Where to Stay in Phoenix (Best Places & Areas, By a Local)

8 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Phoenix

Phoenix is a collection of neighborhoods easily accessed via I-10 and the Arizona State Routes 101 and 202. It’s super convenient to get from the Phoenix Airport to many popular destinations.

Now, let’s break down the top 8 Phoenix neighborhoods to stay in, starting with the most popular area:

Scottsdale

👉 Best Area For Shopping & Nightlife | ✨ Best Scottsdale Hotels: Omni Resort & Spa at Montelucia • Scottsdale Marriott Old Town • Bespoke Inn • Canopy by Hilton

When I tell people I’m from Arizona, I frequently get the question, “Have you been to Scottsdale?” followed by a dreamy look and a twinkle in their eyes. There’s a reason for this. Scottsdale really is a glamorous place, but it doesn’t necessarily feel pretentious. It’s one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the U.S. 

Scottsdale is where to stay in Phoenix if you want to treat yourself to an upscale retreat.

Old Town Scottsdale is brimming with 4 and 5-star restaurants and top-notch bars. It’s also got an old-timey feel to it, packed with interesting Western history. You can get around easily by walking, and golf cart drivers will take you from bar to bar for a reasonable fee if your feet get tired.

As you walk through the lamp-lit streets of Old Town Scottsdale and sip on prickly pear martinis on a misted patio, I guarantee you’ll get that true on-vacation feel. If your goal is relaxation, Scottsdale is your ideal destination!

With so many renowned hotels and luxury resorts, you’ll discover a slice of heaven at Omni Resort & Spa at Montelucia or the iconic Phoenician. Designed with 9 swimming pools, a golf course, 8 superb restaurants, and spa facilities, you’ll be in paradise. Mid-summer sales won’t break the bank if you want to indulge in this grandeur on a budget.

Pros of Staying in Scottsdale:

• Great bars and restaurants
• Easy to walk everywhere
• Close to popular attractions
• Endless shopping

Cons of Staying in Scottsdale:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Some bars require a cover fee
• Can be very crowded on weekends

Downtown Phoenix

👉 Best Area For Entertainment | ✨ Best Downtown Phoenix Hotels: Hyatt Regency • Found Re Phoenix • AC Hotel by Marriott

If you want to stay close to major attractions, downtown Phoenix is your best bet. Within its 1.5 miles are tons of things to do, and it’s easy to get around without a car. My favorite downtown spot is the Roosevelt Row Arts District, a vibrant area full of murals, local stores, and great restaurants/bars.

See a show at The Van Buren, an intimate live music venue where you can hear up-and-coming performers along with well-known bands. Catch a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field or a Phoenix Suns game at the Mortgage Matchup Center just across the street.

Museum lover? Check out the Arizona Science Center or Phoenix Art Museum for some mind-blowing demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and incredible creativity. There’s also the Children’s Museum, where you can bring the whole family!

My favorite thing about downtown Phoenix is the bar and brewery scene. Some of the best breweries in Arizona are located here, and there’s no shortage of swanky cocktail lounges alongside grungy dive bars. Check out AZ Wilderness for a beer in a laid-back environment, then head across the street to Sazerac for a handcrafted cocktail in a dimly lit piano lounge. 

You’ll find your scene within walking distance, no matter where you stay in downtown Phoenix. My top hotel recommendations in the area are the Hyatt Regency, which has a great location, and the Found Re Phoenix, a boutique hotel.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Phoenix:

• Easy to walk everywhere
• Near some of the best Phoenix restaurants, bars, and breweries
• Close to Sky Harbor International Airport
• Entertainment galore!

Cons of Staying in Downtown Phoenix:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Gets crowded easily
• Some areas of Downtown Phoenix are not super safe

Tempe

👉 Best Area For College Students | ✨ Best Tempe Hotels: Omni Hotel at ASU • Canopy by Hilton • Residence Inn by Marriott • Tempe Mission Palms

Tempe is buzzing with energy. Home of the ASU Sun Devils (my alma mater’s greatest rivals), there are tons of entertaining scenes perfect for younger crowds. Mill Avenue is the go-to street for a full day of fun. Shopping, dining, drinking, partying, you name it.

Whether you’re a college student or a 20-something, you’ll be sure to find a hopping bar on Mill Avenue. There are dozens of stores to explore, too. Check out funky local gift shops, then grab a refreshing drink at Pedal Haus Brewery. 

During the day, you can wander the beautifully landscaped Arizona State University campus. The Tempe campus is the largest of the five, almost 650 acres in size. After your college stroll, float around Tempe Town Lake on a rented kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat. 

Tempe Town Lake is a popular destination for locals to feel like they’re on a beach retreat. At dusk, the water glows orange as it reflects the setting sun, and it’s a beautiful view to enjoy with a picnic on the sandy beach.

Omni Hotel at ASU and every other hotel recommended above is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from family-friendly attractions. These include the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, and Papago Park. You’ll also be no more than 15 minutes from the airport!

