Where To Stay In Phoenix, AZ ( BEST AREA & Hotels)

Where is the best area to stay in Phoenix?

By Meghan Pierce. March 02, 2023

The best area to stay is Downtown Phoenix. Downtown has a little bit of everything. It is centrally located, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas, but the real draw is right there. You will find one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars that will leave you dreaming of returning. The art district is a hub for local galleries, events, and businesses, so there is always something to do. Catch a baseball or basketball game during the day, then explore the exciting nightlife and local concert venues. With its bustling atmosphere and central location, Downtown Phoenix is the ideal base for your travels.

 

Phoenix, Arizona is home to desert, cacti, and plenty of sunshine. With over 300 days of sun each year, it is the ideal travel destination! The greater Phoenix area has over 180 golf courses and is home to Spring Training, as well as the historic Phoenix Suns. It is well known for its luxury shopping and resorts, consistently ranking as some of the nation’s best. For the outdoor enthusiast, year-round hiking, camping, and exploring are right at your fingertips. It is easy to see why Phoenix is a draw to so many travelers.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Phoenix, Az, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

 

 

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Phoenix, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Grand Canyon or where to stay in Sedona.

Downtown, the best area to stay in Phoenix

 

First Time / A Weekend / With Family / Nightlife / Without a Car

 

This is truly the heart and soul of Phoenix. Downtown has a little bit to offer any type of traveler and is a central hub to surrounding areas. Its bustling business center is conveniently located near high-scale hotels and world-class restaurants. Downtown is home to the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, making it simple to catch Arizona’s historic teams! Roosevelt Row is the cultural crux of Arizona with local art galleries, trendy music venues, and an eclectic offering of locally owned businesses–including some of the best breweries in Arizona.

 

Downtown frequently hosts festivals, farmer’s markets, and other events suited for the whole family. With so much to offer, you’ll need more than a few days to be fully immersed in Downtown Phoenix. Downtown is connected by the light rail train and is only 15 minutes from the airport. All major highways connect from Downtown, making it easy to explore the greater Phoenix area.

 

 

Hotels in Downtown Phoenix

 

 

 

 

Other areas to stay in Phoenix

 

Scottsdale

 

Upscale / Luxury / Nightlife / Hiking

 

 

If relaxation sounds like your type of vacation, Scottsdale might be your paradise. This high-end area of greater Phoenix is known for its luxury shopping, resorts, and golf courses. People travel from all over the world to play at Socttsdale’s iconic golf courses, and if you plan a visit in February you can catch the Waste Management Open. By day, Old Town Scottsdale claims the best shopping in the Southwest hosting luxury retailers, boutiques, and upscale malls. By night, the town comes alive with its array of craft cocktail bars, swanky lounges, and vibrant nightclubs. North Scottsdale is home to relaxing resorts for more golf, spa retreats, and sunshine.

 

Here, you can get outdoors with its extensive hiking trails through McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale is a large area, and to adequately see the best sights, it might be helpful to rent a car. Located only 15 minutes from the airport, your relaxing, sun-filled vacation awaits!

 

 

Hotels in Scottsdale

 

 

 

Tempe

 

College Town / Young / Eccentric / Nightlife

 

 

Home of Arizona State University, Tempe is the energy of the greater Phoenix area. This lively town frequently holds events such as music festivals, markets, art fairs, and more! Check out ASU’s campus or catch a game at Sun Devil Stadium. Take a stroll around Tempe Town Lake or rent a kayak and see the beautiful Arizona sunsets from the water. Here, you can visit the Tempe Center for the Arts which always seems to have a unique performance scheduled.

 

For a full Tempe experience, join the nightlife as crowds of young people hit Mill Avenue’s legendary bar scene. Tempe is also home to Papago Park and the Desert Botanical Garden. These are beautiful areas to experience the desert flora and fauna, and are right in the city! Tempe is less than 10 minutes from the airport and can easily be accessed by the light rail train.

 

 

Hotels in Tempe

 

 

 

Gilbert

 

Family-Friendly / Quaint / And Proximity to East Valley Outdoor Activities

 

 

This up-and-coming area has truly boomed in the past few years. Gilbert is located in the East Valley and is the perfect family getaway. Downtown Gilbert is lined with mouth-watering restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and relaxed bars. The Gilbert farmer’s market is one of the largest in Arizona. Here you can find fresh produce and local art while strolling through the sunshine. Spend a day at Agritopia, a tranquil neighborhood built on the idea of community and agriculture.

 

This area is home to acres of farmland, restaurants, and coffee shops which is a great stop for the kids to run around and explore. Finally, test your golf skills at TopGolf or catch a performance at the Hale Theater for a full day of activities! Gilbert is certainly more affordable, quaint, and calm than other areas of Phoenix. You’ll want to rent a car as it is about 25 minutes from the airport.

