Based on an analysis of industry honors, hotel star ratings, and user evaluations, U.S. News & World Report lists the best hotels in Arizona for travelers. Gold badges were awarded to hotels that ranked in the top 10% of the best hotels in the United States. Silver badges were awarded to hotels that scored in the top 30% of the Best Hotels in Arizona. Hotels that come following ranking hotels are ordered by hotel class and then by Tripadvisor user rating.
Arizona’s natural beauty ranges from the mountain woods of the north to the Saguaro-stippled desert of the south. Its best resorts reflect this diversity, drawing influences from and embracing harsh surroundings while immersing guests in one-of-a-kind environments of comfort and discovery. Consider these seven luxury resorts for your stay whilst seeing, hiking, riding, eating, drinking, and experiencing Arizona.
BEST HOTELS IN ARIZONA
The top hotels in Arizona are as diverse as the state’s scenery. Glamping getaways, dude ranches, spa-centric stays, historic hotels, and even boutique facilities with design-forward guest rooms can be found everywhere from the Grand Canyon to downtown Phoenix to Camelback Mountain. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly destination for a family road trip or a quiet retreat for a romantic weekend, the Grand Canyon State has it all.
#1. Castle Hot Springs, Morristown
This 1,100-acre desert resort has been in business for over a century and provides a variety of wellness, adventure, and culinary activities. “A fantastic spot to replenish your mind and body,” one enthusiast said. “The meals are exquisite and plentiful, and the staff makes you feel at ease.” While yoga and meditation are available, the most popular activity is, as the name suggests, swimming in the thermal waters, which are naturally rich in magnesium and other health-promoting minerals.
#2. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
This huge 298-room hotel in Williams, Arizona, is particularly popular with guests taking the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim, which is about an hour’s drive north. However, it is also a wonderful choice for individuals who do not need to remain inside the park or who prefer less rustic accommodations and facilities (like an indoor pool and hot tub). All of the rooms here have recently been rebuilt and are very spacious, including the bathrooms; even the ordinary rooms include two double beds, free internet, air conditioning, microwaves, and mini-fridges. The spectacular lobby was built to complement the surrounding historic Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot buildings, creating a warm frontier vibe, and in the winter, a blazing fire in the massive flagstone fireplace greets guests. There is a restaurant and pub on the property, but you are only a few feet away from Historic Route 66, which runs through downtown and has several restaurants and pubs to pick from.
#3. Bright Angel Lodge
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Bright Angel, located just feet from the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, is steeped in history. The rustic lodge, designed by architect Mary J. Colter (who also designed several other structures in the park), looks the same from the outside as it did when it opened in 1935, though the 37 rooms have been updated and are cozy and clean, if not luxurious, with shared bathrooms and standard hotel carpeting and comforters. The 50 one-bedroom log cabins feature more modern conveniences like Keurig coffeemakers and satellite TV, and a few are right on the rim. Don’t miss the fantastic floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the main lounge, where the geological strata of the canyon wall are re-created, more or less to scale, using the same rock, from the 2-billion-year-old Zoroaster granite at the bottom to the 250-million-year-old Kaibab Limestone at the top. Just make sure you get there early: Visitors flock to the edifice to take in the breathtaking views or to participate in famous mule rides and guided hiking tours down the Bright Angel Trail.
#4. Thunderbird Lodge
10 Albright Ave, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Though it lacks the rustic appeal of its neighbors, the Bright Angel and El Tovar lodges, the 1960s-era Thunderbird Lodge hasn’t lost its humorous Mad Men atmosphere. From the outside, it appears to be a college social sciences building, but the 55 updated rooms are comfortable and spacious, with geometric-patterned rugs and headboards, marble-topped furnishings, and stone-tiled bathrooms, as well as creature comforts like satellite TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and in-room refrigerators. Many have fantastic views of the canyon and are only $20 extra. While there is no restaurant on-site, El Tovar, Bright Angel, and the rest of the hamlet are only a few steps away. Best of all, the Rim Trail is right outside your door.
#5. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
15000 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658, USA
There’s no mistaking that visitors at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain are in the High Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona. There are saguaro cacti, chirping quail in the early morning, the black-velvet sky at night, and the Tortolita Mountains, which rise directly behind the resort and are carved with graffiti-like writings that have been there for a thousand years. Visitors can wax poetic over the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, the 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, the three swimming pools, or the meals prepared in the resort’s primary restaurant, the Core Kitchen and Wine Bar. The overarching impression is that this is a place where people have long sought sanctuary, respite, and refreshment (since before 2000 B.C., according to some experts).
