The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is located right at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the views are terrific. Wildlife sightings are common, and there’s even a waterfall at the end of a nature trail. Additional highlights include two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, outdoor tennis courts with nighttime lighting, and a large, free-form pool -- all offer spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. This upscale hotel does not have a resort fee, but some guests feel nickel-and-dimed by charges for in-room Wi-Fi, parking, and use of the fitness center and tennis courts.
The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is located right at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the views are terrific. Wildlife sightings are common, and there’s even a waterfall at the end of a nature trail. Additional highlights include two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, outdoor tennis courts with nighttime lighting, and a large, free-form pool -- all offer spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. This upscale hotel does not have a resort fee, but some guests feel nickel-and-dimed by charges for in-room Wi-Fi, parking, and use of the fitness center and tennis courts.
Set on 3,000 acres about 30 minutes from central Tucson, the four-pearl White Stallion Ranch is an all-inclusive, family-oriented dude ranch with resort-like perks such as a pool, spa, game room, and tennis court. Family-run for 50 years, the White Stallion looks like a movie set, with desert, mountains, enormous saguaro cacti, gardens, and genuine cowboys filling its grounds. Outdoor-centric activities include horseback riding, rodeo skills, rock climbing, and hiking for all ages and skill levels. The 43 rooms (and a five-bedroom Hacienda) exude western rustic charm and come with iPod docks, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi -- but no TVs so as to encourage guests to spend time outdoors. For a similar ranch experience with a la carte dining, try the Tanque Verde Ranch Hotel -- but rates are more expensive.
Set on 3,000 acres about 30 minutes from central Tucson, the four-pearl White Stallion Ranch is an all-inclusive, family-oriented dude ranch with resort-like perks such as a pool, spa, game room, and tennis court. Family-run for 50 years, the White Stallion looks like a movie set, with desert, mountains, enormous saguaro cacti, gardens, and genuine cowboys filling its grounds. Outdoor-centric activities include horseback riding, rodeo skills, rock climbing, and hiking for all ages and skill levels. The 43 rooms (and a five-bedroom Hacienda) exude western rustic charm and come with iPod docks, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi -- but no TVs so as to encourage guests to spend time outdoors. For a similar ranch experience with a la carte dining, try the Tanque Verde Ranch Hotel -- but rates are more expensive.
Set against the North Mountain Preserve and the Sonoran Desert, the upscale Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is a sprawling, family-friendly property with 584 suites. Its units are all one- or two-bedroom suites with separate living areas, sofa beds, and small, furnished balconies. In-suite amenities are decent for the price (including flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and coffeemakers), but decor is a tad plain and feels dated despite the 2017 renovations. The main draws here are the Falls Water Village -- a large water park with a 138-foot waterslide, a 40-foot waterfall, two pools, and a cafe -- and the 18-hole golf course. There’s plenty to do on-site for all types of travelers, but rates can be high in the peak season and there’s a daily resort fee. Sister property Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort has slightly lower rates but lacks a golf course.
Set against the North Mountain Preserve and the Sonoran Desert, the upscale Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is a sprawling, family-friendly property with 584 suites. Its units are all one- or two-bedroom suites with separate living areas, sofa beds, and small, furnished balconies. In-suite amenities are decent for the price (including flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and coffeemakers), but decor is a tad plain and feels dated despite the 2017 renovations. The main draws here are the Falls Water Village -- a large water park with a 138-foot waterslide, a 40-foot waterfall, two pools, and a cafe -- and the 18-hole golf course. There’s plenty to do on-site for all types of travelers, but rates can be high in the peak season and there’s a daily resort fee. Sister property Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort has slightly lower rates but lacks a golf course.
This 160-room mid-range hotel is a 10-minute drive from downtown Phoenix and has peaceful, shady grounds with two heated pools, a volleyball court, and a tennis court. But bland rooms are showing wear and tear, and there's not much to do in the immediate area.
This 160-room mid-range hotel is a 10-minute drive from downtown Phoenix and has peaceful, shady grounds with two heated pools, a volleyball court, and a tennis court. But bland rooms are showing wear and tear, and there's not much to do in the immediate area.
Arroyo Pinion Hotel is a mid-range, chain hotel in a quiet area of the Sedona suburbs. The 45 modern, homey rooms include bedside USB outlets, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi, plus nice perks like free bottled water, microwave popcorn, and pretzels in the rooms. Noise can be an issue in some rooms. The property has an attractive outdoor pool and whirlpool, plus a small fitness room, but outdoor walkways give the hotel a motel-like vibe. A free hot breakfast buffet adds to the value here, but the breakfast at Southwest Inn at Sedona, a mid-range hotel nearby, gets more enthusiastic reviews, though rates can be higher and rooms are less modern.
Arroyo Pinion Hotel is a mid-range, chain hotel in a quiet area of the Sedona suburbs. The 45 modern, homey rooms include bedside USB outlets, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi, plus nice perks like free bottled water, microwave popcorn, and pretzels in the rooms. Noise can be an issue in some rooms. The property has an attractive outdoor pool and whirlpool, plus a small fitness room, but outdoor walkways give the hotel a motel-like vibe. A free hot breakfast buffet adds to the value here, but the breakfast at Southwest Inn at Sedona, a mid-range hotel nearby, gets more enthusiastic reviews, though rates can be higher and rooms are less modern.
