We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Phoenix and Scottsdale as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Phoenix: Best Western Inn Suites Phoenix
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes
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
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
From high-end shopping and fine dining to casual cafes and pubs, Phoenix is a vibrant city filled with hidden gems. With a population of over 4 million people in the metro area, it’s natural to be overwhelmed at first glance. However, once you get acquainted with this dynamic metropolis, you’ll find that there are plenty of activities to keep you busy day or night. Here are some helpful tips on where to eat, shop and play in Phoenix.
Visit the Desert Botanical Gardens
The Desert Botanical Gardens is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Phoenix. Located about 20 minutes from Downtown, this lush botanical garden was founded in 1939 as a place to study, enjoy and conserve the desert’s unique flora. There are over 50,000 plants from around the world on display throughout the gardens, so there is always something new to see. The Desert Wildflower Trail is the signature path through the Gardens. It is a 1.2-mile loop that takes you through the plants of the Sonoran Desert from February through October. The Gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children.
Take a hike in Papago Park
Known as one of the best urban hiking destinations in the United States, Papago Park is an oasis in the middle of Phoenix. This 28-acre park sits on the edge of the Salt River and offers stunning views of the nearby mountains and desert landscape. Hikes range from easy walks of less than a mile to more challenging trails that are over 6 miles in length. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is free. If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the park, you can rent paddle boards and canoes from Papago Paddleboard or go for a ride in a pedicab along the Rio Salado. Papago Brewing is located in the park, so you can enjoy a cold beer with your friends while taking in the sights of the river and mountains.
Shop at Biltmore and Scottsdale
If you’re looking for high-end shopping, Biltmore and Scottsdale are where you want to be. Biltmore Fashion Park is one of the top shopping destinations in the Southwest. It houses over 150 stores, including many top retailers as well as a handful of popular restaurants and bars. This massive outdoor shopping center is located near Downtown Phoenix, just a short drive from most hotels in the city. If you’d rather shop in Scottsdale, you can’t miss the Scottsdale Fashion Square. This massive indoor shopping center has over 200 shops and restaurants. You can also visit Old Town Scottsdale for some interesting shops selling unique gifts, antiques, and unusual souvenirs.
Go for brunch at The Eggery
The Eggery is a quirky and eclectic breakfast spot in Phoenix. Located in Arcadia, just a short drive from Downtown, this is the perfect place to start your day. The Eggery is a hybrid between a diner and a boutique, with an eclectic blend of vintage stores, art exhibitions and great food. Start your day with the breakfast sandwich, a tasty combination of ham, bacon, cheddar cheese and egg, served on buttermilk biscuit. The veggie sandwich is also a good choice if you’re looking for a healthier option. If you want to try something sweet, the Nutella and banana french toast is a decadent and delicious way to end your meal. The Eggery is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate New Years Eve at Talking Stick Resort
One of the most popular New Year’s Eve destinations in Arizona is Talking Stick Resort. The resort is located on the Salt River and has a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. You can enjoy a delicious steak from their signature restaurant, Saguaro. Saguaro is one of the best steakhouses in the Southwest. The New Year’s Eve celebration starts at 7 p.m. and features live music, a fireworks show and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $150 per person. If you’re not looking for such a big event, you can explore other New Year’s Eve celebrations in Phoenix. Downtown Phoenix has a large midnight celebration every year with music, food, and over 12,000 people attending. There are also great celebrations at Arizona State University, Grand Avenue and other Phoenix hot spots.
See a concert at Comercia Theatre or Mesa Amphitheater
If you love live music, you’ll want to see a show at Comercia Theatre or Mesa Amphitheatre. Comercia Theatre is one of the most famous music venues in Arizona, hosting popular performers from all over the world. You can see concerts throughout the year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. If you’re visiting during the fall or winter, you can catch one of the many college football games that are played at the theater. Mesa Amphitheater is another popular music venue in Arizona. Located about 20 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, this outdoor amphitheater has hosted concerts from artists like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Luke Bryan. If you’re visiting during the fall or winter, you can also catch a popular annual music festival near the amphitheater.
Have dinner near Downtown Phoenix
If you’re Downtown, you’ll want to check out Barrio Café, an authentic Mexican restaurant located in the historic Neighborhood of Phoenix. This trendy and colorful gastropub has an impressive menu of creative Mexican dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the pork belly tacos are especially delicious. If you’re looking for something more casual, you can’t go wrong with Lovin’ Spoonfuls. This vegan and vegetarian café has a menu filled with interesting and inventive dishes. The baja tacos, mushroom tacos and lentil burgers are all delicious options.
Conclusion
Phoenix is an exciting and vibrant city offering more than just desert landscapes and warm weather. With so many delicious restaurants, exciting attractions and unique shopping experiences, you’ll want to visit this city again and again. With these helpful tips, you’ll have everything you need to maximize your time in Phoenix. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you’ll find that this charming city is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
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.