13 Best Resorts in Phoenix, Arizona

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a weekend of relaxation, pampering, and fun!

With state-of-the-art waterparks, award-winning spas, and gourmet onsite restaurants, here are 13 of the best resorts in Phoenix, Arizona for a staycation!

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13 Best Resorts in Phoenix, Arizona

Table of Contents

• The Scott Resort & Spa
• Arizona Grand Resort and Spa
• Great Wolf Lodge
• The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
• Hotel Valley Ho
• JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
• Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
• Scottsdale Plaza Resort
• The Phoenician
• The Arizona Biltmore
• The Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
• Wigwam Arizona

The Scott Resort & Spa

As you step into the breezy lobby at The Scott Resort & Spa filled with tropical plants and cane loungers, you’ll feel like you arrived in the heart of Havana, Cuba.

The theme is carried throughout the chic hotel with gold bar carts, vintage self-portraits, and brass bathroom sconces in each room.

The room key holder even looks like a passport, complete with a stamp!

The sandy beach entry pool is surrounded by gently swaying shade trees and towering palms. It feels like you’re a world away from the city.

While it may feel like you’re a world away, The Scott Resort & Spa is conveniently located just minutes from some of the best restaurants in Scottsdale.

It is also only a few miles from Fashion Square Mall, Scottsdale’s premier shopping destination.

Although there are plenty of things to do nearby, there is no need to even leave the resort.

If you are hungry, stop by The Canal Club, the swanky mid-century modern restaurant and bar located at the resort.

Here you’ll find Cuban-inspired dishes and trendy decor infused with a taste of Havana.

The restaurant features an elegant dining area, casual lounge and bar, and an outdoor seating area with a cozy ambiance.

Try the Cubano Sandwich with a side of Tostones (plantains, smoked bacon black bean puree, pico, and cotija).

And be sure to order the Banana Fritters or the Churro Donut Holes served with white chocolate anglaise and guava jam for dessert!

Arizona Grand Resort and Spa

The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa is an all-suite resort with spacious one and two-bedroom suites, perfect for a family staycation.

Some of the rooms are a bit dated, but I recommend staying in the Camelback Suites which have been more recently renovated. Be sure to request a room with a view of the waterpark!

What makes this hotel the perfect staycation spot is the 7-acre Oasis Waterpark which features an 8-story slide tower with three different water slides, including a 225-foot Free Fall slide.

You’ll also find a wave pool, a lazy river, a 25-person hot tub, and the Wild Cat Springs kids zone with a volleyball net.

Swimming pools and hot tubs are also located at each suite complex.

Entrance to the waterpark is included in the resort fee for guests. Guests will also have access to the waterpark starting at noon the day of check-in and you can stay and swim the full day after checking out.

This means that for a one-night stay, you’ll get 2 full days at the waterpark which is an awesome deal for families!

Daily resort passes are also available for non-guests, but they are currently $55 for adults and $45 for kids, so you might as well just book a night where the pass is included.

There are a few on-site restaurants and grills. They are a bit pricey as can be expected, but In-N-Out Burgers is right around the corner for a delicious and budget-friendly option. Each room also has a mini fridge, so I recommend packing a lunch, drinks, and snacks and then taking a little lunch break while swimming.

The Arizona Grand is located on the outskirts of South Mountain Preserve, the largest municipal park in the world. Here you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in Phoenix, the Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail is our favorite.

After a day at the pool, slip on your tennis shoes and take a sunset hike through the desert if it isn’t too hot. Cactus Adventures is also located nearby where you can rent a mountain e-bike and hit the bike trails at South Mountain.

Arizona Grand has received many awards and has been recognized as one of the best places to stay in Phoenix by several publications.

These include The #1 Staycation Spot in Arizona by AZ Big Media, Fodor’s Choice Gold Awards Best Hotel for Kids and Families by Fodor’s Travel, 2010 Best Weekend Getaway in the Valley by the Arizona Republic, Best Place for Family Bonding by Nickelodeon Parents Picks, Best Resort Pool by Phoenix New Times, and they were recently nominated for the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards.

Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge is a dream escape for families. They offer some of the largest indoor waterparks in all of North America.

The outdoor-themed rooms are spacious and perfect for families. The standard room can even sleep up to 6 people with larger suites accommodating up to 13 guests.

Check Groupon for discounted rates.

The price of the room also includes wristbands for each guest at the water park.

The nice part about spending the night is that you can use the water park all day on the day you check in and all day on the day you check out, so 2 full days!

Day passes are also available for non-guests.

It is a great option for those who just want to visit for the day, but it also makes the water park quite busy. People start lining up almost 45 minutes before the pool opens at 10 am!

The heated waterpark features a multi-level treehouse, waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, multiple water slides, and a family raft ride.

There’s also a water basketball court, floating lily pad course, outdoor lagoon, toddler zone, and an adults-only hot tub.

In addition to the waterpark, other activities include a MagiQuest Adventure, gold mining, rock climbing wall, bowling, mini-golf, ropes course, arcade, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop.

There is a fee for the additional activities, or guests can purchase an all-inclusive attraction pass.

A variety of activities are also available throughout the day like crafts, bedtime stories, and a pajama dance party.

There are also several different dining options available, so you’ll never have to leave the resort. You’ll find a food court, breakfast buffet, and the Barnwood Restaurant. We thought the food was pretty good, but a little pricey.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

The Westin Kierland is one of our favorite places for a family staycation in Phoenix. The property and guest rooms are clean, comfortable, and modern.

In addition to traditional hotel rooms, they also offer spacious suites and villas perfect for families.

The best part about staying at the Westin Kierland is that your kids will want to spend all day at the pool.

With a large family pool, lazy river, splash pad, small water slide, hot tub, and even a Flow Rider, your kids are sure to be entertained all day long.

You’ll also find an adults-only swimming pool for those seeking a quiet day at the pool.

The Flow Rider is an additional cost and runs for 90-minute sessions. On summer weekends, they often hold Flow Rider shows with some experts doing tricks.

Our kid’s favorite part of the show is dodgeball where they get to throw balls at the riders while they’re on the wave.

In addition to swimming pools, they also have a kid’s zone with ping pong tables, a basketball hoop, and lawn games. They often schedule daily kids’ activities as well, so check with the front desk.

On the weekends, you can usually find live music drifting from the lounge and guests gathered around the firepits in the outdoor courtyard that overlooks the golf course.

The Westin Kierland also offers a few dining options. The Monday Club Cafe is our favorite with kids. Their traditional dishes are served with fresh locally sourced ingredients that are sure to please even the pickiest eater.

The Poolside Bar & Grill is also convenient for grabbing lunch or snacks while hanging out at the pool.

The hotel is also located near Kierland Commons, a popular outdoor mall if you want to do some shopping during your staycation!

Hotel Valley Ho

The Hotel Valley Ho is a Scottsdale icon that opened during the glamorous 1950s. Its guest list over the years includes the likes of Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

The hotel underwent major renovations in 2005 but still embraces the original mid-century chic design. You’ll also find a hint of modern contemporary flair with bold vibrant colors and patterns.

It has even been touted as “one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in the country” by author and architect Alan Hess.

The well-appointed guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with private balconies overlooking either the pool or the gardens.

This stylish retro hotel is the perfect location for a girl’s weekend in Scottsdale.

Take a yoga class, enjoy the spa, or relax by the OH Pool with a pina colada.

Be sure to also order a signature over-the-top Show Stopper Shake from the Zuzu restaurant located onsite!

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn is a luxury hotel situated at the base of Camelback Mountain. It features a sophisticated Southwest style and impeccable service that is to be expected with Marriott.

