Best Luxury Hotels in Arizona

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.

Built in 2004 and renovated in 2013, this Marriott property in the city’s Mountain Park, has 575 guest rooms, including singles, doubles and suites, some with balconies. Set to a backdrop of Saguaros, the resort reflects much of the local landscape, with desert-inspired decor, ceilings made from cactus spines and accents of native southwestern culture. Three golf courses, a spa, a gym and a multilevel outdoor pool with waterslides and a lazy river are found within the grounds, with Mediterranean and Mexican restaurants and a sports bar available for food and drink.

Encompassing several tiers, each low rise, this Ritz-Carlton hotel has been carved into Tortolita Mountain. Beamed ceilings complement serene contemporary furnishings, with Asprey toiletries, Nespresso machines and private terraces boasting gas fires for cosy evenings stargazing the clear, dark skies. Leisure facilities include a tennis court, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, wellness and mixology classes and three swimming pools (including a Serenity Pool with a tanning island) set across the multiple tiers. There are also six restaurants, a spa, and a programme of activities at the “Rangers Station” for the younger guests.

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.

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.

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.

Occupying nearly 100 acres of desert plateau in the Catalina Mountain foothills, this resort is fronted by its own lake and multiple waterfalls. This leads onto two golf courses and four floodlit tennis courts. The spa has won multiple awards and there are two heated pools and jacuzzis for some relaxation time. 398 rooms and 27 suites have private balconies, on which you can dine. Or pay a visit to the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort’s two restaurants; Flavor Ventana for a gourmet take on Arizonian favourites and the Flying V Bar & Grill, a casual eatery offering 70 different types of tequila and a “guacamoliere”.

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).