Where To Stay In Phoenix: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Phoenix is massive. It covers over 500 square miles, which makes it bigger than Los Angeles by land area. Most people think it’s just one giant desert suburb. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Valley of the Sun has wildly different vibes depending on where you drop your bags. You can stay in Downtown Phoenix and walk to cocktail bars inside old bank vaults. Or you can head to Old Town Scottsdale, where luxury resorts sit right next to actual horseback riding trails.

Fun fact: Phoenix gets over 300 days of sunshine every year. That’s more than Miami or Honolulu.

Picking the right neighborhood completely changes your trip. Drive 20 minutes in any direction, and you’ll hit a totally different scene. Some areas are packed with hipster coffee shops and mid-century bungalows. Others feature red-rock mountain views right out your hotel window.

Here is a breakdown of the best spots to stay, whether you want desert hikes, nightlife, or just a lounge chair by a pool.

In this travel guide:

Downtown

Best area for: culture, entertainment, business

Downtown Phoenix is where the city’s old roots meet its newer, more creative side.  Downtown is actually part of Phoenix’s original townsite, and you can still see that history around Heritage Square. The restored Rosson House, built in 1895, gives you a peek at what life was like in the city’s early days.

For museums, we’d put the Arizona Science Center high on the list. It has hundreds of interactive exhibits, so it works just as well for curious adults as it does for families. Chase Field is nearby too, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Then there’s Roosevelt Row. This is probably our favorite part of downtown. The streets are packed with colorful murals, galleries, small shops, bars, and restaurants. The area grew from artists using abandoned buildings as studios, eventually helping transform the neighborhood. The First Friday Art Walk, which started in 1994, is still a big deal.

Food is another reason to stay downtown. For breakfast, we’d go to Matt’s Big Breakfast for a plate of pancakes or something savory. It’s a local favorite in Roosevelt Row.

Downtown also has light rail, so getting around without a car is surprisingly easy.

Best place to stay in Downtown Phoenix

Kimpton Hotel Palomar. Address: 2 East Jefferson Street, Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States of America.

Paradise Valley

Best area for: upscale, life like a local

Paradise Valley delivers the ultimate high-desert escape. You get quiet mountain scenery, rich local history, and top-tier dining, all just minutes away from downtown Scottsdale.

Nestled right between Phoenix and Scottsdale, this quiet desert enclave incorporated in 1961 to keep its rural, low-density character. The area prioritizes serene open spaces, magnificent saguaro cacti, and stunning luxury homes built directly into the mountain backdrop.

The natural landscape acts as the main draw here. We love taking on the challenging hike up Camelback Mountain, which offers unbelievable panoramic views of the entire Valley of the Sun.

If you want a unique historical stop, check out Cosanti. It is the former studio of architect Paolo Soleri, featuring terraced desert structures and hand-cast wind bells made right on site. For golf enthusiasts, the Short Course at Mountain Shadows provides an incredible 18-hole par-three layout right at the base of the cliffs.

The food scene highlights luxury desert dining at its finest. For an unforgettable dinner, we always book a table at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. Set in an authentic 1930s adobe hacienda built by cowboy artist Lon Megargee, it serves incredible Southwestern dishes on a sun-dappled patio surrounded by glowing fire pits.

Whether you decide to stay here or not, coming to this natural paradise is a fantastic way to spend a day in nature.

Best place to stay in Paradise Valley

Resort Mountain Shadows. Address: 5445 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, United States of America.

Camelback East

Best area for: views, upscale, shopping

Camelback East sits between Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and Papago Park, so we had plenty of excuses to get outside. Camelback Mountain is the big draw. The trails are tough, but the views from the top stretch across Phoenix and Scottsdale. Just bring plenty of water. Seriously.

The area has an interesting mix of old and new. A lot of the homes date from the 1950s and ’60s, and parts of Camelback East were once covered with citrus groves. You can still spot that older Phoenix character in some of the residential streets.

There’s plenty to do beyond hiking, too. Papago Park is home to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. The latter is especially good if you want to see just how much life can grow in the Sonoran Desert. We also recommend checking out the historic Wrigley Mansion for its architecture, views, and food.

For food, Camelback East has no shortage of good stops. We’d grab breakfast at The Bread and Honey House Arcadia, then head out for the day. For lunch or dinner, Chelsea’s Kitchen is a solid pick, especially if you can snag a patio table. The Arcadia area also has plenty of independent cafés and restaurants, making it an easy place to spend an afternoon.

Best place to stay in Camelback East

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Address: 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Camelback East, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States of America.

Encanto

Best area for: nightlife, LGBTQ+, culture

Encanto gives you lush green spaces, world-class art, and old-school desert charm all in one convenient midtown package.

Developed during the suburban growth boom of the 1920s and 1930s, this central village blends deep local history with historic residential architecture. Palm tree lined streets and classic Spanish Colonial ranches give the neighborhood a distinctive Southwestern feel.