The newly renovated rooms are spacious and beautiful with attention to detail. Their large suites and casitas are perfect for families. They even offer pueblo-style accommodations with a private pool.

There are several outdoor heated pools. The Jackrabbit Pool features a Children’s Pool and an Adult Pool.

In addition to swimming, other resort amenities include outdoor patios and gardens, a basketball court, playground, shuffleboard, golf and putting course, tennis courts, and bicycles that are free for guests to use.

There are several on-site dining options. We love both the food and the decor at Rita’s.

I recommend ordering the club sandwich for lunch!

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

Formerly known as Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak is also a great option for families, especially in the off-season when you can snag some great deals.

The hotel has been welcoming guests for over 40 years, and while there have been several remodeling projects, the standard rooms are still basic and a bit dated. They do offer upgraded suites that are more modern.

However, with all of the amenities that this hotel has to offer you will not be spending much time in the room!

The River Ranch Water Park features a 4-acre waterpark with multiple pools, water slides, a lazy river, a waterfall grotto, hot tubs, a kiddie pool, miniature golf, and sports courts.

They also offer a kid’s camp and various daily activities and events.

Our favorite place to eat at the resort is the Hole-in-the-Wall BBQ Joint where you can enjoy a hearty meal on the outdoor patio while watching the sunset.

Scottsdale Plaza Resort

We love the Scottsdale Plaza Resort for its private villa options that are perfect for families. Each villa comes equipped with a kitchen and outdoor patio.

There are 5 heated pools on the property, a massive 25-person hot tub, a day spa, putting green, tennis courts, and walking trails through the 40-acre gardens. The small cactus garden is our favorite.

The resort feels spacious and not overly crowded, even during peak season. The pools are also open 24 hours if you are craving a late-night soak in the hot tub.

JD’s Restaurant and Lounge is a great place to grab a burger, or you can dine poolside at the Cafe Cabana.

The resort is centrally located between Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square Mall, adjacent to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

A complimentary shuttle service to Old Town is even available for guests upon request.

*Related post: For recommended things to do in Scottsdale, see our guide How to Spend One Day in Scottsdale!

The Phoenician

The Phoenician is more of an upscale luxury stay at the foot of Camelback Mountain.

It boasts a three-level pool complex that includes seven pools, an infinity pool, a 197-foot waterslide, and a splash pad.

If you’re on a family staycation, your kids will also love hanging out at the Activity Center. Here, you’ll find an arcade, video games, pool table, foosball table, and a lounge area with board games and a TV.

Outside, guests can enjoy the tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a basketball court.

The Athletic Club is a two-story stand-alone gym that is not your typical hotel gym! It features top-of-the-line exercise equipment in the 4,600 square-foot space.

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of Camelback Mountain while you are enjoying virtual fitness classes on the large-screen TV.

After a morning workout, grab breakfast at the casual Mowry + Cotton. You won’t be disappointed with the avocado toast and poached eggs!

If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to plan an afternoon hike up Camelback Mountain. It’s one of the Best Hikes in Phoenix with spectacular views over the valley.

Bicycle rentals are also available to explore the property and surrounding area.

The Phoenician is also close to some of the Best Restaurants in Phoenix, click the link for our recommendations.

The Arizona Biltmore

The Arizona Biltmore recently made Conde Nast Traveler’s elite Gold List.

This glamorous resort has been luring high-profile guests since it first opened its doors in 1929.

Marilyn Monroe was a regular at the hotel and President Ronald and Nancy Reagan celebrated their honeymoon here. In fact, every president from Herbert Hoover all the way through Barack Obama has stayed at the Arizona Biltmore while visiting Phoenix.

The architecture of this sophisticated Waldorf Astoria Resort is inspired by Frank Llyod Wright and was constructed almost entirely of “Biltmore Block”.

When it was first completed, it boasted the second-largest gold-leaf ceiling in the world, the first being at the Taj Mahal.

