There are so many fantastic Arizona family resorts. Throughout the state, there are hotels and resorts that are unique, beautiful and super family-friendly. From affordable to luxurious, lively to serene, wacky to the expected, there are tons of accommodations for your next Arizona family vacation.
We love Arizona. When we want to get out of town but don’t want to drive too far, it’s an ideal destination. The weather is a little more extreme and the terrain is so different from California so it really seems like we are experiencing something new. Want to visit a ghost town? Experience the Old West? Live in a luxury suite for a weekend? You can find these all in Arizona, and more.
The kids were fascinated by all the cactus on our road trip to Arizona.10 Arizona Family Resorts You Will Love
Check out 10 of our favorite Arizona family resorts to book for your next vacation with the kids. They’re scattered across the state, because there are so many cool things to see here.
1. Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Hotel Valley Ho is the opposite of a typical and boring hotel chain. It both retro and modern – just so different than everything else out there. We love the cool style and prime location in posh Scottsdale. From the rooms and suites to the pool area, the building is filled with bold colors and classic midcentury modern designs. This hotel offers more than just a fabulous exterior and interior. The service at Hotel Valley Ho is just as exceptional. We love the fantastic hotel restaurants, genuine smiles from staff, and a super welcoming vibe. If you can make it work, upgrade your stay to one of the tower suites. You’ll have more room to spread out as well as a more ritzy experience.
Scottsdale is known for its superb weather, and the resort pool looks very inviting. (photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho)2. Jerome Grand Hotel, Jerome
Jerome, Arizona is close to Sedona and about 100 miles north of Phoenix. The Jerome Grand Hotel is the crown jewel of this unique, fun town. The hotel overlooks the entire Verde Valley, offering guests amazing views. There’s an award-winning Asylum Restaurant for lunch and dinner daily. The Jerome Grand Hotel has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and truly gives visitors a peek into the grandeur of what was once a billion-dollar copper camp. Families can book a suite or connecting rooms to give them a little more space. Jerome was once dubbed the ‘Wickedest Town in the West.’ It has many original structures still intact, precariously looming over the valley of North-Central Arizona.
If you want to see an old western ghost town on your next Arizona family vacation, Jerome and the Jerome Grand Hotel will fit the bill perfectly. Oh, and don’t forget to say hello to the ghosts said to roam this town. There’s even a ghost tour!
The storied Jerome Grand Hotel has a long and colorful history. (photo courtesy of the Jerome Grand Hotel)3. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson
Families will love their stay at the luxurious Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The rooms are spacious and well-suited for families. Some rooms are connected to a full suite with a living room, dining room and even a working fireplace! The Loews is just the right amount of cozy and chic at the same time. If your family needs more space, ask for one of the rooms that offer a Murphy Bed in the living room. (We let the kids have the master bedroom and slept on the Murphy Bed – it was super comfortable.
This upscale resort in the Sonoran desert has impressive views of the Catalina Mountains, dotted with hundreds of saguaro cactus. The resort also offers two huge outdoor pools and is very close to some of the best hiking in Arizona. Plus, it is only 6 miles from the historic cavalry post Fort Lowell too.
Arizona mountains are some of the most beautiful in the US.4. Enchantment Resort, Sedona
With Sedona’s dramatic red rock background, Enchantment Resort is a place families can go to connect to nature and each other. It’s located in one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen, just at the entrance to an energy vortex said to fuel cool vibes and peaceful connections. Amid the stunning rock formations, there are exhilarating adventures like mountain biking, tennis or golf. There’s also an awesome kids camp called Camp Coyote (ages 4 to 12). But our most favorite thing about Enchantment Resort? Escaping the kids for a little bit to enjoy some deep relaxation at Mii Amo Spa. Also, don’t forget to try the delicious Prickly Pear Margaritas in the resort’s restaurant. They are out of this world!
Sedona itself is a peaceful, welcoming town originally home to artists and wanderers. Located about 2 hours from Phoenix, it’s now the perfect destination for a family experience that melds outdoor adventures with spiritual mindfulness.
