Canyon Ranch is a health spa and all-inclusive resort in north Tucson near the Santa Catalina Mountains. Here the focus is on wellness, nutrition, and fitness. Daily fitness classes along with informational lectures and a menu packed with healthy, low-calorie food help guests to jumpstart (or maintain) a healthy lifestyle. The color palette of the southwest inspired the decor of the rooms, which come complete with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Immaculate, peaceful grounds and focused spa treatments all provide an incredibly relaxing environment. While many guests report feeling renewed after a visit -- especially after spending time in the 80,000-square-foot spa complex -- there is a hefty nightly resort fee and a three-night minimum stay.
Canyon Ranch is a health spa and all-inclusive resort in north Tucson near the Santa Catalina Mountains. Here the focus is on wellness, nutrition, and fitness. Daily fitness classes along with informational lectures and a menu packed with healthy, low-calorie food help guests to jumpstart (or maintain) a healthy lifestyle. The color palette of the southwest inspired the decor of the rooms, which come complete with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Immaculate, peaceful grounds and focused spa treatments all provide an incredibly relaxing environment. While many guests report feeling renewed after a visit -- especially after spending time in the 80,000-square-foot spa complex -- there is a hefty nightly resort fee and a three-night minimum stay.
Considered one of the top resorts in the Southwest for nearly a decade, the serene five-pearl Sanctuary continues to impress. There's plenty to admire in its restaurant Elements, helmed by celebrity chef Beau MacMillan and its extensive spa and fitness facilities. Its 109 gorgeous suites showcase elegant, minimalist decor and private outdoor spaces, and some even offer outdoor tubs. It has the most desirable location in Scottsdale -- overlooking Praying Monk Rock and the desert -- even though it's only a 12-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale. The only major downsides are parking-lot views from some of the rooms, and a mountainous terrain that translates into a lot of stairs. Travelers could also consider the five-pearl Phoenician, located on the south side of Camelback Mountain, but the sprawling hotel and its grounds add more bustle and subtract tranquility.
Considered one of the top resorts in the Southwest for nearly a decade, the serene five-pearl Sanctuary continues to impress. There's plenty to admire in its restaurant Elements, helmed by celebrity chef Beau MacMillan and its extensive spa and fitness facilities. Its 109 gorgeous suites showcase elegant, minimalist decor and private outdoor spaces, and some even offer outdoor tubs. It has the most desirable location in Scottsdale -- overlooking Praying Monk Rock and the desert -- even though it's only a 12-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale. The only major downsides are parking-lot views from some of the rooms, and a mountainous terrain that translates into a lot of stairs. Travelers could also consider the five-pearl Phoenician, located on the south side of Camelback Mountain, but the sprawling hotel and its grounds add more bustle and subtract tranquility.
The 94-room budget Sky Ranch Lodge has the best location and views in Sedona, thanks to its location on Airport Mesa, 500 feet above the center of town, which gives it extraordinary panoramic views of the Red Rocks. With its own private lookout point and sunset views from several rooms' balconies, Sky Ranch offers an unforgettable vantage point, and a patio bar to supply a glass of local wine or beer with which to enjoy it. The rooms themselves are clean, if basic and a bit dated in style, but some have kitchenettes for more self-sufficient travelers.
The 94-room budget Sky Ranch Lodge has the best location and views in Sedona, thanks to its location on Airport Mesa, 500 feet above the center of town, which gives it extraordinary panoramic views of the Red Rocks. With its own private lookout point and sunset views from several rooms' balconies, Sky Ranch offers an unforgettable vantage point, and a patio bar to supply a glass of local wine or beer with which to enjoy it. The rooms themselves are clean, if basic and a bit dated in style, but some have kitchenettes for more self-sufficient travelers.
Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon is a mid-range property right inside the national park. It’s not the closest hotel to the South Rim, but it offers 358 clean and comfortable motel-style rooms with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms in the older West buildings don’t have air-conditioning, however, and Wi-Fi is not accessible in any rooms. Multiple dining options exist, including a recently renovated tavern and a large, cafeteria-style restaurant. The expansive marketplace includes a bank, post office, and general store with groceries and souvenirs. Rates are reasonable for the in-park location. While options in the area are limited, the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon in nearby Tusayan has similar rates, as well as free breakfast and an indoor pool.
Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon is a mid-range property right inside the national park. It’s not the closest hotel to the South Rim, but it offers 358 clean and comfortable motel-style rooms with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms in the older West buildings don’t have air-conditioning, however, and Wi-Fi is not accessible in any rooms. Multiple dining options exist, including a recently renovated tavern and a large, cafeteria-style restaurant. The expansive marketplace includes a bank, post office, and general store with groceries and souvenirs. Rates are reasonable for the in-park location. While options in the area are limited, the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon in nearby Tusayan has similar rates, as well as free breakfast and an indoor pool.
A luxury resort built in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore has hosted presidents, celebrities, and socialites, from Marilyn Monroe to the Kennedys. The resort is a sprawling property studded with tall palm trees, and Camelback Mountain provides a stunning natural backdrop. Scattered throughout the resort you'll find 740 guest rooms decorated in a relaxed, elegant style; 78 one- and two-bedroom villas with gas fireplaces and balconies; and Ocatilla rooms with specialty services. The hotel is suited to both leisure and business travelers, with its full-service business center and luxe ballrooms. Couples and families are close to attractions and can enjoy golf, tennis, and swimming in multiple gorgeous pools on-site. The five dining and bar options include a swim-up bar and cafe with terrace seating. Some areas of the resort can get a bit smoky, and facilities can become crowded during golf tournaments and other on-site events.
A luxury resort built in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore has hosted presidents, celebrities, and socialites, from Marilyn Monroe to the Kennedys. The resort is a sprawling property studded with tall palm trees, and Camelback Mountain provides a stunning natural backdrop. Scattered throughout the resort you'll find 740 guest rooms decorated in a relaxed, elegant style; 78 one- and two-bedroom villas with gas fireplaces and balconies; and Ocatilla rooms with specialty services. The hotel is suited to both leisure and business travelers, with its full-service business center and luxe ballrooms. Couples and families are close to attractions and can enjoy golf, tennis, and swimming in multiple gorgeous pools on-site. The five dining and bar options include a swim-up bar and cafe with terrace seating. Some areas of the resort can get a bit smoky, and facilities can become crowded during golf tournaments and other on-site events.
An institution in Scottsdale since it opened in 1956, the four-pearl, 241-room Valley Ho exudes a retro charm that draws the young and the hip. It's ideally located just on the outskirts of the Old Town, which is the dining and entertainment hub of the city -- its restaurants, shops, and galleries are within a 15-minute walk. In 2005, a full renovation brought it into the 21st century, while retaining (and refreshing) its cool 1950s style. Grounds are immaculate, the main pool is one of the liveliest in the Phoenix area, rooms are stylish and colorful, and the restaurant serves tasty food. Room categories range from standard kings that surround the pool to loft-style suites in the tower, all decorated in the hotel's funky aesthetic. But it's worth comparing rates with the nearby Aloft Scottsdale, which offers free high-speed Wi-Fi and free covered parking.
An institution in Scottsdale since it opened in 1956, the four-pearl, 241-room Valley Ho exudes a retro charm that draws the young and the hip. It's ideally located just on the outskirts of the Old Town, which is the dining and entertainment hub of the city -- its restaurants, shops, and galleries are within a 15-minute walk. In 2005, a full renovation brought it into the 21st century, while retaining (and refreshing) its cool 1950s style. Grounds are immaculate, the main pool is one of the liveliest in the Phoenix area, rooms are stylish and colorful, and the restaurant serves tasty food. Room categories range from standard kings that surround the pool to loft-style suites in the tower, all decorated in the hotel's funky aesthetic. But it's worth comparing rates with the nearby Aloft Scottsdale, which offers free high-speed Wi-Fi and free covered parking.