The area packs a massive cultural footprint. Encanto Park sits right near the center, offering 222 acres of winding lagoons, golf courses, and quiet walking paths. If you want to check out top-tier regional exhibits, walk over to the Heard Museum to learn about Indigenous American art. Right down the road, the Phoenix Art Museum showcases impressive modern collections and international works.

When we want a solid dinner in the area, we make reservations at Durant’s on Central Avenue. Opening back in 1950, this iconic red-leather steakhouse requires you to walk through the back kitchen to reach your table. Ordering a prime rib and a classic martini there feels like stepping straight into a time machine.

Best place to stay in Encanto

Embassy Suites by Hilton. Address: 10 East Thomas Road, Encanto, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States of America.

North Mountain

Best area for: nature, budget-friendly

Finally, we have North Mountain. As you may have guessed, North Mountain is in the northern part of Phoenix.

It feels more relaxed than downtown, but you’re still close to the city. The big draw is the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, where North Mountain and nearby Shaw Butte give us some of the best hiking in this part of town. North Mountain reaches 2,104 feet, while Shaw Butte tops out at 2,149 feet. There are trails for easy walks and tougher summit hikes.

We’d start early. Phoenix gets seriously hot, and the mountain trails don’t offer much shade. The views from the top are worth the effort, especially when the city starts waking up below us. Keep an eye out for saguaros, desert plants, and wildlife along the way.

The area also has some fascinating history. The mountains contain Hohokam petroglyphs and old mining sites. Around the turn of the 20th century, parts of the area were used as a campground by students and families from the Phoenix Indian School. North Mountain Park itself dates back to 1957, before it became part of the larger preserve system.

For a little more context, we’d stop at the North Mountain Visitor Center. It has exhibits covering local geology, archaeology, Sonoran Desert plants and animals, and the history of the mountains. Admission is free.

After hiking, North Mountain Brewing Company is a handy spot for food and a drink. For breakfast, Moon Valley Cafe LLC is another good neighborhood pick.

Best place to stay in North Mountain

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Address: 11111 North 7th Street, North Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85020, United States of America.

Where travel experts stay in Phoenix

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Phoenix, Arizona? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Phoenix.

Budget

Hotel Adeline.

“The new Hotel Adeline takes an affordable approach to style. Some 213 rooms ring a lively pool area that includes a full-service bar. On weekends, ask for the password to get into the hidden speakeasy Straight Up.” — New York Times.

Address: 5101 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, United States of America.

Mid-range

Royal Palms Resort and Spa.

“It’s full of winding, tree-covered paths, arches, narrow walkways, gardens, and antique fountains, creating the tranquil feel of a Mediterranean monastery. The denseness landscaping belies its relatively small footprint on Camelback Road in Arcadia.” — Frommer’s.

Address: 5200 East Camelback Road, Camelback East, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States of America.

Luxury

Resort The Phoenician.

“In a town where luxurious, expensive resorts are the rule, the Phoenician still stands apart, primarily in the realm of service. The gilded, marbled lobby with towering fountains is the backdrop for a $25 million fine-art collection.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 6000 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States of America.

FAQ: Phoenix hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Phoenix-or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Phoenix.

Best time to visit Phoenix

The best time to visit Phoenix largely depends on the individual’s weather preference. However, most travelers prefer the period from November to April, when the weather is at its most pleasant.

During these months, temperatures generally rest in the comfortable 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit), offering perfect conditions for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions.

However, this is also high season, meaning popular sites may be crowded and prices for flights and accommodation may be higher than usual.

If you’re looking to avoid the throngs of tourists and score a better deal on your trip, consider visiting Phoenix in the summer months. It’s worth noting that summers in Phoenix can be extremely hot, with temperatures often rising above 100 °F.

Yet, this can also be an opportunity to enjoy indoor attractions such as renowned museums, art galleries and shopping centers.

Best things to do in Phoenix

There are plenty of things to do in Phoenix and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Phoenix:

Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix

Take in gorgeous views of the Sonoran Desert and feel like you’re floating on a cloud during an exhilarating hot air balloon ride from Phoenix. Price: $179. More info.

Phoenix & Scottsdale City Highlights Tour

The Phoenix City Highlights tour is a half-day tour that showcases the fastest growing county in the United States. The land area is larger than London, Paris and Tokyo combined, and has a tremendous diversity of culture, scenery and history to explore. Price: $89. More info.

Grand Canyon Day Tour with Sedona and Navajo Reservation

Visit Grand Canyon National Park, with a stop for pictures of the Red Rocks of Sedona, on this 13-hour tour from the Phoenix area. Price: $168. More info.

More things to do in Phoenix

Deciding where to stay in Phoenix

To summarize, this travel guide has covered the best areas of Phoenix, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Phoenix

• North Mountain
• Encanto
• Camelback East
• Paradise Valley
• Downtown

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Phoenix is important. Whether you stay in North Mountain, Encanto, Camelback East, Paradise Valley or Downtown, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Phoenix.

Phoenix overview

More Phoenix tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Phoenix:

Hotels in Phoenix

Luxury hotels in Phoenix

Cheap hotels in Phoenix