While it has undergone extensive renovations, it still holds an air of 1920s elegance and sophistication.

Speaking of the 1920s, in the basement of the Biltmore, you can find an authentic prohibition-era speakeasy that has been serving drinks since 1929. It is called The Mystery Room and is only open on Sunday nights.

During your stay, take a guided tour of this historic estate to learn more about its fascinating history.

The resort features 8 distinct swimming pools. Families will especially love the Paradise Pool with the 65-foot twister waterslide.

Guests without kids will enjoy relaxing in the cabanas at the adults-only Saguaro Pool.

And be sure to check out the Catalina Pool. This swimming pool was built in the 1930s by the Wrigley Family and was a personal favorite of Marilyn Monroe.

There is also live music every weekend, and the hotel hosts fun events such as kids’ cooking classes and outdoor movies.

*And while you’re in Phoenix, be sure to check out these 10 Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Phoenix!

The Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch

The Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale has it all!

With 10 swimming pools, a three-story waterslide, 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls, a golf course, 4 tennis courts, a luxurious spa, and eight dining options, there really is something for everyone!

If you’re celebrating a special occasion during your staycation, pamper yourself with a spa treatment at Spa Avania then relax in the Himalayan Salt Room or mineral pool.

For dinner, indulge in the Maple Bourbon Salmon and Creme Brulee at SWB’s open kitchen.

End the evening with a romantic gondola boat ride on the 7-acre Gainey Lake. You can imagine that you’re in the canals of Venice as a gondolier serenades you while rowing around the water on a handcrafted Italian gondola.

If you are traveling with kids, spend the day at the 2.5-acre waterpark, complete with a sandy beach and a 3-story high-speed waterslide.

On the weekends, enjoy live entertainment and outdoor firepits while watching the sunset across the Sonoran Desert.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is one of the best places to stay in Phoenix and one of the most luxurious spots for a staycation!

You’ll find modern guestrooms and elegant suites with attention to every detail.

The resort offers six sparkling heated swimming pools. The largest pool even has a 9,000-square-foot white sand beach dotted with palm trees.

Other resort features include a 200-foot twisting waterslide, splash pad, an oversized hot tub, private poolside cabanas, and a large covered sandbox for kids!

For the ultimate experience in relaxation, be sure to book a treatment at the Well & Being rooftop spa and pool. Or lounge on a day bead or floating bean bag in the adults-only pool.

The Fairmont Princess also boasts 5 well-renowned restaurants with everything from casual to high-end dining.

You’ll find an award-winning chef preparing mesquite-fired steaks at Bourbon Steak, modern Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda, a unique ‘suviche’ bar at Toro Latin Restaurant, locally sourced cuisine at Ironwood American Kitchen, or drinks and outdoor firepits at the Plaza Bar.

The Fairmont Princess is also known for its magical seasonal events, particularly at Christmas time.

Walk through the dazzling light display, lace up your ice skates and skate around the rink, visit Santa, enjoy s’mores around the campfire, or reserve a private igloo. See our guide for The Best Places to Go During Christmas in Arizona for more information.

Wigwam Arizona

The Wigwam Arizona is a historic resort hotel that has been hosting guests for nearly a century.

What once started out as a small lodge in 1929, has now expanded to include over 300 guest rooms and suites, nine tennis courts, three swimming pools with a water slide and splash pad, a sand volleyball court, a custom bocce ball court, a fitness center, and 3 golf courses.

Bike rentals and yard games are also available for guests to use.

You’ll find four signature restaurants on-site offering a true farm-to-table experience. Litchfield’s is particularly a favorite among locals and visitors.

The cozy adobe and timber guestrooms reflect the charm of the Southwest with a touch of class.

The resort is also adorned with mature shade trees and flowering gardens, creating a true desert oasis.

Whether you are visiting from out of town or a local looking for a staycation, I hope this guide will help you discover the best resorts in Phoenix!

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