The Views Inn Sedona is a value motel with views of Sedona's red rocks that offers a great value for a no-frills stay. Located in the Village of Oak Creek, about 15 minutes south of Uptown Sedona, the nicely kept property has easy access to hiking and attractions, but without the tourist crowds. The 40 rooms are nicely sized and come with mini-fridges and microwaves. However, decor is dated and walls are thin. Features include a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, and free continental breakfast. Another option with similar rates and a quiet setting is the Oak Creek Terrace Resort, which offers creek access for fishing and swimming, and rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs -- but no pool.
The Views Inn Sedona is a value motel with views of Sedona's red rocks that offers a great value for a no-frills stay. Located in the Village of Oak Creek, about 15 minutes south of Uptown Sedona, the nicely kept property has easy access to hiking and attractions, but without the tourist crowds. The 40 rooms are nicely sized and come with mini-fridges and microwaves. However, decor is dated and walls are thin. Features include a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, and free continental breakfast. Another option with similar rates and a quiet setting is the Oak Creek Terrace Resort, which offers creek access for fishing and swimming, and rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs -- but no pool.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale is a three-and-a-half-pearl property next to Stonecreek Golf Club. It’s about a 25-minute drive to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, but is only a four-minute drive from Paradise Valley Mall. The 270 suites each have two rooms, balconies, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Some rooms have views of Camelback Mountain. There are plenty of amenities such as an outdoor heated pool, meeting spaces, a free breakfast, American restaurant, and gym. Hiking and biking trails are available throughout the grounds. The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa Montelucia is a bit closer to downtown Scottsdale and has a lot of flavor in the Spanish-inspired decor. Travelers will also find a spa and fine dining here, too.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale is a three-and-a-half-pearl property next to Stonecreek Golf Club. It’s about a 25-minute drive to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, but is only a four-minute drive from Paradise Valley Mall. The 270 suites each have two rooms, balconies, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Some rooms have views of Camelback Mountain. There are plenty of amenities such as an outdoor heated pool, meeting spaces, a free breakfast, American restaurant, and gym. Hiking and biking trails are available throughout the grounds. The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa Montelucia is a bit closer to downtown Scottsdale and has a lot of flavor in the Spanish-inspired decor. Travelers will also find a spa and fine dining here, too.
The four-pearl Casa Sedona Inn is an intimate, boutique hotel that caters to couples -- children must be at least 16 years old to stay here. It’s in a quiet yet convenient West Sedona neighborhood, and it features spectacular views of the city’s famous red rocks. A gourmet breakfast is the only meal offered, and it's served daily. It has a whirlpool and free Wi-Fi, but no pool, fitness center, or spa. Its 16 stylish rooms are individually decorated and come with fireplaces, balconies, comfortable beds, and mini-fridges. Many rooms have separate tubs and roomy walk-in showers. Rates are competitive, and it's a solid choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, but travelers could also consider the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, which has a spa, pool, restaurant, and fitness center.
The four-pearl Casa Sedona Inn is an intimate, boutique hotel that caters to couples -- children must be at least 16 years old to stay here. It’s in a quiet yet convenient West Sedona neighborhood, and it features spectacular views of the city’s famous red rocks. A gourmet breakfast is the only meal offered, and it's served daily. It has a whirlpool and free Wi-Fi, but no pool, fitness center, or spa. Its 16 stylish rooms are individually decorated and come with fireplaces, balconies, comfortable beds, and mini-fridges. Many rooms have separate tubs and roomy walk-in showers. Rates are competitive, and it's a solid choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, but travelers could also consider the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, which has a spa, pool, restaurant, and fitness center.
The two-pearl Budget Inn in downtown Flagstaff is a no-frills property off historic Route 66, within walking distance of restaurants and Northern Arizona University. Its 38 rooms, some of which have views of the surrounding mountains, come with mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a good stopover for travelers en route to the Grand Canyon and other points south, or for those visiting the nearby university or looking to ski and snowboard at Snowbowl, which is a 15-minute drive away. Rates are among the lowest in town, but travelers could also check out the Days Hotel Flagstaff, which has a restaurant, indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna for slightly higher rates.
The two-pearl Budget Inn in downtown Flagstaff is a no-frills property off historic Route 66, within walking distance of restaurants and Northern Arizona University. Its 38 rooms, some of which have views of the surrounding mountains, come with mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a good stopover for travelers en route to the Grand Canyon and other points south, or for those visiting the nearby university or looking to ski and snowboard at Snowbowl, which is a 15-minute drive away. Rates are among the lowest in town, but travelers could also check out the Days Hotel Flagstaff, which has a restaurant, indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna for slightly higher rates.
The budget Highland Country Inn offers some of Flagstaff’s lowest rates to go with a central location that’s a brief walk to Northern Arizona University and downtown’s historic district. Features are limited, but the hotel does offer free coffee, Wi-Fi, and guest laundry facilities. The 43 rooms are simple and clean, equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, but no coffeemakers. Overall, it’s a good choice for a night or two, but for longer stays, the lack of amenities can become a bigger issue. For a backup in case this hotel is full, consider the two-pearl Budget Inn Flagstaff that offers comparable rates and clean rooms with similar features.
The budget Highland Country Inn offers some of Flagstaff’s lowest rates to go with a central location that’s a brief walk to Northern Arizona University and downtown’s historic district. Features are limited, but the hotel does offer free coffee, Wi-Fi, and guest laundry facilities. The 43 rooms are simple and clean, equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, but no coffeemakers. Overall, it’s a good choice for a night or two, but for longer stays, the lack of amenities can become a bigger issue. For a backup in case this hotel is full, consider the two-pearl Budget Inn Flagstaff that offers comparable rates and clean rooms with similar features.