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Hotels

Greater Phoenix abounds with spectacular oasis-in-the-desert accommodations, some of which are so downright fabulous that you'd half expect them to be a mirage. In fact, the area has one of the greatest concentrations of four- and five-star resorts in the United States, and many of these expansive properties practically act as communities themselves, with golf courses, tennis courts, shops, restaurants, spas, meeting spaces, and of course, accommodations; visitors truly needn't step off the breathtaking grounds if they so choose. Scottsdale has the most extensive repertoire of luxury hotels and is our preferred place to set up home base for a visit to the area, thanks to its proximity to attractions as well as ample dining and nightlife options. Keep in mind that, aside from business travelers, most visitors steer clear of the rather lackluster downtown Phoenix area. Many golf, spa, tennis, and outdoor sports packages are on offer through resorts, so if you're coming with a specific agenda in mind one of these might be well-suited to you. What makes the Valley truly unique is that unlike so many other vacation destinations that encourage adventures into the great outdoors, after spending a day out getting dirty in the desert, you can retreat to total luxury at one of the country's premier resorts.

If you're able to splurge on some extravagant creature comforts, head straight to the swank Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (5700 E. McDonald Dr.; 480/948-2100 or 800/245-2051; www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com), situated on a 53-acre property in the northern reaches of the area's iconic Camelback Mountain. 98 quaint casitas provide spacious quarters designed to blend with their desert environment; there's also a mountain-side infinity-edge pool and an Asian-inspired spa. Another good luxury option is The Phoenician (6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale; 480/941-8200 or 866/716-8136; www.thephoenician.com), arguably the king of local resorts and sprawling over 250 acres of landscaped grounds (that include a private 2-acre cactus garden) at the foot of Camelback Mountain, with a magnificent marble lounge, bubbling fountains, a multi-million dollar art collection, and some truly unforgettable views of the surrounding Valley of the Sun. The historic Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa (2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix; 602/955-6600 or 800/950-2575; www.arizonabiltmore.com) has hosted hundreds of celebrity guests (Marilyn Monroe loved sunning by the Catalina Pool) including every president that's served in office since Herbert Hoover. The "Jewel of the Desert" is set on 39 paradise-like acres in the heart of Phoenix and boasts a distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design; it offers every conceivable resort amenity plus some you'd never think of (how about a 92-foot long water slide and life-size lawn chess?) along with the championship golf courses and world-class spa. Finally, scenesters may be more inclined towards Scottsdale's über-trendy Mondrian Hotel (7353 E. Indian School Rd.; 480/308-1100 or 800/697-1791; www.mondrianscottsdale.com) as an alternative to the mega-resorts of the area, where lots of high-tech goodies like plasma TVs, deluxe CD sound systems with iPod connections, and property-wide Wi-Fi complement the happening on-site Skybar lounge and Asia de Cuba restaurant. The property is just a short stroll from the arts district and surrounding nightlife, ideal for those who want to be near the action.

Mid-range choices include The Hermosa Inn (5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Scottsdale; 602/955-8614 or 800/241-1210; www.hermosainn.com) which operates out of an authentic Arizona hacienda built in the 1930s by cowboy artist Lon Megargee as his home and studio. It offers 35 stylish, individually decorated adobe casitas on 6.5 acres and as one of the smaller resorts in the Valley, appeals to folks looking for seclusion and serenity rather than lots of bustle or activities. Another fine choice is The Buttes (2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe; 602/225-9000 or 888/867-7492; www.marriott.com), where stunning views and avant-garde architecture can be enjoyed only three miles from the airport at this Marriott-operated hotel. The Buttes' rooms have views that overlook the Phoenix/Tempe skyline or the surrounding mountains, while their The Top of the Rock restaurant is a favorite with locals. The Pointe Hilton Resorts at Tapatio Cliffs (11111 N. 7th St. Phoenix; 602/866-7500 or 800/ 947-9784; www.pointehilton.com) is a veritable desert oasis at 400 acres with 585 two-room suites; it comes complete with flower gardens, a "water village" of swimming pools and terraced waterfalls, and some of the most spectacular views in the Valley. A championship golf course and spa treatments are also available, as are four superior restaurants.

Aside from the relatively inexpensive chain hotels and motels that dot the Valley, there are a handful of good options for travelers on a budget. We like downtown Phoenix's 121-room Hotel San Carlos (202 N. Central Ave.; 602/253-4121 or 866/253-4121; www.hotelsancarlos.com) – its elegant Italian Renaissance décor provides a nostalgic glimpse of the glamour of the 1920s and '30s when Hollywood stars once made regular stops here. The rooftop pool and deck is a big draw. Another good pick is the Wingate Inn (2520 N. Central Ave; 602/716-9900 or 800/228-1000; www.wingateinns.com), centrally located in downtown Phoenix and offering basic, clean accommodations perked up by plenty of freebies ranging from Wi-Fi Internet to breakfast to airport shuttle service. Also worth a try are the studio-style rooms at Phoenix's Extended Stay Deluxe Phoenix/Biltmore (5235 N. 16th St.; 602/265-6800; www.extendedstaydeluxe.com), where discounts are offered to those planning lengthier stays.

See Phoenix Travel Guide