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Image courtesy of Arizona Biltmore
Need awesome hotel recs for America's (literally) hottest city? Worry no more: we’ve got you covered with the five swankiest hotels in Phoenix.
Desire a VIP travel experience during your stay? Connect with Fora to plan and book your vacation and we’ll score you awesome perks at the best hotels in Phoenix (at no extra cost). It’s the best way to travel — and all you have to do is drop a line with one of our expert advisors.
Is it better to stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Image courtesy of Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
This is purely a matter of preference. Both cities have their charm.
Phoenix will appeal more to travelers interested in checking out one of the Southwest’s coolest cultural centers with closer access to museums, sports arenas, and super unique food and beverage offerings.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lavish stay in Arizona’s favorite spa town: you may want to consider checking out hotels in Scottsdale, AZ instead.
The 5 coolest hotels in Phoenix: from the Arizona Biltmore to The Camby
Hotels in Phoenix range from typical budget inns to five-star resorts. So even in the middle of a vast, dusty desert, Phoenix has great options. And our favorites include a castle-like oasis, a snazzy contemporary choice in downtown and more.
Ready to travel today? Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay in Phoenix.
1. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: a unique & storied hotel in Phoenix
Image courtesy of Arizona Biltmore
Phoenix’s most historic hotel, the Arizona Biltmore was built nearly a century ago during Hollywood’s Golden Age to serve as an oasis for visiting stars, dignitaries — including a few Presidents — and more.
Certainly one of the most visually-stunning hotels in Phoenix, the Arizona Biltmore features a castle-like design influenced by the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential architects of the era. As recently as 2020, the hotel completed a massive renovation project bringing the hotel into the 21st century while maintaining its iconic 1930s charm.
The AZ Biltmore also has two golf courses, tennis and pickleball facilities, group fitness classes, and a full-service spa. If you want to upgrade your stay, there are suites available with access to the adults-only Citrus Club Lounge, which offers a dedicated concierge, bar and light bites throughout the day.
Fora Perks at the Arizona Biltmore:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix: Downtown’s ritziest boutique hotel
Across the street from the Footprint Center — where the Phoenix Suns play and where you can find headliner concerts throughout the year — and right in the middle of Downtown, is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. This snazzy boutique hotel features spacious rooms and a contemporary design that fits in seamlessly with the city’s recent urban revival.
The fabulous rooftop pool, complete with stylish private cabanas, is a perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city with a drink in hand.
The hotel is also neighbors with the Geographical Center of Phoenix, so you won’t find a better location for conveniently exploring Downtown’s many unique offerings, like Chase Field (where you can watch the Diamondbacks play baseball in the AC!), The Orpheum Theater, cool breweries like Arizona Wilderness and Pedal Haus and great restaurants.
Want the full low down on the Kimpton Hotel Palomar? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip.
Fora Perks at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenity.
Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
3. Royal Palms Resort and Spa: a beautiful, nature-oriented hotel at the base of Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa features a lovely blend of Spanish revival architecture, lush gardens and ornate decor, all within the shadow of Camelback Mountain. This is where to stay in Phoenix if you’re looking for a quiet retreat with gorgeous natural surroundings and proximity to both Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix.
The resort is home to a luxurious spa with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired treatments, expansive rooms (and suites) and a host of five-star amenities.
(P.S. curious about visiting Phoenix in fall? Check out our guide.)
Fora Perks at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa: a premier golf hotel in Phoenix’s Sonoran desert
If you’re wanting an elite, family-friendly hotel in Phoenix, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa — it’s a mouthful, we know! — should be a top contender. Among many other amenities, this five-star hotel boasts two high-end courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo as well as a huge pool complex, complete with a lazy river and luxury cabanas.
The decor and design are simpler than many other upscale hotels in Phoenix, but that’s an easy trade-off for all the fun things to do here. (Want ideas for fun things to do outside the resort? Check out our family-friendly guide to Phoenix.)
Get all the intel you need when you plan and book your travel with Fora.
5. The Camby, Autograph Collection: a fun & eclectic four-star hotel in Phoenix
Another great urban option, The Camby can be found in Phoenix’s ritzy Biltmore Fashion Park. This sophisticated Phoenix hotel has a bit of an eclectic vibe sure to please artful travelers with its bold, yet fun decor. The high-rise views of the city and / or surrounding Sonoran Desert are awesome, too.
Location-wise, The Camby is about halfway between Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, making exciting forays to either perfectly accessible.
Ready to stay at one of the best hotels in Phoenix? Connect with Fora for VIP status, perks & more
Image courtesy of Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Whether you’re looking for a wellness retreat in Phoenix or a fun base to retire to after exploring the city, we have your back. Book and plan your vacation with Fora, and we’ll score you sweet perks, VIP status and more at the best hotels in Phoenix and beyond.
Plus, we can be as hands-on / -off as you like. Want us to handle everything from bookings to itinerary planning? No problem. Only need us to unlock cool hotel perks for you? You got it.
And if you’re unsure Phoenix is the right place for your next trip, check out cool hotels in these fabulous destinations, too:
This article has been fact-checked by Pro Fora Advisor Jessica Rausch, an expert on travel to Phoenix, Arizona.