Pros of Staying in Tempe:

• Close to many attractions
• Easy to walk from campus to downtown
• Lively environment year-round
• Affordable, quality hotels

Cons of Staying in Tempe:

• More chain restaurants and bars than original digs
• College scene can be overwhelming
• Gets crowded during the school year

Camelback East Village

👉 Best Area For Luxury Living | ✨ Best Camelback East Village Hotels: Arizona Biltmore • Hermosa Inn • The Global Ambassador

Camelback East Village offers a suburban feel in Sonoran Desert scenery while still being super close to the best of the city. Accessible AZ-51 makes it easy to travel north to south, which gets you to downtown Phoenix and the airport in a flash. 

This area includes two iconic hiking and sightseeing locations: Piestewa Peak Park in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and Camelback Mountain on the border of Paradise Valley. Visit in the springtime for dazzling displays of desert daisies and other colorful wildflowers.

You’ll find some of the most well-known Phoenix resorts in Camelback East Village like the Arizona Biltmore. This hotel offers 7 pools, 8 restaurants, 2 golf courses, and a myriad of planned excursions you can book around town. You’ll never get bored staying here.

Camelback East blends into the Scottsdale area and even goes so far south as to share some of Papago Park with Tempe. Take the family to the botanical gardens and the zoo, or pick a mountain to hike. All age groups will flourish here. For a pleasant and luxurious time in Phoenix, stay in Camelback East Village.

Pros of Staying in Camelback East Village:

• Close to outdoor recreation spots and downtown Phoenix
• Gorgeous Sonoran Desert scenery
• Plenty of restaurants & bars
• Family-friendly attractions

Cons of Staying in Camelback East Village:

• Spread out – need a car to get around
• Pricey rates at resorts

Mesa

👉 Best Area For History Buffs | ✨ Best Mesa Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott • The Azure Hotel • Hyatt Place

Mesa is a unique town located just east of Phoenix. If you prefer to be on the outskirts of the city and have a passion for ancient history, this is the best place to stay. 

Mesa was once home to the Hohokam people centuries ago. An ancient ceremonial mound lies in the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, now Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki, which you can explore during the day. The strange disappearance of the Hohokam people is fascinating to learn about as you wander the ruins of their sophisticated community.

After spending time in historic Mesa, head downtown for refreshing drinks and a tasty dinner. Chupacabra Taproom features over 50 local and imported beers, and Cider Corps has a great selection of local ciders just across the street. You’ll find excellent Mexican cuisine on Main Street. If you’re looking for a low-key stay in Phoenix, Mesa is the place to be.

Note that there are limited flight options (usually through Allegiant Air) to Mesa Gateway Airport, a reliever airport about 30 miles east of Sky Harbor International. You might find some killer flight deals here! Budget travelers should also take note of places like the Azure Hotel. 

Don’t miss out on a quick trip to the Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park while you’re in Mesa. These scenic peaks are some of the most recognizable in Arizona, and you won’t be disappointed by any Superstition hiking trail you choose. The drive there typically takes less than an hour. Visit during the fall to avoid the heat.

Pros of Staying in Mesa:

• Quiet and less crowded
• Learn about Native American history
• Excellent hiking nearby
• Cheap hotels

Cons of Staying in Mesa:

• Farther from major attractions
• Fewer late-night opportunities

Glendale

👉 Best Area For Sports Fans | ✨ Best Glendale Hotels: Tru by Hilton • Holiday Inn • Renaissance

Glendale is the most diverse spot in the Valley on this list. Catch a Cardinals football game, shop for antiques, hit the slots at the casino, and hike through 1,000 acres of desert during your visit. Depending on where you stay, you’ll be within walking distance of many of these awesome attractions.

Catch the LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox at Spring Training at Camelback Ranch Ballpark. Snag Cardinals tickets at State Farm Stadium in the center of everything, just off the 101. 

If football is your main reason for visiting Glendale, stay affordably at the Holiday Inn located just across the freeway from the stadium. To the north, you’ll be able to catch a hockey game or concert at the Gila River Arena. The sporty possibilities are endless!

Named “Arizona’s Antique Capital,” Glendale is a great place to shop for eclectic goods you won’t find anywhere else. The charming Catlin Court Historic District offers all the antiquing, dining, and entertainment you can imagine in authentic mid-century bungalows and ranch-style buildings. You’ll fill up a day by wandering through this historic collection of locally-owned shops.

Since Glendale is located north of the city, it’s a great starting point if you’re looking to take a day trip from Phoenix. You’ll be less than an hour from some of Arizona’s best hiking and boating lakes. Visit during the fall or spring for the best outdoor conditions.

My top recommendation would be to drive through Sedona and then continue north to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon. It’s a picturesque drive that will take your breath away!

Pros of Staying in Glendale:

• The finest sports and entertainment
• Many attractions are located near each other
• Fantastic antique shopping
• Located closer to popular day trip destinations

Cons of Staying in Glendale:

• Not as popular dining/bar options
• Can be a long drive to the airport with heavy traffic
• Crowded during major sporting events

Paradise Valley

👉 Best Area For Golfing & Hiking | ✨ Best Paradise Valley Hotels: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa • Mountain Shadows Resort • Embassy Suites

Are you visiting Phoenix to get a taste of the desert scenery? For the avid golfer or outdoorsman, Paradise Valley is where to stay. 

