The 23 best hotels in Phoenix

Wild Horse Pass aims to provide its guests with an authentic representation of local Native American culture and heritage. From the decor to the activities, they have certainly succeeded. It’s truly a full resort experience: There’s so much to do on premise that you virtually don’t ever need to leave the property. In addition to the pool and spa, the resort offers several unique amenities, including a golf course, riverboat ride and equestrian center. There’s also a Kids Club to keep the kiddos occupied with fun and educational activities throughout the day. Visit the nearby Rawhide Western Town for a taste of the cowboy life.

Time Out tip: Immerse yourself in all things Native American by learning about the heritage behind the hotel. The property is owned jointly by Pima and Maricopa Indian tribes. Join a jewelry-making class or channel your inner artist at cocktails and canvas. If you’re not feeling creative, handmade items are available for purchase.

This boutique hotel opened in February 2020, boasting a swimming pool, bar and a restaurant, as well as suites complete with fantastic interiors, a hot tub, and a terrace (oh, and floor-to-ceiling windows to look out over Phoenix). Situated in the idyllic Phoenix neighbourhood, this hotel is offering up cocktails by the pool, champagne on the rooftop lounge, all with a uniquely modern twist. The best part? Every room has its own record player. This is an uber-cool stay. 

Time out tip: This is a great stay for a group of friends, and it’s got all the kinds of gimmicks you want, e.g. unlimited free popsicles by the pool. Yep, you heard us. 

Tapatio Cliffs is kind of like the Swiss army knife of resorts. It’s the perfect spot for a family vacay, business trip or a romantic getaway. In fact, with its access to the North Phoenix Mountain Reserve trails, it could also easily be a fit weekend destination for those craving mountain biking, hiking or running. The beautiful resort has two swimming pools, a 40-foot waterfall and a 138-foot waterslide. The resort is also home to the Lookout Mountain Golf Course.

Time Out tip: Splurge on dinner for at least one night and make reservations at the resort’s award-winning mountaintop restaurant, a Different Pointe of View. The eatery offers a panoramic view of the valley below. Don’t worry if you’re seated inside: Floor-to-ceiling windows guarantee a stunning view no matter where you are positioned.

Senna House is part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection, which are well-loved everywhere from New York to Paris. But the Scottsdale setting, which opened in October 2021, really takes the cake. The sophisticated rooms look out over the Sonoran Desert, designed to bring cool and calm to your stay, and you can watch the sunset from your bedroom. 

Time out tip: There’s Scottsdale’s entertainment district just a few minutes from where you’re staying, with a ton of fantastic restaurants, shopping opportunities and a popping nightlife scene. 

Not only is this property beautiful, but it also offers some of the area’s best desert landscape views. Bonus points: The full-service spa that gives access to the lap pool, steam room, spa baths… and a separate spa restaurant (in addition to six other dining options). There are also five heated pools on premise, so you don’t have to worry about crowds.

Time Out tip: If you’re a golfer, or just want to learn the sport, this is the place for you as the Wildfire Golf Course is situated at the resort. Even though the course was designed by two golf legends, it’s still appropriate for all levels.

Families deserve luxury, and this 27-acre resort is exactly that. Adults and children will enjoy the 2.5-acre waterpark, complete with a sand beach and waterslide, the huge playground and the rock climbing wall. Adults can “play” at the top-rated golf course or choose to relax in the spa (or both?).

Time Out tip: Treat yourself to a day at the spa—literally. What to expect: A variety of treatments, hot and cold plunge pools, a special spa menu, jacuzzy, a mineral spa and much more.

You don’t have to go looking for a local hotspot when staying at the W, because the W is the hotspot. The rooftop pool is perfect for sunbathing, sure, but the party starts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a live DJ. The Living Room, the venue’s version of a lounge and bar, is ideal for hanging with friends and sipping cocktails. Be sure to grab dinner at Sushi Roku and schedule services at the Bliss Spa.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for more of a quiet scene, don’t fret. Contact the hotel ahead of time and they’ll be sure to find you a room away from the action. And, if the pool itself is too much of a party scene, the staff will hook you up with access to a pool at a sister property.

There’s nothing like a hotel with a good story… And Mountain Shadows’ story is a doozy. The original hotel opened its doors in 1959. After going through different ownerships, it eventually closed. But because this is a comeback story, its luxurious doors reopened in 2017. The property now boasts two 75-foot pools that are heated during cooler months, a fitness center that offers classes such as aerial yoga and pilates, and an on-premise restaurant called Hearth ‘61 that will offer meals to satisfy even the most sophisticated palate.

Time Out tip: Request a room with a view of the majestic Camelback Mountain.

The grounds of this Scottsdale resort are so beautiful, you may not want to even go back to your room. But that’s okay, because there’s tons to do on the property. There are five restaurants, two golf courses and six swimming pools, including water slides and a 9,000-sqare-foot white sand beach. The spa offers an impressive array of services, including healing therapies such as acupuncture, cupping and reiki. 

Time Out tip: The Fairmont celebrates each of the four seasons with special activities, packages and menu offerings.

The Phoenician opened back in 2009, got more than a lick of paint in 2018, when it wrapped up three years of renovations - reportedly costing around $90 million. Now, it boasts nine swimming pools, a full spa with 24 treatment rooms, a yoga studio, shopping mall and even a nail bar and hair salon. This is serious luxury, and the kind of resort you’ll never want to leave. 

Time out tip: This is a good one for a family holiday, as the outdoor pool has a whole water playground, as well as tennis and basketball courts.