Whether you are visiting from out of town or looking for a fun staycation, Phoenix offers some of the best resorts in the United States. With state-of-the-art waterparks, award-winning spas, and gourmet on-site restaurants, here are 13 of the best resorts in Phoenix, Arizona!
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13 Best Resorts in Phoenix, Arizona
Table of Contents
- JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
- 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
- Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is one of our favorite resorts for families.
The 140,000-square-foot AquaRidge Waterpark features 3 awesome waterslides. The Gullywasher is my kids’ favorite, where you ride down the winding slide on a double tube, ending in a vertical wall plunge that will make your stomach drop!
The Little Eddy features a looping enclosed tube great for all ages, and The Drop lives up to its name with a thrilling free-fall drop.
After getting your adrenaline fix, you can hop on a tube and float down the Canyon Creek Lazy River, take a dip in one of the 3 outdoor heated pools, relax on a shaded lounge chair, or order poolside food and drinks from the Just a Splash Bar & Grill.
The best part is you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the resort. You can purchase a day pass from ResortPass to access the amenities at this hotel and all the other resorts listed in this guide. As a bonus, you can save $30 off your first $150+ order!
We purchased the AquaNights Pass through ResortPass and enjoyed extended hours, a fun bubble-bash dance party, music, and laser lights. It made for a memorable Friday night with the family!
The Scott Resort & Spa
The breezy lobby at The Scott Resort & Spa is filled with tropical plants and cane loungers. It will make you feel like you just arrived in the heart of Havana, Cuba!
The Cuban 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, a 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 renovated Camelback Suites. 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 featuring 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 with the resort fee. Guests will also have access to the waterpark starting at noon on 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 the cost can add up for families, so you might as well just book a night where the pass is included.
There are a few on-site restaurants and grills. In-N-Out Burgers is also right around the corner for a delicious and budget-friendly option. Each room 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 water park features a multi-level treehouse, waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, multiple water slides, and a family raft ride.
There is 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 the best 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 it offers a variety of family-friendly amenities.
The resort features a large family pool, a lazy river, a splash pad, a small water slide, a hot tub, and even a Flow Rider. Your kids will stay entertained all day long!
You’ll also find an adults-only swimming pool for those seeking a quiet day at the pool.
The FlowRider is an additional cost and runs for 90-minute sessions. On summer weekends, they often hold FlowRider 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 kids’ 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 for 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 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 girls’ weekend in Scottsdale.
Start your morning with a complimentary yoga class, then enjoy the spa, or relax by the OH Pool with a pina colada.
We also love dining at the onsite ZuZu Restaurant. Be sure to order their signature over-the-top Show Stopper Shake!
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 given to every detail. Their large suites and casitas are perfect for families. They even offer pueblo-style accommodations with a private pool.
The resort features several outdoor heated pools. The Jackrabbit Pool is the most popular with a children’s pool and an adult-only pool.
In addition to swimming, other resort amenities include outdoor patios and gardens, a basketball court, a playground, shuffleboard, a golf and putting course, tennis courts, and complimentary bicycles.
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 a great option for families, especially in the off-season when you can snag some great deals.
This hotel has been welcoming guests for over 40 years, and is continually undergoing remodeling projects. Try to request a newly renovated room.
Although some of the rooms are a bit dated, you will not be spending much time in the room with all of the amenities that this hotel has to offer!
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 barbecue 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 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 vacation, your kids will love hanging out at the Activity Center. Here, you’ll find an arcade, video games, a pool table, a 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 top recommendations.
The Arizona Biltmore
The Arizona Biltmore is a glamorous resort that has been luring high-profile guests since it first opened its doors in 1929. It even made Conde Nast Traveler’s elite Gold List.
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, I recommend taking 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!
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
The Grand Hyatt, formerly 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 Crème Brûlée 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 daybed 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.
I hope this guide will help you find the best places to stay in Phoenix!
[…] The Canal Club is a swanky mid-century modern restaurant and bar located at The Scott Resort, one of the best places to stay in Phoenix. […]