Photo: Alan Stark from Goodyear, AZ, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0Where to Stay
A practical guide to the best hotels in Phoenix and Scottsdale by area, budget and style, from historic desert resorts and spa retreats to water parks.
Choosing the best hotels in Phoenix starts with understanding that the Valley of the Sun is a resort destination as much as a city.
Many visitors come for sprawling desert resorts with pools, golf courses and spas, especially in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and the Camelback Corridor, where mountain views are part of the experience.
Downtown Phoenix offers hotels close to sports venues, the convention center and the light rail, while Tempe suits travelers who want a lively college-town base near the airport.
The Phoenix area's hotels range from historic landmarks of the 1920s to modern boutique hotels and family resorts with water parks.
Prices are highest from January to April, during spring training and major golf events, and lowest in summer, when resorts offer deep discounts to visitors willing to brave the heat. Many resorts charge daily resort fees and parking, so check the total cost before booking.
Because the area is spread out, choosing a base near the places you want to visit saves a lot of driving.
This guide is organized by area and by type of stay, so you can find the right base for your trip.
We start with our top picks across the Valley, then break them down by the best areas to stay, couples, views and rooftops, families, luxury, boutique character, spas and budget-friendly value.
The best hotel in each category, if you just want to book.
| Category | Our pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Arizona Biltmore | Check Price |
| Couples | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | Check Price |
| With a View or Rooftop | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | Check Price |
| Family-Friendly Hotels | Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Check Price |
| Luxury Hotels | Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North | Check Price |
| Boutique Hotels | Hotel Valley Ho | Check Price |
| Spa Hotels | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | Check Price |
| Budget & Value Hotels | Summer resort deals | Check Price |
📍 Biltmore
The Jewel of the Desert has welcomed guests since 1929, with patterned concrete blocks inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, gardens, several pools and a waterslide. It combines historic glamour with modern resort amenities, including a spa and access to golf. It is a short drive from central Phoenix.
Book Now📍 Camelback
This large luxury resort sits at the base of Camelback Mountain, with several pools, a golf course, a spa and restaurants with views of the city. It is a top choice for families and couples looking for a classic desert resort experience close to Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Book Now📍 Camelback
A romantic Spanish-style estate at the foot of Camelback Mountain, Royal Palms offers casitas and villas set among gardens, fountains and citrus trees. Its intimate atmosphere and spa make it popular with couples.
Book Now📍 Paradise Valley
Built on the slopes of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary offers casitas with sweeping views over the valley, an acclaimed spa and a restaurant, elements, with sunset views. It is one of the most romantic and luxurious places to stay in the area.
Book Now📍 Scottsdale
A mid-century modern icon in Old Town Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho combines retro style with modern comforts, a lively pool scene, a spa and a restaurant. It recently completed a major renovation and is within walking distance of Old Town's restaurants and galleries.
Book Now📍 South Mountain
At the foot of South Mountain Park, this resort is best known for its Oasis Water Park, with a wave pool, lazy river and tall slides included for guests. It also has a golf course and a spa, and it is convenient for the airport and Tempe.
Book Now📍 North Scottsdale
Set among giant boulders and saguaros in the high desert of north Scottsdale, this resort offers casitas with desert views, a spa, pools and the Talavera restaurant. It is ideal for travelers who want luxury and nature, with hiking at Pinnacle Peak nearby.
Book Now📍 North Scottsdale
A large resort with pools, a spa, golf next door at TPC Scottsdale and a famous holiday light display. It is popular with families and groups.
Book Now📍 Paradise Valley
Inspired by southern Spain, this resort at the foot of Camelback Mountain offers elegant rooms, pools, a large spa and restaurants with mountain views.
Book Now📍 Desert Ridge
A large resort in north Phoenix with several pools, a lazy river, golf courses and a spa, popular with families and conference groups. The Musical Instrument Museum is nearby.
Book NowLocation matters in the Phoenix area because distances are large and each area offers a different kind of stay.
Scottsdale is the resort and nightlife capital, the Camelback Corridor and Paradise Valley offer luxury with mountain views, downtown Phoenix suits sports fans and convention visitors, and Tempe offers college-town energy and light rail access.
Consider whether you want a resort experience or a city base before choosing.
Walkable streets with restaurants, galleries, nightlife and boutique hotels.
Luxury resorts at the foot of Camelback Mountain, with views and spas.
Central and upscale, with historic resorts and shopping.
Hotels near sports venues, the convention center and the light rail.
A lively college town with mid-range hotels and light rail access.
Desert resorts among boulders and saguaros, close to hiking and golf.
Large resorts in north Phoenix near the Musical Instrument Museum.
Resorts near the airport and South Mountain Park.
Quieter resorts near spring training ballparks.
