Where to Stay in Phoenix → 4 Best Areas & Top-Rated Hotels

Welcome to Phoenix, the 5th most populous city in America, and the capital of the Grand Canyon State! As this is one of my favorite cities in the US, I embarked on a special mission to uncover the best areas to stay along with its best hotels. 

In this guide, you’re in for a real treat! I chatted to my aunt and relatives who live in the city, consulted top travel guides, and carefully checked all the best hotels in the area! 

Downtown Phoenix is the best place to be for first-timers, but stay tuned for more great places and hotel recommendations for all budgets and traveler interests! 

And before we start, just a reminder to please book your hotels in Phoenix in advance! They sell out really quickly here!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out the best places to stay in Downtown Phoenix sorted by budget:

And here is a map of the 4 best areas to stay in Phoenix for tourists:

1. Downtown Phoenix – where to stay in Phoenix, Arizona for the first time

Downtown Phoenix is the heart of the city where you will find cultural sites, the best nightlife, dining, and everything in between. So if you want to be close to the action and enjoy a bit of everything during your stay in Phoenix, Downtown is the place to be!

It is so much fun to discover Downtown Phoenix because you never know what you will see. While you are strolling through the streets of skyscrapers you can see a beautiful old church, find a lush green park, or stumble across a great exhibition. 

Some of Phoenix’s most famous museums like the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Arizona Science Center are located here, as well as the Roosevelt Row (map), the ultimate nightlife, shopping, and arts district. 

Whether you’re looking for live music, local breweries (Greenwood Brewing is women-owned!!) or the coolest shops around, Roosevelt Row will deliver! They have self-guided art walks every first Friday of the month, so mark down the day if you’re interested!

Also, don’t miss the Japanese Friendship Garden on North 3rd Avenue (map) just a 12-minute walk from Roosevelt Row. It’ll take you less than 1 hour to see it but it’s super nice, especially if you need some zen time! Well worth the $14 entrance fee. 

Chimichanga, a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, was actually invented in Phoenix in the 1950s! El Norteño (map) is the best place to try it in Phoenix, just 2 blocks from the Japanese Garden!

By the way, Downtown Phoenix is mostly walkable, making it my top recommendation for those of you traveling without a car! The Valley Metro connects Downtown to other areas as well. Still, if you plan to explore broader Phoenix, car hire is a much better option as the city is sprawling.

TIP: Decide on the type of attractions you want to visit in Phoenix and then stay in the area that’s closest to them! For hiking it could be Camelback, for luxury and nightlife Scottsdale, and for casual city hopping, Downtown.

The main drawback of staying in Downtown Phoenix is that it can get crowded (it is the most touristy place, after all), and the prices are naturally higher here. Still, in terms of accommodation, you’ll find a variety of options for all budgets!

INSIDER TIP: Go for a morning ride to the scenic Dobbins Lookout (map) in the South Mountain, some 30 minutes South of Downtown. It’s the place where every Phoenix local will bring their guests, plus it’s completely free!

Now let’s see where to stay in Downtown Phoenix.

Other accommodation in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona

Things to do in Downtown Phoenix

• Marvel at the artworks at the Phoenix Art Museum
• Visit the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square
• Enjoy good live music at Copper Blues (map) or catch the best paid shows at The Van Buren (map)
• Watch a game at Chase Field Stadium and Talking Stick Resort Arena
• See an exhibition at Phoenix Convention Center and the Arizona Science Center
• Go for a stroll in the beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden
• Explore Phoenix Midtown’s Encanto Park (map)
• Join a day tour of Sedona and Grand Canyon
• Hop on a romantic air balloon ride with stunning views of the desert

2. Scottsdale – where to stay in Phoenix for luxury

Scottsdale is located 10 miles (15 km) East of Phoenix Downtown and it’s the ultimate luxury retreat known nationwide! Thanks to its closeness to Phoenix and amazing shopping streets, art galleries, restaurants, and colorful nightlife, it is one of the best areas to stay in Phoenix for every tourist type!

Scottsdale has the 2nd fastest growth rate of millionaires in the country! It’s no wonder why you’ll find so many upscale resorts and chic restaurants here!

But don’t let the millionaire and luxury story scare you off, as basically the area can accommodate tourists of all budgets. 

The center of the action here takes place in the Old Town Scottsdale, more precisely in the Entertainment District (map)! Stroll here for a Europe-style escapism with cafés with outdoor gardens, and old-timey feel, and tons of dining and bar options!

Old Town Scottsdale and all the areas around it are 100% walkable, so add another Europe-style characteristic to the list! And if you get tired of walking from one bar to another, happy golf cart rides will take you places for a small fee!

TIP: Take the free-of-charge Scottsdale Trolley to discover the Old Town neighborhood in a fun way!

For art lovers, Scottsdale is home to some famous art galleries and museums and holds amazing and free art walks every Thursday evening from 7 PM to 9 PM (map). 

