The Best Resorts to Book in Phoenix, Arizona

The glamorous Biltmore has hosted its fair share of celebs and presidents over the past century; the Reagans even honeymooned here! Today, desert chic prevails in its range of rooms, suites and villas. Explore multiple pools, including one with a waterslide inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright – with your kids, play a few holes at the two golf courses, or jog along the extensive Arizona Canal Trail. Culture-seekers can take a tour of the nearby Italianate mansion built by William Wrigley, Jr. Hungry. Dine on pan-seared rainbow trout at Frank & Albert’s, halibut ceviche and mezcal cocktails at Renata’s Hearth, or sip tequila sunrises at the Wright Bar where the drink was invented.

This former residence – now a Hyatt – is all Spanish Colonial luxury with spectacular views of Camelback Mountain. European furniture is featured in the rooms and villas, the latter is also equipped with stone floors, fireplaces and deep soaking tubs. Take the time to explore the landscaped grounds with hidden courtyards and fountains. When not indulging in massages and facials at the Alvadora Spa, lounge in a private cabana by the pool with an antioxidant mojito in hand. Head for the rustic-chic Mix Up Bar and Lounge for upscale farm-to-table cuisine and enjoy a range of tipples during the daily happy hour.

Families will love this palatial Phoenix resort north of the city, its beautifully-landscaped grounds are home to numerous outdoor pools and two golf courses. Upon arrival, get your lay of the land by running the four-mile trail around the property, or grab an inner tube and float along the extensive lazy river. Elegant rooms are decorated in soft, desert-tinged hues; some come with fire pits perfect for making s’mores. Dining options run the gamut from Pacific Rim cuisine at Roy’s to a seasonal menu accompanied by exclusive varietal wines and Arizona craft brews at industrial-chic Meritage.

This all-suite property with warm, contemporary decor offers activities and affordable rates for the whole gang – and even attracted former President Barack Obama in 2015. When not hitting the trails at nearby Phoenix Mountains Preserve, explore the enormous water park with waterfalls, a waterslide and a lazy river with your kids. There is even a baby pool! Enjoy farm-to-table Southwest dishes at Rico’s American Grill, burgers at Slim Picken’s, or rum cocktails and Sonoran grain bowls at the poolside Hole-in-the-Wall. Book yourself a signature Tocasierra Hot Oil Massage at the namesake spa.

Close to the Shaw Butte trailhead, this upscale all-suite Hilton lets guests spread out in its cream-colored suites with one and two-bedroom layouts. Grab a coffee in the lobby before hitting the hiking trails at North Mountain Preserve. Cool off at the onsite water park with its multi-tiered outdoor pools and a water slide. Bliss out with the body wraps, facials and massages at the Tocaloma Spa or brush up on your skills at the Hilton Golf Academy offering private or group lessons. End a day of fun at the mountaintop restaurant with views of the Phoenix area – especially at sunset – with roasted pork belly parmesan risotto and smoked tomato hollandaise.

Situated at the South Mountain Preserve base – the largest city park in the country – this sprawling resort in Phoenix is easy to get to from the airport. Chic suites are defined by having cream decor, wicker furnishings, hardwood floors and wet bars. Though you probably won’t want to stay indoors for long with an 18-hole golf course and an entire water park with six pools, waves machines and waterslides. Six onsite dining outlets work with local purveyors and serve up steaks and seafood as well as Mexican fare and brick-oven-baked chicken alfredo pizzas. Walkers are spoiled for choice with a range of nearby trails and you can rejuvenate yourself at the spa with a signature Desert Botanical wrap.

This Spanish-style condo property is a convenient option for DIY travelers, particularly if they’re keen golfers keen to check out the adjacent 18-hole public golf course. Not only is it easy to get to from the airport just 5mi (8km) but there are self-contained units, all decked out in warm tones, with washers and dryers, as well as granite-top kitchenettes or full kitchens. Fire up the grill at the shared barbecue area, or order burgers and fish tacos at the onsite restaurant and bar. Other perks include an outdoor pool, hot tub, and courts for tennis and volleyball.