 

 

Hotels in Gilbert

 

 

 

Paradise Valley

 

Golf and Outdoor Enthusiasts / Resorts / Luxury

 

 

For a vibe similar to Scottsdale, Paradise Valley has a dash of luxury paired with the great outdoors. It certainly is a sunshine paradise! Paradise Valley is home to the most popular hikes in Phoenix. With the amazing weather and the desert landscape, a hike is a must on your trip to Paradise Valley! After your hike, stop by one of the many luxury restaurants for a tasty brunch and mimosas. Paradise Valley holds exquisite fine-dining restaurants that you will surely enjoy later in the day.

 

Stay at one of the many resorts, relax by the pool, and enjoy the many spa options in the area. There are also some of Arizona’s finest golf clubs which can be enjoyed year-round! If you visit in the spring, you will be right in the center of Spring Training, an iconic Phoenix attraction. Paradise Valley is about 20 minutes from the airport and centrally located to surrounding areas.

 

 

Hotels in Paradise Valley

 

 

 

Biltmore/Arcadia

 

Upscale / Young Adults / Young Families / Hiking

 

 

Another classy and exciting part of Phoenix, the Biltmore/Arcadia area has much to offer. One of the major highlights is the Arizona Biltmore resort and the nearby Biltmore Mall. This is the perfect area to rest and relax, whether you are at the resort or walking around the city. The Arcadia neighborhood is a hidden gem overflowing with quaint neighborhoods, pockets of delicious restaurants, and classy bars. With all of this beauty, the real draw of the Biltmore/Arcadia area is hiking Camelback Mountian or Piestewa Peak.

 

These stunning mountains, dotted with Saguaro Cacti, is a must-do when visiting Phoenix. While a bit challenging, it will be well worth the effort, as the views from each mountain show the sprawling valley below. Even in the winter months, Phoenix can get very hot. Be sure to start these hikes early in the day or in the evening to catch a beautiful sunset. This area is about 20 minutes from the airport.

 

 

Hotels in Biltmore/Arcadia

 

 

 

Midtown

 

Authentic Phoenix / Eccentric / Unique Businesses and Restaurants

 

 

Midtown is off the beaten path for most travelers, but it is well worth a stop. This is where you can get an authentic Phoenix experience, as many locals hang out in this area. It is eccentric and lively, and you can find some unique gems hidden in this part of the city. Central Avenue is the corridor for these great restaurants, coffee shops, record stores, plant stores, and other locally owned businesses. Even just driving down Central Avenue is a fun activity.

 

Midtown is home to the Phoenix Art Museum, which has rotating exhibitions and plenty of southwest-inspired art. It is also home to the Heard Museum, an expansive collection of American Indian art, stories, artifacts, and so much more. It is a true reflection of Arizona and a deep dive into its history and culture. Midtown is very centrally located and only 10 minutes from the airport!

 

 

Hotels in Midtown Phoenix

 

 

 

North Mountain

 

Budget-Friendly and a Quieter Neighborhood / hiking

 

 

For another authentic Phoenix experience, the North Mountain is a great area to explore. This area isn’t a normal tourist hot spot, so it is great for a budget-friendly traveler and there is still so much to explore! The main highlight is North Mountain Park, a hiking haven. Located right in the city, it won’t take all day to get out into nature. This park has a ton of trails ranging in difficulty levels that leads to two different summits.

 

You can enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Arizona, the iconic cactus, and get some exercise in! After a day of hiking, be sure to stop by North Mountain Brewing Company to check out some local brews. It won’t disappoint! The North Mountain area is right off the main highway, so it is easy to explore all of Phoenix from here. This area is about 35 minutes from the airport, so renting a car is recommended.

 

 

Hotels in North Mountain

 

 

 

Desert Ridge

 

Proximity to Areas / Family Friendly / Shopping and Resorts

 

 

The Desert Ridge area puts you right in the middle of the best aspects of Phoenix. It is right near all major highways, making it simple to head north to escape the city, east to get to the great outdoors, or south to hit downtown. Desert Ridge is home to Desert Ridge Marketplace, a collection of shopping options and family-friendly activities. The Desert Ridge area is close proximity to the upscale resorts, spas, restaurants, and golf courses of Scottsdale, but at a more affordable price tag.

 

If you want to enjoy the luxuries without breaking the bank, this is a great option! It is close to hikes for all skill levels, whether you are looking for a mountain adventure in Arcadia or a nice stroll through the desert in Scottsdale. Desert Ridge is about 30 minutes from the airport, so it might be best to rent a car to get out and explore all that Phoenix has to offer.

Our recommended hotels in Phoenix

Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Phoenix Note: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.