So what else can you do here? Shopping is abundant, especially in the Fashion Square (map), the largest mall in Arizona! 

FOODIE TIP: Caramba Mexican Food (map) is a locals’ favorite for some nice margaritas! Visit during Taco Tuesdays for great deals on tacos! 

Finally, treat yourself to the spa treatment Phoenix is known for (map), take the kids to the wonderful OdySea Aquarium, or enjoy some really cool exhibitions in the Museum of Contemporary Art. Basically, if your main goal during this holiday is to unwind, Scottsdale offers just that day and night!

Again, much like with Downtown Phoenix, this is one of the most touristy areas and it certainly gets crowded!

Now let’s check out the best places to stay in Scottsdale! And if you want more options, check out our dedicated post on the best places to stay in Scottsdale!

Other accommodation options in Scottsdale, Phoenix

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BONUS: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is an amazing 5-star resort I totally recommend for couples and families! It’s in North Scottsdale so it’s not walkable to Old Town, but if you can afford it, it’s so worth it!

Things to do in Scottsdale, Phoenix

• Check out Old Town Scottsdale’s shops, bars, and restaurants
• Have delicious food with live music at the Old Town Tavern (map)
• Go shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square
• Take the iconic foodie tours of Scottsdale (map)
• Visit the Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and Museum of Contemporary Art
• Enjoy the artificial rainforest of Butterfly Wonderland
• Take a golf lesson at Continental Golf Club
• Hop on a casual half-day e-bike tour

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3. Tempe – where to stay in Phoenix on a budget

Welcome to Tempe, home to the largest campus of Arizona State University, and the ultimate college town! If you’re in your twenties, are looking to party, or just want a good starting point for excursions, Tempe could be a great place to stay! Above all, Tempe is ideal if you’re traveling on a budget.

As soon as you arrive, head to Mill Avenue (map), it’s where all the fun is! The bars, shops, clubs, and restaurants are full of the young crowds here day and night. There are so many good places to eat here that it’s hard to pick just one, but I have to say Cornish Pasty (map) is one of the local favorites!

Oh, and another place that locals not just from Tempe, but all of Phoenix love, is the Tempe Town Lake (map)! I recommend renting a kayak an hour before sunset and enjoying the most beautiful orange hues on the water!

INSIDER TIP: Riverbound Sports Paddle Company (map) is the top-rated service for inflatable kayak and paddleboard rentals! They also specialize in kayak tours around the area, so definitely visit them if interested!

Phoenix was home of the ancient Hohokam people who lived here between 300 and 1500 BCE, but it also has a strong Native American influence. Learn about the region’s rich history in the Tempe History Museum and Arizona Heritage Center both located in Tempe!

In terms of getting around, Tempe is super walkable! You can literally walk from the Campus to Downtown (it’s an hour’s long walk)! You’ll see the residents running their errands on foot, which is quite a nice sight!

Tempe is also a pretty convenient base for excursions to the nearby natural sites. It’s close to the South Mountain Park and Preserve (map), Tempe Butte (map), but also the Papago Park (map) which is technically just across the river from Tempe! All are beautiful spots for hiking for the whole family, and Papago has the cutest desert flora you’re gonna want to see!

FUN FACT: Phoenix has over 200 golf courses, and the one at Papago (map) is among the best ones!

Since Tempe is a budget-friendly destination, there are no luxury hotels here. Hyatt Place Tempe is the closest it gets to luxury in Tempe!

Other accommodation options in Tempe

Things to do in Tempe

• Enjoy the bustling vibes of Mill Avenue day and night
• Catch a sunset at Tempe Town Lake
• Go kayaking on the lake or join a kayak tour with local providers
• See a live performance in the historic ASU Gammage theater (map)
• Hike in the beginner-friendly South Mountain Park and Papago Park
• Visit the Tempe History Museum
• Take the kids to the Phoenix Zoo nearby
• Have a drink or two at Perfect Pear Bistro (map) on daily happy hour (11 AM – 6 PM)

4. Camelback – where to stay in Phoenix for hiking

Located 10 miles (15 km) Northeast of Downtown Phoenix, the area around Camelback Mountain is the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts and everyone who wants to spend their time in nature!

Camelback Mountain is the city’s most iconic landmark! It sits on the West side of the Paradise Valley, which is super popular as a base among outdoor adventurers but also luxury seekers. Tourists usually stay either in Paradise Valley or Biltmore, both are neighboring areas of Camelback.

Now while hiking in the area is appealing to everyone, the terrain isn’t beginner friendly at all (the South Mountain area is much better suited for beginners). Camelback Mountain has some of the most challenging trails in the region! 

Yup, I’m talking about the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) and 1,409-feet (430 m) elevation Cholla Trailhead (map)! It has super rocky terrain but also gorgeous views from the top! The second most popular trail, Echo Canyon Trail (map), is slightly shorter (2.3 miles), has about the same elevation gain (1,440 feet), and very steep sections that require the use of handrails.

