A relatively new high-end boutique operation, this 11-story tower (itself fairly unusual for Phoenix) occupies the site of the former Ritz-Carlton, looking out on the bustling intersection of 24th Street and Camelback Road, the Biltmore Fashion Park mall, and a gorgeous vista of mountains beyond. You’re as centrally located as you can get in the Valley. The interior has been successfully redone in high postmodern hip. It’s lots of fun to stay here; there are absurdist touches everywhere, like the large cow-skull light on the wall of your room that projects the word “moo” on the wall below it, a giant topiary hummingbird by the pool, and a gym called “JIM.” The bar and restaurant are great hangs, and the hotel offers free loans of record players, old-fashioned LP records, and even some Gretsch guitars for retro listening, or playing, in your room.