Good-value hotels near the Superstition Mountains.
The Phoenix area is a natural destination for romantic getaways, with spa resorts, casitas with private patios, desert sunsets and starry nights. The most romantic stays are often small or secluded, with mountain views and excellent restaurants.
Look for packages with spa treatments or dinners, and visit in winter or spring for the most pleasant weather.
Casitas with views and an acclaimed spa.
A romantic Spanish-style estate with gardens.
A quiet boutique inn with historic charm.
Luxury casitas in the high desert.
Historic glamour and gardens.
Spanish-inspired elegance and a large spa.
Retro style in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.
Classic luxury at the foot of Camelback Mountain.
Mountain and desert views are a highlight of a stay in the Phoenix area. Resorts on the slopes of Camelback Mountain offer sweeping panoramas, high-rise hotels look over the city lights, and rooftop bars are ideal for sunset. Ask for a view room when booking.
Casitas on the mountain with valley views.
Views over the city from the slopes of Camelback.
Panoramic views from the 15th-floor restaurant.
A rooftop bar overlooking downtown.
A revolving restaurant at the top of the hotel.
High desert views among the boulders.
Views of Camelback Mountain.
The Phoenix area is packed with family-friendly resorts, many with water parks, lazy rivers and kids' clubs that make them destinations in themselves. In summer, a resort pool is the best way to beat the heat.
Check what is included in the resort fee and whether day passes are needed for water features.
The Oasis Water Park, with a wave pool and lazy river.
Pools, a lazy river and space to roam.
Water features and family activities in north Scottsdale.
Pools, family programs and holiday lights.
Several pools at the foot of Camelback Mountain.
Pools and a waterslide in a historic setting.
A relaxed West Valley resort near spring training.
The Phoenix area is one of the great luxury resort destinations in the United States, with properties that combine desert landscapes, spas, golf and fine dining. Expect high prices in winter and spring and excellent value in summer.
High desert luxury in north Scottsdale.
Mountainside casitas and an acclaimed spa.
A grand resort at the foot of Camelback.
Historic luxury since 1929.
An intimate Spanish-style estate.
Elegant rooms and a large spa.
A large luxury resort with golf.
Phoenix and Scottsdale have boutique hotels with strong personalities, from mid-century icons to historic inns and stylish downtown hotels. They are ideal for travelers who prefer character and a sense of place over sheer size.
A mid-century modern classic in Old Town Scottsdale.
A historic boutique inn in Paradise Valley.
An intimate estate with casitas.
Stylish downtown hotel with a rooftop bar.
Boutique luxury on the mountain.
Spas are a highlight of the Phoenix area, where many resorts offer treatments inspired by desert plants and traditions, along with pools, saunas and relaxation areas. Book treatments in advance, especially in high season.
An acclaimed spa with mountain views.
A large spa inspired by southern Spain.
A spa at a classic Camelback resort.
A spa in the high desert.
An intimate spa in a garden setting.
A spa at the historic resort.
A large resort spa.
A spa at the mid-century hotel.
The Phoenix area has many good-value hotels, especially outside peak season. Summer brings the lowest prices of the year, even at luxury resorts. Chain hotels in Tempe, Mesa, near the airport and along the light rail line often cost much less than Scottsdale resorts.
Watch for resort fees and parking charges.
Luxury resorts often cut rates sharply from June to September.
Mid-range hotels near the university and light rail.
Free shuttles and lower rates near Sky Harbor.
Good value in the East Valley, best with a car.
Lower rates near spring training ballparks outside peak dates.
Downtown hotels can be good value when there are no big games or conventions.
Scottsdale, especially Old Town, is popular for its restaurants, nightlife, galleries and resorts. The Camelback Corridor and Biltmore area are central and upscale, while downtown Phoenix is convenient for sports, concerts and the light rail. Choose based on whether you want a resort stay or a city base.
Summer, roughly June to September, brings the lowest rates of the year, when many luxury resorts offer significant discounts. The most expensive period is from January to April, during spring training, golf tournaments and the peak of the snowbird season.
Many do. Resort fees often cover pools, Wi-Fi and amenities, and parking may be extra. Always check the total price, including taxes and fees, before booking.
Families often choose resorts with water features, such as Arizona Grand Resort & Spa with its Oasis Water Park or large resorts with lazy rivers and slides. Scottsdale and north Phoenix have many family-friendly options.
Usually yes, unless you stay downtown or in Tempe near the light rail and plan few excursions. Resorts in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are spread out, and rideshare costs add up.
It can be, for travelers who enjoy resort pools, spas and indoor attractions, since rates are much lower. Plan outdoor activities for early morning and evening, and be aware that temperatures often exceed 110°F (43°C).
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