NOTE: Make sure to have sturdy hiking shoes suitable for rocky terrain. Also, plan your hikes for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Snakes and insects are common, so have an insect repellant (along with sunblock) at hand. Most trails open at 5 AM and close around 7 PM.

EXTRA TIP: For outdoor adventurers out there, Salt River nearby is the best place for kayaking and rafting! You can pre-book tours or handle it all on-site (map), there are tons of tour providers for sure! And for extra hiking spots, check out the trails of the North Mountain and the Sonoran Desert.

And when you get off the Camelback Mountain, you can admire it from a distance from Rita’s Cantina & Bar (map) while enjoying delicious food! This restaurant that’s part of JW Marriott has the most beautiful views of the mountain!

In terms of accommodation, whether you’re traveling as a family or a couple, you’ll find upscale resorts and private rentals that cater to all budgets and interests!

Other accommodation options in Camelback

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BONUS: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa and Arizona Biltmore are some other lovely luxury options I had to mention! Their amenities will have you forgetting your phone in your room!

Things to do in Camelback Mountain, Phoenix

• Go hiking at the Echo Canyon trail and Cholla Trail 
• Enjoy the views of Camelback Mountain from Rita’s Cantina & Bar
• Go shopping and check out nice restaurants at Biltmore Fashion Park (map)
• Take a golf lesson at Papago Golf Club

BONUS: Unique places to stay in Phoenix

Want to make your stay in Phoenix more special or authentic? Here are some unique places to stay:

• Andaz Scottsdale ($$$) – Now this is an upscale resort, but the part that makes it unique is the amazing bungalows! Your own little corner of paradise ideal for a romantic getaway or special occasion celebration!
• Rancho de los Caballeros ($$$) – A luxury stay on a ranch? Say no more! Rancho de los Caballeros is an hour’s drive from Phoenix but it’s so worth it! Go golfing, use the spa, and dine on-site for the ultimate luxury experience! 
• Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn ($$) – Want to stay in your very own casita (small home) on the most iconic farm in the area? This Airbnb has got you covered! They have meal packages so you can get completely spoiled on your farm vacation!
• Don’s Elegante’ B&B ($) – Authentic old-school bed and breakfast experience in Phoenix with a cheerful design, serene surroundings, and the most friendly hosts!

FAQs about best places to stay in Phoenix, Arizona

🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Phoenix, AZ?

Phoenix Downtown is the best area to stay in Phoenix, AZ, if you are visiting the city for the first time. It’s close to the museums, restaurants, and bars, and has a great connection to surrounding areas.

❌ Where should you not stay in Phoenix, AZ?

Due to the relatively higher crime rates, Alhambra is not a good area to stay in Phoenix, AZ. As a general rule of thumb, avoid the areas West and South of Phoenix. 

🏞️ Where is best to stay in Phoenix, AZ for hiking?

Camelback Mountain and South Mountain Park are the best areas to stay in Phoenix, AZ, for hiking. They have amazing trails suitable for all levels. South Mountain is better for beginners, while Camelback is for pro hiking.

🚶 What is the best place to stay in Phoenix, AZ, without a car?

Phoenix Downtown is the best area to stay in Phoenix, AZ, without a car. You will be close to the main city attractions and can walk through most of Downtown.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 What are the best hotels in Phoenix, AZ for families?

🛎️ Where to stay in the Scottsdale area of Phoenix, Arizona?

📷 What should I not miss in Phoenix, Arizona?

Here are some of the main attractions you should not miss in ● Phoenix, AZ: 
● The Desert Botanical Garden
● The Phoenix Art Museum
● Camelback Mountain 
● Papago Park
● Japanese Friendship Garden 
● Roosevelt Row 

🏘️ What is the best suburb in Phoenix for couples to stay?

Camelback Mountain surroundings (like Paradise Valley) are often considered the best suburb in Phoenix for couples due to their upscale amenities, scenic beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. Scottsdale is also perfect, especially if you’re a luxury traveler.

Final thoughts

Phew, that’s it! Our virtual tour of Phoenix has come to an end! Hopefully, it has answered all your questions and helped you decide where to stay!

Since Phoenix is a huge, sprawling city, it’s best to pick an area that best matches your interest and just find a hotel there. And since Downtown caters to most travelers, I’ll share with you my 2 personal favorite hotels here just in case you still haven’t decided on yours:

• Kimpton Hotel Palamar – One of the best Downtown Phoenix hotels with amazing facilities, but I absolutely love the location
• Found Re Phoenix – It’s hard to find a place with such good ratings in Phoenix, so I’m sure this one’s a real gem

Just remember to book your hotel in advance to secure the best deals! 

And if you have any other suggestions or questions about your upcoming stay, feel free to drop a comment below! Me and my team will be happy to help!

Enjoy Phoenix,

Darija

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