Best Hotels In Arizona With Pools
With year-round sunshine, almost any time of year is an excellent time to visit Phoenix, especially if you can spend time in and around the water. If you’re seeking a stress-relieving hideaway and a fun way to stay cool in Phoenix, there are a plethora of great hotels with pools where you can spend the entire day. These are undoubtedly the coolest you’ll find, whether you’re looking for a tranquil sanctuary or a flurry of activity with water slides and meandering rivers.
#1. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a stunning 450-acre resort with Moorish-style architecture, waterfalls, and fountains. It is particularly popular with golfers, as it is home to two courses, but it also has five massive pools, including a stunning rooftop pool for the ideal way to stay cool in the desert sun. The resort also houses one of the top spas in the country as well as Bourbon Steak, a popular steakhouse. Rooms have balconies or patios with views of the stunning desert scenery, as well as wet bars and deep-soaking tubs.
#2. Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler
The Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a magnificent resort located south of Phoenix that was created to be a genuine portrayal of the Gila River Indian Community’s Native American culture. It contains a magnificent pool adjacent to a river, complete with cascading streams, a water slide, and a wading pool, set against a picturesque desert setting. There’s also a luxurious spa with indigenous spa experiences, an equestrian facility, a golf club, and a variety of culinary alternatives.
#3. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
The award-winning Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is spread across seven acres within the Phoenix resort. Families queue to ride the eight-story thrill slide towers, which feature a range of blood-pumping water slides. A gigantic wave pool, a 25-person hot tub, the Valley’s only side-by-side active river, and Wild Cat Springs for younger children are among the other water park features. Resort guests and ResortPass day pass users get free lounge chairs and pool towels.
#4. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Families come to the action-packed Adventure Water Park at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. The resort pool features a Kierland FlowRider flow-board simulator (yes, you can surf in the desert! ), a lazy river with a Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef private island, and a 110-foot-long waterslide.
#5. Hotel Valley Ho
Book The BIG Cabana at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale with 29 of your closest friends. This VIP cabana features luxurious lounge seats, private mini-fridges, TVs, ceiling fans, and wait for it—its hot tub. Plus, every Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., experience live music at the OH Pool, one of the Valley’s coolest pools, and DJs every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., through October. This cabana is available for reservation through ResortPass.
Best Hotels In Arizona For Couples
Arizona is always a terrific area to organize a couple’s getaway trip because there are so many spas, outdoor adventure options, and cultural events in different cities and towns. Many of the best areas to arrange your vacation are in large cities, such as Phoenix and Tucson. Carefree, Sedona, and other Arizona cities, on the other hand, have a lot to offer couples looking for romance and relaxation. Here are our top Arizona resorts for couples to help you plan your next romantic holiday.
#1.Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Scottsdale
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is one of Scottsdale’s best spa resorts, located at the base of Camelback Mountain and resembling the Spanish Andalusia region with fountains and flowers. There are elegant rooms and suites, as well as several dining options, three pools with cabanas, and a full-service salon and spa. Couples staying here can climb Camelback Mountain, get a Moroccan-inspired spa treatment together, or take advantage of a couple’s romance package with additional privileges. The lounge features live music. There’s a 24-hour fitness facility on-site, as well as complimentary bikes and pet-friendly rooms for couples who can’t take leaving their dog at home.
#2.Enchantment Resort, Sedona
Head to the Enchantment Resort with the one you love to be among Arizona’s magnificent red rock formations. One of Sedona’s best spa resorts, you can come here to connect with nature and each other while also getting active with hiking, mountain biking, and indigenous experiences. There is also a spa, a private golf course, and several restaurants on the premises.
#3. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson
The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is located in Arizona’s Catalina Mountain Range and is a luxury resort worth visiting as a couple in Tucson. Elegant guest rooms, including luxury suites, two heated pools with Jacuzzis, two Tom Fazio-designed PGA golf courses, a spa, and illuminated tennis courts are available. Couples can also use the fitness facility and dine at the onsite restaurants, including the Flying V Bar & Grill. Stay here if you and your sweetie enjoy golf and being spoiled in every way.