The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort) is a chic upscale oasis right by Scottsdale’s busy main drag, close to great shopping and dining. Given its intimate, boutique vibe, The Scott crams a surprising number of features into its beautifully landscaped grounds, including two gorgeous pools (one has a sandy bottom and beach), a fitness center, day spa, an upscale Cuban-American restaurant, and a lively lobby bar serving top-notch cocktails. All 204 rooms and 13 suites are spacious and feature handsome Miami-esque Art Deco style, plus they're equipped with minibars, Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and outdoor areas. Daily resort fees are pricey, but they cover perks like bicycles, a local area shuttle, valet parking, and Wi-Fi. Be aware that the resort sells day passes on weekends, which can lead to pool crowding. For a sleek alternative with a Tesla chauffeur on hand, try the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa -- though the main pool here can get crowded here too.
The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort) is a chic upscale oasis right by Scottsdale’s busy main drag, close to great shopping and dining. Given its intimate, boutique vibe, The Scott crams a surprising number of features into its beautifully landscaped grounds, including two gorgeous pools (one has a sandy bottom and beach), a fitness center, day spa, an upscale Cuban-American restaurant, and a lively lobby bar serving top-notch cocktails. All 204 rooms and 13 suites are spacious and feature handsome Miami-esque Art Deco style, plus they're equipped with minibars, Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and outdoor areas. Daily resort fees are pricey, but they cover perks like bicycles, a local area shuttle, valet parking, and Wi-Fi. Be aware that the resort sells day passes on weekends, which can lead to pool crowding. For a sleek alternative with a Tesla chauffeur on hand, try the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa -- though the main pool here can get crowded here too.
The upscale Arizona Grand in South Phoenix is a modern resort haven that’s a hit with families for its topnotch fitness, fun, and dining facilities. The 220-acre property is known for its huge water park, 18-hole golf course, and state-of-the-art athletic club with a full service spa. Six pools are scattered around the sprawling resort, which also offers six dining options. A $13 million 2017 renovation gave the 744 one, two, and three bedroom suites a luxurious homey feel. Suites all feature chic separate living areas with sofa beds, wet bars, and refrigerated minibars. Despite updates, some common areas do remain dated, and the hefty daily resort fee can add up. For another polished family-friendly alternative with slightly lower rates, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a good bet.
The upscale Arizona Grand in South Phoenix is a modern resort haven that’s a hit with families for its topnotch fitness, fun, and dining facilities. The 220-acre property is known for its huge water park, 18-hole golf course, and state-of-the-art athletic club with a full service spa. Six pools are scattered around the sprawling resort, which also offers six dining options. A $13 million 2017 renovation gave the 744 one, two, and three bedroom suites a luxurious homey feel. Suites all feature chic separate living areas with sofa beds, wet bars, and refrigerated minibars. Despite updates, some common areas do remain dated, and the hefty daily resort fee can add up. For another polished family-friendly alternative with slightly lower rates, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a good bet.
This mid-range boutique is the opposite of a corporate chain, with 1960s retro decor, hip employees and clientele, and a fun atmosphere. The popular Gallo Blanco Cafe and Bar, and the convenient location near downtown Phoenix, draw a devoted fan base. But you'll have to shell out $15 a day for the resort fee.
This mid-range boutique is the opposite of a corporate chain, with 1960s retro decor, hip employees and clientele, and a fun atmosphere. The popular Gallo Blanco Cafe and Bar, and the convenient location near downtown Phoenix, draw a devoted fan base. But you'll have to shell out $15 a day for the resort fee.
L'Auberge de Sedona has one of the most stunning natural settings in not just the Southwest, but the country, with the picturesque Oak Creek running underneath shady trees, and Sedona's soaring red rocks suspended in the background. The 87 guest rooms and woodsy cottages are spread across 11 acres, allowing guests plenty of privacy, and most come with fireplaces and private decks. It's a premier destination for a romantic getaway or a corporate retreat.
L'Auberge de Sedona has one of the most stunning natural settings in not just the Southwest, but the country, with the picturesque Oak Creek running underneath shady trees, and Sedona's soaring red rocks suspended in the background. The 87 guest rooms and woodsy cottages are spread across 11 acres, allowing guests plenty of privacy, and most come with fireplaces and private decks. It's a premier destination for a romantic getaway or a corporate retreat.