Where to Stay in Arizona
From world-class luxury resorts and charming boutique hotels to vacation rentals with private pools - find the perfect place to stay in the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona accommodations range from five-star desert resorts like The Phoenician and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain to budget-friendly hotels along the I-10 and I-17 corridors. Scottsdale and Paradise Valley concentrate the highest density of luxury properties, while Tempe and Mesa offer the best value. This guide covers resorts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and RV parks across the state.
Arizona offers one of the most diverse and exciting accommodation landscapes in the American West. Whether you are planning a luxurious spa getaway in Scottsdale, a nature-focused retreat in Sedona, a budget-friendly family vacation in the Phoenix metro area, or a snowbird season in an RV resort near Apache Junction, you will find options that match your style, budget, and travel goals. This guide covers every major category of Arizona lodging so you can make the most informed choice for your trip.
Luxury Resorts
Arizona is home to some of the finest resort properties in North America. The Scottsdale and Paradise Valley corridor alone contains a concentration of five-star resorts that rivals any destination in the country. Here are the standout properties:
Boutique Hotels
Arizona's boutique hotel scene has grown significantly in recent years, offering travelers distinctive design, personalized service, and a sense of place that larger resorts cannot always replicate.
Budget-Friendly Options
Arizona offers plenty of affordable accommodation options for travelers watching their budget. Knowing where to look can save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
Best Areas for Value Stays
The Tempe and Mesa corridor consistently offers some of the best hotel values in the Phoenix metro area. Both cities are connected by the Valley Metro Light Rail, giving you easy access to downtown Phoenix, ASU, and major attractions without the higher price tags of Scottsdale. Gilbert and Chandler also offer competitive rates with access to excellent dining and family-friendly amenities.
Chain Hotel Clusters
Major hotel chains cluster near the I-17 and I-10 freeway corridors, particularly around interchanges with major cross-streets like Dunlap, Camelback, and Baseline. These locations offer rates that are often 30-50% lower than comparable properties in Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix. Brands like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta, and Fairfield Inn maintain a strong presence along these corridors.
Short-Term Rentals for Budget Travelers
Airbnb and VRBO listings in neighborhoods like Tempe, central Mesa, and south Scottsdale can offer excellent value, especially for groups or families who can split the cost of a multi-bedroom home. Many budget-friendly rentals include private pools, full kitchens, and laundry - amenities that help reduce overall trip costs compared to hotel stays.
Vacation Rentals and Airbnb
Short-term vacation rentals have become one of the most popular ways to stay in Arizona, especially for families, groups, and extended-stay travelers. The market is robust across the Phoenix metro area and beyond.
Popular Areas for Rentals
Scottsdale is the most popular market for vacation rentals in Arizona, particularly in the Old Town and south Scottsdale corridors. The Arcadia neighborhood in Phoenix - known for its tree-lined streets and proximity to Camelback Mountain - is another top market for upscale short-term rentals. Tempe attracts a younger crowd and offers solid rental inventory near ASU and Tempe Town Lake.
What to Expect Price-Wise
Vacation rental pricing in Arizona varies significantly by season, location, and property type. A three-bedroom home with a pool in south Scottsdale might rent for $150-$250 per night in summer and $300-$500 per night during peak season (January through April). Larger luxury homes in North Scottsdale or Paradise Valley can command $800 to $2,000+ per night during major events like the Super Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, or spring training.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Arizona's SB 1350 law prevents cities from banning short-term rentals, but municipalities can regulate noise, parking, occupancy, and nuisance issues. Both Phoenix and Scottsdale require hosts to register with the city, maintain a local contact person, and collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT). Scottsdale has enacted some of the stricter enforcement measures in the state, including fines for repeat violations and a three-strikes policy for problem properties.
Benefits of Renting a House with a Private Pool
A private pool is one of the top reasons travelers choose a vacation rental over a hotel in Arizona. From April through October, daily highs regularly exceed 100°F, and having a pool steps from your door is a game-changer - especially for families with kids. Many rental homes also feature heated pools for comfortable swimming during the cooler winter months. Additional perks often include outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and covered patios that let you enjoy Arizona's year-round outdoor lifestyle.
RV Parks and Camping
Arizona is one of the most popular RV and camping destinations in the country, drawing snowbirds, road trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The state offers everything from full-service RV resorts with resort-style amenities to primitive backcountry camping in national forests.
From Vacation to Home - Venture REI
Many visitors who fall in love with Arizona's lifestyle choose to make it permanent. Venture REI helps clients transition from vacation to homeownership, with expertise across every Valley community. Frank Vazquez, with Designated Broker and Owner of Venture REI, over 2,400 homes personally sold across the Valley, has helped thousands of relocating buyers find the perfect Arizona community.
Explore Arizona Communities