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The Best Luxury Hotels
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (Scottsdale; tel. 800/55-HYATT; www.scottsdale.hyatt.com): Contemporary desert architecture, dramatic landscaping, a water playground with its own beach, a staff that's always ready to assist you, good restaurants, and even gondola rides -- it all adds up to a lot of fun at one of the most smoothly run resorts in Arizona.
Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa (Scottsdale; tel. 800/24-CAMEL; www.camelbackinn.com): The Camelback Inn opened in 1936 and today is one of the few Scottsdale resorts that retains an Old Arizona atmosphere while at the same time offering a wide range of modern amenities. A large, full-service spa caters to those who crave pampering, while two golf courses provide plenty of challenging fairways and greens.
The Phoenician (Scottsdale; tel. 800/888-8234; http://thephoenician.com): This Xanadu of the resort world is brimming with marble, crystal, and works of art, and with staff seemingly around every corner, the hotel offers guests impeccable service. Mary Elaine's, the resort's premier dining room, is one of the finest restaurants in the city, and the views are hard to beat.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa (Carefree; tel. 866/397-6520; www.theboulders.com): Taking its name from the massive blocks of eroded granite scattered about the grounds, The Boulders is among the most exclusive and expensive resorts in the state. Pueblo architecture fits seamlessly with the landscape, and the golf course is the most breathtaking in Arizona.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Scottsdale; tel. 800/441-1414; www.fairmont.com/scottsdale): The Moorish styling and numerous fountains and waterfalls of this resort create a setting made for romance. A beautiful spa, a challenging golf course, and a superb gourmet Mexican restaurant top it off.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (Scottsdale; tel. 888/207-9696; www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale): Located in north Scottsdale not far from The Boulders, this is the most luxurious resort in Arizona. The setting is dramatic, the accommodations are spacious, and one of Arizona's top golf courses is just next door.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa (Phoenix; tel. 800/950-0086; www.arizonabiltmore.com): Combining discreet service and the architectural styling of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Biltmore has long been one of the most prestigious resorts in the state. This is a thoroughly old-money sort of place, though it continues to keep pace with the times.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa (Phoenix; tel. 800/672-6011; www.royalpalmshotel.com): With Mediterranean styling and towering palm trees, this place seems far removed from the glitz that prevails at most area resorts. The Royal Palms is a classic, perfect for romantic getaways, and its 14 designer showcase rooms are among the most dramatic in the valley.
Enchantment Resort (Sedona; tel. 800/826-4180; www.enchantment.com): A dramatic setting in a red-rock canyon makes this the most unforgettably situated resort in the state. If you want to feel as though you're vacationing in the desert, this place fits the bill. Guest rooms are constructed in a pueblo architectural style, and the spa is one of the finest in the state.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (Tucson; tel. 800/234-5117; www.loewshotels.com): With the Santa Catalina Mountains rising in the backyard and an almost-natural waterfall steps away from the lobby, this is Tucson's most dramatic resort. Contemporary styling throughout makes constant reference to the desert setting.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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