With its breathtaking Sonoran Desert landscapes and a vibrant year-round climate, this sun-drenched city offers an unparalleled blend of outdoor adventure and cosmopolitan luxury. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Phoenix and Scottsdale, based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Phoenix: Best Western Inn Suites Phoenix
Best luxury hotel in Phoenix: Mountain Shadows Resort
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Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, is a legendary desert escape that first opened in 1959. Originally a magnet for Hollywood stars and luxury travelers, the resort was famously demolished in 2014 before being completely reimagined and rebuilt from the ground up, reopening in 2017. It keeps its mid-century soul alive through nods to its past, such as the iconic breeze-block patterns by the pool and the name of its signature restaurant, Hearth '61.
New York Times“The original 1959-vintage Mountain Shadows resort was rebuilt in midcentury style and reopened in 2017 with 183 rooms featuring glass-enclosed showers separating bedroom and bath and a pair of 75-foot swimming pools.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Scottsdale.
The Global Ambassador, which opened in 2023 in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood, is a luxury boutique hotel born from the vision of renowned local restaurateur Sam Fox. The property serves as an international oasis in the desert, blending European-inspired architectural aesthetics—like its signature white brick and wrought-iron accents—with the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
CN Traveler + 2 more“A chic, cosmopolitan hotel? A property that’s a legitimately cool day-and-night destination for locals? Absolutely non-existent in the Valley of the Sun—until the arrival of The Global Ambassador.”
The Phoenician, situated at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, opened in 1988 as a $300 million project envisioned by Charles Keating. Designed by the firm Killingsworth, Stricker, Lindgren, Wilson and Associates, the resort was built on grounds that once held historic desert retreats like the Jokake Inn. To achieve its lavish aesthetic, white marble was imported from Italy, and the lobby ceiling was adorned with 24-karat gold.
Fodors + 2 more“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.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Phoenix.
Bespoke Inn, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is a uniquely intimate boutique hotel that has been welcoming guests since 2013. Far from a typical chain, it was a labor of love for its founders, who personally designed and hand-built many of the property’s features. From the custom walnut vanities and antique-mirrored headboards to the striking 48-foot copper bar in the on-site restaurant, every detail feels deeply personal and artisanal.
Lonely Planet“A small slice of ‘European’ hospitality in downtown Scottsdale, this breezy eight-room hotel has chocolate scones to nibble in the chic cafe, an infinity pool to loll in and Pashley city bikes to roam the neighborhood on.”
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is a stylish, boutique retreat located in the heart of the vibrant CityScape development. Since opening in 2012, it has served as a cosmopolitan anchor for downtown Phoenix, blending refined luxury with a welcoming, laid-back personality that fits the Arizona spirit perfectly.
Fodors“Hip and unabashedly quirky, this boutique hotel has kicked up Phoenix’s urban street cred a few notches and offers a compelling reason to stay in Downtown Phoenix.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Phoenix.
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a hidden gem tucked at the base of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. Originally built in 1929 as "El Vernadero," a winter estate for New York financier Delos Cooke and his wife, the property was designed as a Spanish Colonial Revival villa. It opened as a hotel in 1948 and today remains a member of the Historic Hotels of America, offering a romantic, old-world escape.
Frommers + 3 more“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.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Phoenix.
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, opened in 1929, is a desert icon often called the "Jewel of the Desert." While architect Albert Chase McArthur designed it, the resort is famous for its "textile block" construction—a unique method influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, who served as a consultant on the project. These distinct patterned blocks were molded on-site using desert sand and canal water, creating a stunning, geometric facade that remains the property's signature look.
Lonely Planet + 2 more“With architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and past guests including Irving Berlin, Marilyn Monroe and every president from Hoover to Bush the younger, the Biltmore is perfect for connecting to the magic of yesterday.”
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is a legendary Scottsdale retreat with a glamorous Hollywood backstory. It originally opened in the 1950s as the Paradise Valley Racquet Club, a vision brought to life by Sydney Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin’s son) and several star-studded investors. The clubhouse and original casitas were designed by Hiram Hudson Benedict, a talented protégé of the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, infusing the property with timeless, mid-century desert architecture.
