The Valley of the Sun is no breeze-through city. With year-round sunshine and an amazing climate, Phoenix deserves days upon days of exploration. From the oh-so-relaxing spas to the great golf courses and picturesque hiking trails, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. See as much of Phoenix as you can by making one of these hotels within a 20-minute drive of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport your base – bookable with Culture Trip.
No need for a rental car when you stay at Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport. A free shuttle will bring you from the airport to the hotel, and the Valley Metro Light Rail right outside your suite will take you throughout downtown. Why not sleep in and have a few margaritas by the pool before bouncing around the museums, rooftop lounges and restaurants downtown? There’s no rush at Crowne Plaza – the staff will get you to your gate in no time.
Heading into Phoenix to catch an Angels spring training game? Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at the Buttes is adjacent to Tempe Diablo Stadium. Grab a box of Cracker Jack from the Market Cafe, or settle in for a few beers at the Top of the Rock Restaurant before the players take the field. If you’ve got kids staying in your double room, give them a night of fun with a stop at the World of Illumination theme park next to the stadium.
No need to share a dorm at Arizona State University; you can tour the ASU campus and still make an early flight when you stay at Courtyard by Marriott. Spend a few lazy hours in the pool, before you knock back a Starbucks from the lobby and step onto the free airport shuttle. You can even get a quick gym session in at the 24-hour fitness center so your long-haul flight home doesn’t interrupt your weekly workout routine.
Got a quick overnight to fill before heading to the airport? Hilton is right across the Salt River and just a few minutes west of Tempe, giving you easy access to the airport via a free shuttle and the option to visit the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens. You won’t be missing out if you hang around the hotel. The fitness center, outdoor pool, executive lounge and Southwestern flavors at Rennick’s Restaurant will keep you comfortable until your flight.
Looking for a long weekend of relaxation? Royal Palms Resort and Spa caters to your needs. Some rooms feature rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs that’ll turn you into a pleasant prune, while the villas have crackling fireplaces to warm you up in the evening after cooling down on the outdoor patio. The Alvadora Spa doubles down on comfort by pampering you with reflexology sessions, citrus grove facials and orange-blossom body bluff treatments.
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6. The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Most people would find it difficult to resist the three-level pool complex and tantalizing spa at the Phoenician – but you’re not most people, you’re a golfer. The par-71 Phoenician links challenge you to lower your handicap and take on the Sonoran Desert. The 19th Hole will have a cold Arnold Palmer waiting to rehydrate you – or a John Daly if you’ve come in under par. With a pro shop and PGA professional instructor on site, you’ll be ready to take on TPC Scottsdale in the morning.
You won’t believe that the Sanctuary’s 53 acres (21ha) of natural bliss are only 20 minutes from the airport. Your private Paradise Valley villa will dazzle you with Camelback Mountain views and personalized amenities like a private pool. The Villa Luna is especially captivating with its panoramic mountain views, oversized soaking tub and a deck that’s ideal for enjoying meals cooked up in your gourmet kitchen. One night at Sanctuary, and you’ll redefine what first-class traveling really is.
Did you feel the desert heat the moment you stepped off of the plane? Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is ready to cool you down. Three pools, one of which is on the roof, will leave you as refreshed as one of the Joya Spa body treatments. As the sun sets, you can catch the evening breeze on the chaise of your private patio before heading in for a luxurious soak in the sunken tub.