#4. Boulders Resort & Spa is, Carefree
The Boulders Resort has five-star luxury accommodations as well as vacation rental homes that are ideal for a weekend break for a couple. There’s also a golf course and a 33,000-square-foot spa to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. With wood-burning fireplaces, natural stone bathrooms, and Southwestern décor, the resort’s suites are inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Couples will also find two golf courses constructed by Jay Morrish and a golf academy, multiple restaurants, a private helipad, four swimming pools, and a modern fitness center.
#5. Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at the Buttes, Tempe
This Marriott resort is popular with couples because of its accessible location near the Phoenix airport, elegant rooms, and numerous amenities. There are tennis courts on-site, as well as a spa, an excellent restaurant, and poolside dining. There are two mountainside outdoor pools and a whirlpool here. Top of the Rock Restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine with breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the Narande Spa is a quiet haven with several massage, facial, and other treatment options. There is also a fitness center on-site if you want to work out together. Horseback riding, hot air balloon excursions, and other romantic choices are available surrounding this resort.
Best Hotels In Arizona With Water Parks
Although Arizona is not a beach destination, this should not deprive you of the enjoyment of having lots of water to play with throughout your stay. All you have to do is go a bit deeper and you will find plenty of possibilities with not only water parks but also decent swimming pools where you or the entire family can spend some time cooling down when the temperatures rise, which they will undoubtedly do. We’ve done the legwork for you. For your next family trip, here are our picks for resorts with water parks in Arizona, USA.
#1. Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort
During the hot summer days, guests at this resort will have access to eight different pools where they may cool off. They can also choose to rest in the cabanas beside the pool while watching the Arizona sun set beyond the horizon. For guests traveling with families and looking for nice water park amenities for their children, the resort has a 92-foot (28 m) water slide that will be enjoyed by all members of the family as well as children aged four and up.
#2. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The Adventure Water Park in Arizona is located at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. This should give you a good idea of what kind of fun water activities you can expect as a guest at this resort. A large water slide, a fun lazy river, a hot bus, and a family-friendly cabana are prominent features of the park. Guests will discover numerous areas in the park to relax in the scorching sun while cooling off in the icy waters. The park is always open solely to resort guests.
#3. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is an award-winning resort where luxury extends not just to the rooms and services but also the grounds and pools. The resort offers a huge, year-round pool and a spa where guests can unwind. The hotel offers a twisting water slide and plenty of pool toys for younger guests, while adults may make use of the on-site spa for body wraps, massages, and other cosmetic treatments.
#4. The Phoenician is a Luxury Collection Resort, in Scottsdale
The Phoenician in Scottsdale guarantees tourists unforgettable experiences in the water. The facility has a large water complex with upper pools, a lounge deck, and a central island with cabanas for visitor leisure. The park also has a 197-foot (60-meter) water slide with a kids’ zone, so no guest is left out of the excitement. There are hot tubs adjacent to the pools for adults who would like a little extra luxury in the facilities, and they can always be leased at the guest’s request.
#5. The Westin Kierland Villas
The Westin Kierland Villas is another excellent choice for people looking for Arizona resorts with water slides. There are numerous pools at the resort, including a children’s pool and play area, a water slide, and a lazy river pool. With such features, it is an excellent choice for families searching for well-rounded resorts that cater to the interests of both younger and older guests. If you play golf, you will appreciate putting on the facility’s lovely, green golf course.
Summary
Arizona, the sixth largest state in the United States and noted for its geologic wonder, the Grand Canyon, caters to tourists who come for a variety of activities. Some people desire to visit the Sonoran Desert for the first time and view the characteristic candelabra shape of a 50-foot-tall saguaro for the first time. More than five million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year. Others travel to Sedona for a spiritual experience. Millions more fly into Sky Harbor International Airport to enjoy the luxury of a resort stay in the Greater Phoenix area. They golf, go to the spa, lounge by the pool, and eat southern cuisine. Birders and cyclists may want to travel south to Tucson and neighboring cities for a more relaxed experience.
There is a suitable hotel for everyone. Lodges where you may go duck-feeding or on a hillside trek, or historic hotels with stunning cactus gardens or curated art exhibitions. Here’s a list of some of the top locations to stay in Arizona if you’re visiting or traveling through the state.
