It’s the USA’s fifth largest city, a Sonoran Desert metropolis backed by mountains, with lakes, parks, botanical gardens and the Salt River running through. Phoenix’s far reaches are home to upscale spa resorts frequented by popstars, ranches and hiking trails, while the urban downtown is hip and buzzy and the region attracts golfers from across the world. Pass through Phoenix en route to the Grand Canyon, or make the city the focus of your stateside holiday, at one of these superb hotels.
Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Stay at the heart of the action, in this central hotel. Part of the Hyatt Regency Group, it has a modern design, with neutrally decorated interiors accented by bolder touches. 693 guestrooms are spread across 24 floors, each with iPod docking stations, 55-inch flat-screen televisions and coffee makers. Outside, you’ll find a swimming pool, spa tub and sundeck on the Hyatt’s third floor. Plus there’s a 24-hour gym, with cardio and weight-training equipment, complimentary bottled water, and towels. But its crown jewel is The Compass Restaurant, Arizona’s only revolving dining room (floors 22 and 23 house the mechanical equipment to ensure it keeps moving).
AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Tempe/Downtown
The lakefront setting of the AC by Marriott make this a good one for those wanting a room with a serene view. Many of the bedrooms are pet-friendly (up to two furry friends are permitted per bedroom) and have balconies to enjoy some alfresco time away from the throng. A daily US-style breakfast is served at AC Kitchen, with AC Lounge catering for evening meals in the form of tapas, and cocktails. The rooftop pool has the best views of all and you can look out onto the downtown skyline during your workout in the fitness centre.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Spa-lovers will find they’re never far from a quality wellness resort in Phoenix. And one such, is the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Arizona’s largest hotel. It has 950 guestrooms, including 81 suites, and occupies 316 acres of the Sonoran Desert, on the perimeter with Scottsdale. The AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes Recommended award-winning property has superb views of the McDowell Mountains. Its many amenities include five restaurants and a lounge, large meeting spaces, a spa, tennis courts, a lake with inbuilt fountains and bridges over, a golf course and five freeform, lap and river-style outdoor pools.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Formerly the Cottonwood Suites, this property has been operating as the Andaz Resort (part of the Hyatt Group) since 2014. Its 185 bungalows and suites sit within 23 acres of land in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. The design here blends a midcentury vibe, with a modern arty feel. Onsite are three pools, one of which is within the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, where guests can also indulge in treatments — indoors or out. Areas of the grounds are strung with twinkling lights, planted with giant cacti and punctuated with glowing uber-modern outdoor fires. Guests at the Andaz dine beside the open kitchen in a funky restaurant.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Taking inspiration from nearby Mexico, this hotel features plazas with fountains, colonial–style terracotta-coloured architecture, casita suites and restaurants including La Hacienda and Toro, by chef Richard Sandoval. Its 65 landscaped acres accommodates two 18-hole championship golf courses (one of which hosts an annual PGA tournament), six pools with waterslides, a man-made beach and an innovative spa. 750 bedrooms boast benefits such as private terraces and wet bars, and, as the resort is so large, you can get a lift to and from the public areas on one of the Fairmont’s golf buggies.