Frommers + 2 more“This visually breathtaking place was the Valley’s first hip resort, and I still like the contemporary rooms here better than those at other hip hotels around town—and so do the celebrities who stay here.”
Moxy Phoenix Downtown is a playful, modern retreat housed in the historic Luhrs Building, an iconic Art Deco landmark originally constructed in 1924. Designed by the esteemed firm Trost & Trost, the building was once the tallest in the city and served as a high-society hub, even hosting the private Arizona Club on its top floors for nearly fifty years.
New York Times“The new Moxy Phoenix Downtown is a fun hotel (the reception desk doubles as a bar with candy and board games on hand) that makes sure even the smallest rooms are well stocked: The help-yourself “Stash” cabinet on every floor contains backup blankets and towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste and all-important post-hike soaps.”
The Camby Hotel, located in the prestigious Biltmore neighborhood of Phoenix, is a masterclass in "refined revelry." Originally a Ritz-Carlton, the building was transformed into its current playful personality by the design firm Stonehill & Taylor. They utilized the hotel's classic, elegant foundation as a canvas, layering on contemporary touches that draw inspiration from Arizona’s "5 Cs": cotton, cattle, citrus, climate, and copper.
Frommers + 1 more“A relatively new high-end boutique operation, this 11-story tower (itself fairly unusual for Phoenix) occupies the site of the former Ritz-Carlton, looking out on the bustling intersection of 24th Street and Camelback Road, the Biltmore Fashion Park mall, and a gorgeous vista of mountains beyond.”
Boulders Resort & Spa is tucked away in the high Sonoran Desert, famously built around stunning, 12-million-year-old granite rock formations. Opened in the mid-1980s, the resort was designed by architect Robert Bacon, who took a "land-first" approach to ensure the casitas blended seamlessly into the rugged landscape rather than standing out against it.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“Tensions evaporate upon arrival at this desert oasis that blends into a landscape of natural rock formations – and that’s before you’ve put in a session at the on-site spa or settled in at one of the four pools. Basically, everything here is calculated to make life better.”
Hotel Adeline is a standout boutique retreat in Scottsdale that leans into a playful, retro-modern aesthetic. Originally constructed in 1970 as a classic roadside motel, the property has been reimagined into a trendy, character-driven destination. It maintains that nostalgic, open-air walkway charm while infusing the space with a chic, bohemian spirit perfect for social travelers.
New York Times“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.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Scottsdale.
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, New York Times, Travel+Leisure
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Forbes, Frommers
Recommended by:
Frommers, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors
Recommended by:
New York Times
The city is situated in the north side of Sonoran Desert. It is also termed as the Valley of Sun. Besides the deserted are, the city has a lot of variations to offer visitors. With time, Phoenix has emerged as one of the famous areas in America. It houses more than 20 different communities.
With good weather condition, amazing mountains, clear skies, luxurious hotels, and more it, attracts a lot of visitors across the world. No matter what are your requirements, you can easily get all the things here. Are you looking for some best places to stay in Phoenix.? Here are some that you can consider.
Five best neighborhoods to stay in Phoenix
Downtown Central Phoenix
It is the cultural and historical hub of Phoenix. The area houses a lot of luxurious as well as affordable hotels. All are surrounded by shops, museums, and restaurants. It has some significant tourist attractions, such as the Arizona Science Center and the Wells Fargo History Museum. In the north side, you will find the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum. There is a lot of things that you can explore here. The nearby airport is Sky Harbor International Airport. So, this can be a perfect place to stay in Phoenix.
Camelback Mountain
Situated at the northwest of downtown, the place is quite popular for it's rocky and biking trails. It is a great place for all outdoor enthusiasts. The major part of the area is Camelback Road. It houses different shopping malls, residential and commercial towers, lodges and more. No matter where you stay, you will enjoy amazing sightseeing. Don’t worry if your budget is low as you can easily find cheap hotels here.
