley, including fire pits, numerous pools, a 36-hole golf course, and a highly acclaimed spa. For a delicious steak and famous pop-overs, try the hotel’s BLT Steak, and for some wonderful and creative tapas, go to Rita’s Kitchen, where guests can enjoy live music on most nights.
One of the most well-known hotels in Phoenix, The Phoenician has long set the bar of luxury for all other hotels in the valley. Between the unbeatable setting, elegant and well-furnished rooms, 27-hole championship golf course, and the $25 million art collection on site, it’s easy to see why. This five-star resort is unlike all others in the area for it lacks the pretentious attitude that so many luxury hotels posses and instead provides friendly service, helpful concierge, and a number of opportunities to explore the Phoenix area. The Phoenician is also a part of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program, which can save guests a bit on the tab.
Often overlooked because of its rather large distance from the hub of Downtown Phoenix, The Four Seasons Scottsdale is perhaps one of Arizona’s greatest hidden treasures. With the dramatic, spawning desert as its landscape and the superb service and luxurious accommodations that are synonymous with the Four Seasons name, this resort garners the highest praise. Guests can enjoy one of 210 well-furnished and brightly decorated rooms, and uses of a world-class pool, two championship golf courses, various tennis courts, pampering at the hotel spa, and delicious food at one or all of the four restaurants on site.
Although a relatively new hotel, the W Scottsdale has already acquired both a favourable reputation and a loyal following. Like most W Hotels across the world, the atmosphere here is trendy and young, as are many of its guests. With a popular rooftop pool scene, that attracts out-of-towners and locals alike, and the swanky Living Room lounge, which is regularly equipped with DJs and cocktail hours, it’s easy to see why this hotel has become such a hotspot. The W’s eclectic decor and modern amenities are topped by only one thing: its location. Right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this hotel is both central and convenient, allowing guests to walk (in the cooler months, of course) to nearby restaurants, bars, and clubs. And for those looking to dine within, Sushi Roku serves up some of the best Japanese food in the valley whilst maintaining an elegant and minimalist vibe.
The 649-room Scottsdale Princess, whose two golf courses are home to the renowned Waste Management Phoenix Open, is perfectly suited for families and couples alike. The spacious guest rooms, fully adorned in muted earth-tone hues and equipped with deep bath tubs, wet bars, and private patios, are topped only by the hotel’s five massive pools and world-class spa, not to mention its two renowned restaurants, Chef Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK and La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval.
Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, The Montelucia is perhaps the perfect fusion of Moroccan architecture and design and Sonoran Arizona setting, with its three creatively drawn out pools and highly acclaimed Joya Spa. With a wide array of activities offered at this 5-star resort, such as yoga and spinning classes and guided hikes, The Montelucia is the quintessential getaway destination. Guest rooms feature sophisticated decor and private patios, and the world-class gym and top-notch modern Italian restaurant, Prado, make this a perfect spot for visitors and residents alike. It is easy to see why celebs like President Obama and Toby Keith have chosen this 293-room Phoenix retreat when in town.
Originally built in 1956, it’s no surprise that this chic Old Town Scottsdale hotel has been a Phoenix hotspot for over a century. Valley Ho’s exciting atmosphere and friendly service are only outshone by its retro furnishings, many of which are vintage, and the well-decorated guest rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Once a hangout to celebrities like Robert Wagner, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood, Hotel Valley Ho is viewed as ‘one of the best preserved mid-century hotels in the country.’ A recent renovation has kept this place, along with its OH pool, VH spa, and delicious restaurant ZuZu, among the best hotels in the valley.
