18 Best Hotels in Phoenix, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe

Hip and unabashedly quirky, this urban hotel has kicked up Phoenix's cool factor a few notches and offers a compelling reason to stay in Downtown. Luxe modern furnishings and amazing city views, coupled with a fantastic location within CityScape, make Palomar a great spot to rest your head—or party the night away.

The highlight of this family-oriented, all-suite hotel is the 9-acre River Ranch Water Park; it has swimming pools with waterfalls, a 130-foot waterslide, and a 1,000-foot "river" that winds past a miniature golf course, tennis courts, and artificial buttes. Accommodations in the stucco buildings vary from standard two-room suites to a grand three-bedroom house; all have balconies. It is also adjacent to the very busy AZ 51, though it manages to filter out most freeway noise. Kids can enjoy the "Coyote Camp" youth programs while adults take in area golf and the Tocasierra Spa.

In a town where luxurious, expensive resorts are the rule, the Phoenician still stands apart, primarily in the realm of service. Gone is the gold-leaf, crystal-bedazzled lobby that screamed opulence. In its place is a reimagined resort that sets as high a standard for comfort as it does luxury, and routinely surpasses expectations. The resort is remarkably comfortable and accommodating—especially for children. If the world-class spa, golf, or tennis aren't on the itinerary, there's always a pool a few steps away. Afterward, take in a sophisticated afternoon tea or dinner at J&G Steakhouse.

Once the home of Cunard Steamship executive Delos T. Cooke, this Mediterranean-style resort has a stately row of the namesake palms at its entrance, courtyards with fountains, and individually designed rooms that feel more like casitas than basic hotel rooms. The lush landscaping makes the resort feel cozy, intimate, and private. Only the busy pool will persuade you otherwise. The restaurant, T. Cook's, is renowned, and the open-air Alvadora Spa packs a lot of pampering into a relatively small space.

This luxurious boutique hotel is the only resort on the north slope of Camelback Mountain; secluded mountain casitas have chic modern furnishings, which contrast with the breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain, the Praying Monk (from some vantages), and the setting western sun. Bathrooms are finished in modern details with elegant sinks and roomy tubs. An infinity-edge pool, Zen meditation garden, and Asian-inspired Sanctuary Spa make this a haven for relaxation. The hotel's restaurant, elements, is a local hot spot for sunset cocktails and award-winning cuisine.

This beautiful all-suites resort next to South Mountain Park is home to Oasis, one of the largest water parks in the country, and one of the Valley's more challenging golf courses. Modern but warm, it's a good match in a place called the Valley of the Sun. Ideal for families, this massive property feels like a true getaway, even though it sits just off I--10. Enjoy a four-story sports center, spa, multiple restaurants, tennis, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Arizona's largest resort has an immense entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sandstone lobby, the Sonoran Desert, and the resort's amazing water features to meld together perfectly. This sprawling and busy property includes 4 acres of water fun with water slides and a popular "lazy river," where you can float the day away on an inner tube. Young 'uns love the kids' program, while adults can rejuvenate at Revive Spa or tee off at the on-site golf courses. Each elegantly decorated room has a balcony or patio.

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's colleague Albert Chase McArthur, the Biltmore has been Phoenix's premier resort since it opened in 1929. The lobby, with its stained-glass skylights, wrought-iron pilasters, and cozy sitting alcoves, fills with piano music each evening. Guest rooms are large, with chic urban furnishings that serve as a complement to the resort's distinctive architecture. The Biltmore sits on 39 impeccably manicured acres of cool fountains, open walkways, and colorful flowerbeds.

A comfortable base for travel, this affordable hotel is within a short drive of great recreation areas (Piestewa Peak) and great dining options, and is less than 1 mile from AZ 51, meaning quick and easy access to major freeways, Valley shopping, and Sky Harbor Airport. Pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and upgraded furnishings are highlights of the rooms, which are frequently updated.

Conveniently located just off the intersection of 24th Street and Camelback Road, this four-story hotel is great for business travelers, with spacious and accommodating rooms appointed with comfortable yet modern furnishings. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.

On 6 acres of lushly landscaped desert, the Hermosa is a blessedly peaceful alternative to some of the larger resorts nearby. This boutique hotel's ranch-style lodge was the home and studio of cowboy artist Lon Megargee in the 1930s; today the adobe structure houses Lon's at the Hermosa, justly popular for its New American cuisine. Villas as big as private homes and individually decorated casitas hold an enviable collection of Western art.

The convenience of Downtown Phoenix's light rail makes this convention-center hotel an attractive destination for vacationers, too. The seven-story atrium has huge sculptures, colorful tapestries, potted plants, and comfortable seating areas. Don't miss a trip to the revolving Compass restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the entire Valley.

Built on 125 acres in the mid-1930s and gorgeously renovated to keep its cowboy character, this hacienda-style resort remains top-notch and was the first JW Marriott ever established. Grounds are gloriously adorned with stunning cacti and desert flowers. Rooms are spacious and elegant with luxury amenities and private patios.

This luxury resort brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Paradise Valley with its exquisite dark furnishings and light stone work, impeccable Joya Spa, pool pavilion, and Spanish-inspired wedding chapel. Spacious rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with sunken tubs, large balconies, feather beds, and handmade Moroccan light fixtures. The hotel's restaurant, Prado, has a superb mix of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, while the Kasbah pool is another heavenly place to watch the Paradise Valley sunset.

One of the city's architectural marvels, this Downtown Marriott has an appealing mix of classic comfort and modern accommodations. Spacious rooms are designed for the business traveler, and are relatively quiet and well lit, with large desks and ergonomic desk chairs. They're also convenient for pro baseball and basketball fans as well as theater- and concertgoers.

The grande dame of Downtown Phoenix hotels has positioned itself as the go-to residence of convention goers, but its service and proximity to sports and arts venues make it desirable for leisure travelers as well. Rooms feature all the mod cons associated with a convention-caliber hotel, with the generous addition of unobstructed views of the Valley.

Intended to satisfy the needs of business travelers, there aren't many frills at this four-story hotel, though a lap pool and Jacuzzi await in the landscaped courtyard. Rooms are efficient, with clean duvets and ample space for work. A small café serves breakfast, but why stay in when you could walk to an excellent meal nearby?

Built in 1918 as a retreat for executives of the Goodyear Company, the grand Wigwam maintains its historical character while delivering a modern-day luxury experience. The expansive property can be traversed by chauffeured golf carts, and features great golf, tennis, and a fantastic spa.