Planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona? Whether you’re coming for the sunshine, golf courses, hiking trails, or vibrant arts scene, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. Phoenix is a sprawling city with diverse neighborhoods—each offering its own unique vibe, attractions, and amenities. From upscale resorts in Scottsdale to hip rentals in Downtown Phoenix, there’s a perfect base for every type of traveler. In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Phoenix to help you find the one that matches your travel style and budget.
Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix is the beating heart of the city—a dynamic district where modern skyscrapers meet historic landmarks, and a vibrant urban culture pulses day and night. It’s the ideal base for travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, with easy access to entertainment, dining, and transportation.
Downtown offers a little bit of everything: arts, sports, live music, trendy eateries, and major attractions—all within a walkable or short light rail ride. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, attending a conference, or exploring the city for leisure, staying here means you’re never far from something to do.
Top Things to Do in the Area:
- Cultural Attractions: Explore the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum (focusing on Native American art), and the Arizona Science Center.
- Sports & Events: Catch a Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Center or cheer on the Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
- Dining & Nightlife: The area boasts a thriving culinary scene, with everything from gourmet restaurants to food trucks and craft cocktail bars.
- Roosevelt Row Arts District: Just north of the core, this walkable creative district features colorful street art, indie galleries, and monthly First Friday art walks.
Downtown Phoenix is well-connected via Valley Metro Light Rail, which links the airport, Tempe, and Mesa. It’s one of the most convenient areas in the metro region for visitors without a car.
From sleek boutique hotels to nationally recognized chains and modern short-term rentals, Downtown offers accommodations for a range of budgets and styles. Popular options include the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, FOUND:RE Phoenix, and Hyatt Regency Phoenix.
Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Phoenix area, known for its lush landscapes, beautiful homes, and unbeatable location. Situated between Phoenix and Scottsdale, this area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, upscale amenities, and local character—making it a top choice for visitors looking for both comfort and convenience.
Unlike much of the desert terrain found across Phoenix, Arcadia is rich with greenery. Mature citrus trees, manicured lawns, and wide, quiet streets give the area a distinctly peaceful, suburban feel—ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing atmosphere.
Arcadia sits right next to Camelback Mountain, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Phoenix. Whether you’re looking for a sunrise climb or a scenic stroll, the proximity to outdoor trails is a big plus for active travelers. It has a range of boutique hotels, cozy vacation rentals, and stylish guesthouses. It’s ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers.
The Biltmore Area
The Biltmore Area is one of Phoenix’s most refined and prestigious neighborhoods, known for its elegant atmosphere, lush surroundings, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. Located around 24th Street and Camelback Road, this area is anchored by the iconic Arizona Biltmore resort—an architectural gem influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and a longtime favorite among presidents, celebrities, and luxury travelers.
The neighborhood is perfect for visitors who want an upscale experience without sacrificing proximity to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, or the airport. In addition to the historic resort, the area offers a variety of accommodations to suit different styles and budgets, including the sleek and modern AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Biltmore, the cozy and artistic Hermosa Inn, and the reliable and well-located Hampton Inn Phoenix-Biltmore.
Travelers love the neighborhood’s walkability to Biltmore Fashion Park, an outdoor shopping center filled with high-end boutiques and top-rated restaurants, as well as its quick access to golf courses, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks like the Wrigley Mansion.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers a vibrant arts scene, world-class golf courses, and a plethora of outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.
The city’s accommodations cater to a variety of preferences, from opulent resorts to charming boutique hotels. Here are several notable hotels in Scottsdale:
- The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort: Situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, this AAA Five-Diamond resort boasts 645 rooms, multiple pools, a three-story spa, and an 18-hole golf course, offering guests a luxurious desert experience.
- Hotel Valley Ho: A mid-century modern gem in Old Town Scottsdale, this hotel combines retro charm with contemporary amenities, including a full-service spa and the renowned ZuZu restaurant.
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows: Set on 23 acres, this resort features bungalow-style accommodations, local art installations, and a focus on wellness, providing a serene retreat close to the city’s attractions.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Known for its expansive grounds, this resort offers six pools, a world-class spa, and two championship golf courses, making it a favorite among families and golf enthusiasts.
- The Scott Resort & Spa: Blending Old Havana and Bauhaus design, this boutique resort offers lush landscaping, two outdoor pools, and a full-service spa, creating a tropical oasis in the desert.
Tempe
Tempe is one of the most dynamic and lively areas in the Phoenix metro region, offering a mix of college-town spirit, outdoor recreation, and cultural appeal. Anchored by Arizona State University, the city has a youthful, creative vibe that makes it especially attractive to students, young professionals, and travelers looking for a vibrant atmosphere.
What sets Tempe apart is its balance of activity and accessibility. At the center of it all is Tempe Town Lake, a recreational oasis where visitors can walk, bike, or rent kayaks and paddleboards. Just steps away, Mill Avenue is the heartbeat of downtown Tempe, with a variety of restaurants, craft breweries, coffee shops, and live music venues. From casual eats to rooftop bars, the nightlife here is among the best in the Valley.
Tempe is also home to a thriving arts scene, highlighted by the Tempe Center for the Arts and regular community events like outdoor festivals and concerts. For outdoor lovers, nearby Papago Park and hiking trails at Hayden Butte (also known as “A Mountain”) offer scenic views and easy access to nature.
Its central location makes it a great base for exploring Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas, and it’s just a short drive from Sky Harbor International Airport. Plus, with light rail and the new Tempe Streetcar, getting around without a car is easy.
Consider one of the following hotels in the area:
- The Westin Tempe – A modern, upscale hotel with a rooftop pool and stylish rooms in the heart of downtown.
- Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix / University – Comfortable, contemporary accommodations ideal for ASU visitors and short stays.
- Residence Inn Tempe Downtown – Perfect for extended stays, offering suites with kitchens near the lake and campus.
- Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown – A trendy boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and easy access to Mill Avenue.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Tempe Airport – A great value for travelers flying in, with free shuttle service and modern amenities.