The pool was a cool and refreshing welcome after warm day of hiking and exploring Sedona5. Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson
We think the best Arizona family resorts are also the most unique. And the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson definitely fits the bill. Tucson is perfect for those who want to get a feel of the Southwest. This dude ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch, is one of the most distinctive resorts in Arizona. It offers a variety of lodging options that fit families of different sizes and gives them spectacular scenic views of the desert and mountains. To create some family bonding and have just enough together time, go horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing or just kick back and relax in the luxury of your room. Tanque Verde lodging is comfortable and inviting, combining the spirit of the Old West with the best modern amenities.
Hope is the Lead Rancher at Tanque Verde Ranch. (photo courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch)6. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Scottsdale
Our family stayed at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in the middle of the blazing hot Arizona summer. Not surprisingly our favorite feature at this sprawling all-suites resort is its fantastic pool area. River Ranch Water Park comprises over 4 acres and includes a waterslide, lazy river, several pools, and even a cool mini-golf course to keep everyone refreshed and entertained. You really don’t need to leave the hotel when you stay here which is why it is one of the best Arizona family resorts. If you have a bigger family or are taking a multi-generational trip, the resort has standard suites as well as one and two-bedroom casitas.
We all loved floating in the lazy river at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort7. Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona
Offering spectacular views looking out over the desert at Bell Rock, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is a great destination for active families. The hotel is decked out with a spa, tennis courts, 2 outdoor pools, spacious rooms and so much more. Want to stay active and keep up your workouts? Visit the full-service air-conditioned Athletic Club with an outdoor cross-training area, 3 lighted tennis courts or an on-site 18-hole championship golf course. For those who want to see more of Sedona, you can hike or bike Sedona’s famous red rock formations.
Bell Rock is one of the most photographed places in Arizona, and this was taken from our balcony at the Hilton Sedona.8. Hotel Congress, Tucson
When we visited Tucson on our tour of Arizona’s Old West recently, we stayed downtown at the historic Hotel Congress. The hotel was built in 1819 at the core of Tucson’s burgeoning business district next to the train depot. Famous for many things throughout its history, this hotel was part of the Wild West and is the site where infamous gangster John Dillinger was captured in 1934. The rooms are spartan and the vibe is super cool here, with a live music and a great restaurant in the diner style. The surrounding neighborhood is lively and fun, packed with restaurants and history. Plus if you’re into ghosts, the Hotel Congress is said to possess several haunted rooms!
Hotel Congress in Tucson is so cool and historic.9. Arizona Biltmore – A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Phoenix
Our family loves to soak up the sun in the ultimate lap of luxury at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. The resort was built in 1929 in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, and has housed Presidents and celebrities ever since. Families will find elegant but comfortable rooms, suites and villas through the 38 acres of this resort. Some rooms even come with fireplaces, balconies or full kitchens. If you are looking to upgrade your Arizona family vacation, book a Club Room. The complimentary drinks and breakfast that come with the Club Room level are great for families.
At the Arizona Biltmore, there are eight outdoor pools, including the main pool which contains a 92-ft waterslide. Kids will also love the playground and Camp Coyote supervised play area too. The resort is less than 10 miles from Sky Harbor Phoenix Airport making it one of the best Arizona family resorts for those looking to live in the lap of luxury for a time.
The signature concrete blocks of the Arizona Biltmore create a stunning architectural statement.10. Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes, Tempe
This hotel is the perfect spot for families who are coming to Tempe to visit Arizona State University or go to a game or event at the area’s Diablo Stadium. The Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe is tucked up against The Buttes, a postcard-perfect rock formation with easy hiking trails. While visiting, we took an early morning hike up to the top of The Buttes and watched the city wake up below us. It was magnificent! Curving naturally around these rocky outcroppings, this Marriott resort takes full advantage of its elevated desert views. Kids will adore the pools, especially the one which boasts a waterslide! Nearby are restaurants, shopping and the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden. Here the whole family can relax and learn about plants and animals native to the area.
The front drive at the Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes (photo courtesy of Marriott)Hardest Part is Picking One of These Arizona Family Resorts
The best Arizona family resorts give guests lots of things to do, a variety of accommodations and something out of the norm. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options. Which one will you visit first?