Encanto
Encanto is quite famous for its vibrant and amazing nightlife and houses a lot of night clubs and bars. Some of the major attractions that you can find in Encanto are Heard Museum, Museum of Art, the Arizona State Fair, and the central shopping center. Here you can easily find the best accommodation under your budget. Another great benefit is Encanto is located near Phoenix airport and metro stations. So, add it to your list.
Paradise Valley
This amazing place is situated between the McDowell Mountains, Phoenix mountains, and Camelback mountain. The area is famous for the luxurious hotels and its proximity to the major tourist attractions. It hosts bars, drive-ins, and restaurants where one can enjoy delicious and authentic American and Mexican dishes. You can find transportation facilities like buses to travel to different areas from Paradise Valley.
North Mountain
It is situated at the northern side of Phoenix. The Northern Mountain is popular for Castles N’ Coasters, the best amusement park in Phoenix. Besides, here you can enjoy different sporting events. Furthermore, for entertainment, the area houses cafes with live music. Do you love shopping? If yes, here you can visit the Metrocenter, the largest mall in Phoenix. With all kinds of accommodation, this a great place to stay in Phoenix.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Phoenix.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Phoenix, then book Best Western Inn Suites Phoenix. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Phoenix.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Phoenix, then go for Mountain Shadows Resort. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Phoenix, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a drink with a nice view in a Phoenix rooftop bar, then try the Kimpton Hotel Palomar. Customers have given great reviews for the rooftop bar there.
If you want a room with a view then try the Resort Mountain Shadows in Scottsdale. Customers have given excellent reviews for views from the hotel.
Phoenix and Scottsdale are relatively cheap compared to other US cities. The average prices for a 3-star hotel in Phoenix are $105 per night. For a 4-star hotel you can expect to pay around $175 per night and if you're looking for a luxury 5-star hotel in Phoenix, then you probably have to pay around $250 per night.
If you're looking to visit a game of the Arizona Diamondbacks at the Chase Field, then go for the Kimpton Hotel Palomar. It's close by and it's got great reviews.
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.
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.
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 things to do in Phoenix
The sprawling Valley of the Sun, anchored by the metropolitan giant of Phoenix and its affluent neighbor Scottsdale, represents a remarkable transformation of the Sonoran Desert. Phoenix, named by Darrell Duppa because he envisioned a new civilization rising from the ancient Hohokam ruins like the mythical firebird, was officially incorporated in 1881. It began as a modest hay camp to supply nearby military outposts, later evolving into a major agricultural hub thanks to complex canal systems. Scottsdale’s origins are equally humble; established in 1888 by U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, the area was initially envisioned as an agricultural retreat. While Phoenix grew into a sprawling financial and transportation powerhouse, Scottsdale cultivated an identity centered on resort-style luxury and the mythos of the American West.
Today, these cities stand as icons of desert innovation. Phoenix serves as the state capital and a diverse economic engine, balancing its rapid urbanization with a deep commitment to preserving the rugged mountain landscapes that weave through its city limits. Scottsdale, often dubbed “The West’s Most Western Town,” has matured into a sophisticated center for art, world-class golf, and high-end tourism, serving as the glittering crown jewel of the Valley’s upscale hospitality scene.
The history of the region is punctuated by fascinating, lesser-known details. For instance, while Scottsdale leans into its cowboy reputation, the city’s fire trucks are notably painted a distinct lime-yellow rather than the traditional red, a choice made for higher visibility. In Phoenix, the iconic song “White Christmas” was famously composed by Irving Berlin while he was poolside at the historic Arizona Biltmore resort. Additionally, the region’s commitment to its desert character is so fierce that the majestic saguaro cactus is protected by law, with severe penalties for harming one. Together, Phoenix and Scottsdale represent a unique marriage of harsh, beautiful wilderness and refined urban ambition.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Phoenix. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our hotel recommendations for Phoenix, then you should also check out the recommended hotels in Houston and the best hotels in Dallas.