This neighborhood boasts some of the city’s best golf courses, and it’s close to different mountain ranges offering hundreds of hiking trails. If you’re looking to fill your days with green fairways and challenging treks, you’ve come to the right place.

There are two major golf clubs in Paradise Valley. The most highly rated is Paradise Valley Country Club, a picturesque course in the southern section of town with perfectly trimmed grass and a gorgeous backdrop of Camelback Mountain. Note that this course is invitation-only.

The second course is Camelback Country Club. It’s a beautiful setting, but these greens are not beginner-friendly. Swing at your own risk!

On to the hikes! Paradise Valley is surrounded by three mountain ranges: Camelback Mountain,  Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and the McDowell Mountains. Camelback Mountain is an iconic place to hike as it’s one of the most famous Phoenix landmarks.

If you want a relaxing getaway at some of the state’s best luxury resorts, Paradise Valley has you covered. You can have an unforgettable stay at the 4-star Westin Kierland Resort & Spa or Mountain Shadows Resort for great rates during the off-season (usually during the hot summer months).

Pros of Staying in Paradise Valley:

• Golf courses abound
• Lots of hiking trails
• High-end restaurants and bars
• Close to recreational parks and lakes
• Just outside of the Scottsdale hubbub

Cons of Staying in Paradise Valley:

• Very spread out – you need a car to get around
• Pricey hotel rates and restaurants

Chandler

👉 Best Area For Family Fun | ✨ Best Chandler Hotels: Cambria Hotel • Drury Inn & Suites • Hampton Inn & Suites

Chandler is the most family-friendly place to stay in Phoenix. If your little ones are big on parks, you’ll have plenty of options here. Desert Breeze Park features vintage train rides that will give the whole family a thrill.

For a more educational experience, visit the Veterans Oasis Park for a stroll around the planets at the Solar System Walk. More antique trains can be found at the Arizona Railway Museum.

Chandler makes for a laidback vacation, and there’s something to do for any personality. History buffs will love the Mesa Historical Museum, kids will have a ball at the amusement parks, shoppers will find awesome stores, and those who just want to relax at the pool certainly will. Cambria Hotel and other lovely stays allow you to swim among lush Sonoran Desert settings. 

Another great thing about Chandler is its proximity to Southern Arizona towns. Since it’s located at the southeastern corner of Phoenix, things to do and places to stay in Tucson are only an hour and a half away. Visit Saguaro National Park for an enchanting day in the desert!

Pros of Staying in Chandler:

• Great museum scene
• Fun shopping centers
• Family fun at local parks
• Award-winning restaurants

Cons of Staying in Chandler:

• Farther from the airport
• Isolated from central Phoenix attractions

Tips for Staying in Phoenix

Bring Your Swimsuit!

Bring a bathing suit on your trip to Phoenix. Nearly every Phoenix hotel will have a swimming pool, and you’ll be especially grateful for a dip in the water if you visit during the summer months. The luxury resort swimming pool lifestyle is unmatched!

Take a Day Trip from Phoenix

Since Phoenix is located in the middle of the state, it’s a great starting point if you want to visit other popular Arizona attractions.

Check out these day trips from Phoenix for a better idea of where you can go within 2 hours of the capital during your vacation!

Get Summer Discounts

Visit Phoenix during the summer for gonga discounts on luxury hotels. You’ll have to endure the blazing heat, but you’ll save a pretty penny on otherwise whopping prices. If the heat sounds like too much to handle, visit during the fall or winter for more pleasant temperatures.

See a Last-Minute Concert

Check out last-minute concerts during your stay in Phoenix. Some venues will slash prices down to under $10 when they haven’t sold out, so you could end up seeing an expensive performer for super cheap.

Make sure to see my guide for more incredible things to do in Phoenix as well!

Protect Your Skin! Wear Sunblock

Wear sunscreen at all times in Phoenix, no matter what time of year you visit. The Arizona sun is no joke, so be sure to protect your precious skin when out on local hikes or simply wandering the city.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Phoenix

What is a nice area to stay in Phoenix?

Scottsdale and Camelback East are the nicest areas to stay in Phoenix due to their luxurious atmospheres, high-end establishments, and proximity to local attractions.

Is it better to stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale?

It’s better to stay in Scottsdale if you are prepared to splurge on shopping, fancy restaurants, and clubs. There are also more luxury hotels in this area. It’s better to stay in Phoenix if you want to attend events downtown, like see a baseball game at Chase Field or a basketball game at the Mortgage Matchup Center.

Is Downtown Phoenix worth visiting?

Downtown Phoenix is definitely worth visiting. There are some awesome museums, concert venues, sporting facilities, bars, and restaurants that will be worth your while.

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I hope this guide on where to stay in Phoenix helps you decide how to spend your next trip to Arizona. No matter where you end up, you’ll surely have plenty to do in and around this exciting desert city. Thanks for reading!

Next, check out my recommendations for the best places to eat in Phoenix.