From glamping in the desert to upscale luxury resorts, there are some unique places to stay in Arizona that capture the stories of the Southwest. Treat yourself to incredible outdoor views, a day at the spa, or an evening at the BBQ, because these cool lodgings in Arizona have so much to offer guests!
I love Arizona because it’s a state that has a bit of everything. It’s got deserts that are perfect for remote red rock getaways, cities with cute boutique hotels, lots of Native American history and lodging, and also higher-elevation forests and National Parks that give way to unique stays with a view. And beyond the stays, there are so many mind-blowing adventures to be had in this state – more on mine below!
Whether you’re planning a road trip through the state or visiting popular cities like Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tuscon, or Sedona, we’ve gathered the coolest Arizona hotels and retreats that will be sure to inspire your next AZ desert getaway.
The Shash Diné Eco Retreat brings together culture, unique lodging, and the vast outdoors for an unforgettable stay. Located on Navajo land in north-central AZ, here you can hike, stargaze, and experience the U.S. West in a way you haven’t before.
The ranch offers breakfast each morning, and arrangements can be made for dinner delivery, or you can bring your own goodies to cook on the fire pit! If you want a true unique stay that encompasses culture and nature – this is your pick.
There are a variety of seasonally available accommodations as well, to fit both your budget and glamping style, including covered wagons, Bell tents, Navajo Hogans (similar to yurts), and cabins. The Shash Diné Eco Retreat Center also offers a ‘Navajo Experience‘ package, which includes dinner, breakfast, and cultural experiences for a two-night stay.
Under Canvas: Glamping Center Near the Grand Canyon
We don’t know if there’s any better way to experience a trip to the Grand Canyon than by staying at Under Canvas. Located 40 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Under Canvas offers a 160-acre glamping site perfect for experiencing the great Arizona outdoors (and starry night sky!)
Under Canvas creates one unique experience by offering more than just accommodation, but also nightly ‘smores, complimentary fitness classes, and an on-site eatery.
Now comes the time to pick your glamping tent — do you want big and spacious, or simple and comfortable? With a variety of modern glamping tents available, you can select between spaces that offer living rooms, private bathrooms, and even separate kids tents for family accommodations. What each tent does have, though, is a comfortable bed and nature views you’ll enjoy each moment.
Wigwam Motel: Historic and Unique Old Route 66 Motel
A night in a Wigwam is a perfect way to transport yourself back to the nostalgic days of the U.S. road trip! Located along the famous Old Route 66 in Holbrook, you can roll up to your very own Wigwam at the Wigwam Motel, each fitted with its own private bathroom.
The interior design of the Wigwams is simple, just like the exterior, but still unique. Inside, you’ll find a bed (or two), Western accents, and bedding to complement the culture and history of the area. If you’re seeking an experience few U.S. road trippers will ever have, definitely add the Wigwam Motel to your list.
Norsk Haus: Best Unique + Luxe AZ Mountain Getaway for Groups
The Norsk Haus is one of my favorite getaways in AZ for groups (it would also be great for families, but it feels like more of a ‘group of friends getaway’ type vibe. It’s a unique vacation rental constructed and decorated in a Scandinavian style, located very privately in the forest outside Payson, AZ.
Need to get away from the Phoenix heat? This is only 1.5 hours away and located at a higher and cooler elevation – not too far from Sedona or Flagstaff, but nice and remote.
Enjoy the outdoor patios surrounded by trees, or squeeze 8 people into the sauna! It sleeps 11 people, so has plenty of space for an insta-worthy Arizona mountain getaway.
Hotel San Carlos: Downtown and Historic Phoenix Unique Hotel
When I walked by the Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix, it immediately caught my eye with the cute yellow exterior and unique sign font. Built in 1928, this unique Arizona historic hotel boasts charming architecture, a rooftop pool, and an overall historical ambiance that’s freshly redone and shining.
There’s also an amazing Mexican restaurant below on the corner called Centrico. The enchiladas are the best I think I’ve ever had and they have an amazing cocktail menu.
The hotel interior design features woodworking, art, and full drapes. After a day of exploring (or just chilling by the pool), you can enjoy other onsite amenities such as the hotel bar or fitness center.
Jerome Grand Hotel: Former Hospital Turned Hotel near Sedona
While we just mentioned that the Hotel San Carlos (above) is one of the most unique places to stay in Arizona for history buffs, we must also include the Jerome Grand Hotel in the mix! Visiting Jerome is one of the most unique things to do in Sedona, and staying the night is extra special.
Perched on the hillside of Jerome (about 30 minutes outside of Sedona), the Jerome Grand Hotel was originally built as the United Verde Hospital in 1926. And yes, that’s a somewhat eerie fact. If you’re eager to dive into the full history, you can read about it here.
As for the accommodations, the rooms and suites are spacious and offer long-range views of the valley and mountains, many rooms featuring large windows. The interior design echoes the hotel’s storied past with historical furnishings and artwork. Additionally, the hotel provides pastries, bagels, coffee, and tea each morning, although there are many great restaurants within walking distance!
El Portal: Luxurious & Unique Western-Style Boutique Hotel in Sedona
The luxurious El Portal Hotel in Sedona exudes creativity and charm. Featuring rustic wood and tile work, the hotel ambiance blends seamlessly with the grand outdoors of Sedona. Plus, it’s one of the best choices in Sedona for bringing along your furry friend, as it’s not only pet-friendly but also doesn’t charge any additional pet fees!
El Portal offers a wide range of suites, each individually decorated with a harmonious blend of brick, tile, and woodwork, accented with Western decor. As soon as you step into this hotel (and your room), you’re bound to feel as if you’ve stepped into a different time and place.
The Shady Dell: Vintage Trailer Accommodations with On-Site Diner
The Shady Dell Trailer Court is one of the coolest lodgings in Arizona with historic roots in the classic US Roadtrip. In the early 1900s, this space was a popular spot to camp or park your RV during travels, and today, this tradition continues — except now they provide the travel trailers for you. More than just a cool and vintage place to stay, it offers an immersive travel experience.
Each vintage trailer, with so many to choose from, is decked out in vintage décor and includes a coffee percolator. Depending on the size, some feature a private toilet, living room, and/or kitchenette. Outside your trailer, you might have a seating area and private deck, plus there are shared communal spaces including BBQ pits. Don’t feel like cooking? From Friday through Sunday, the onsite eatery, Dot’s Diner, serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Moxy: Fun Hotel with Trendy Design & Outdoor Pool in Tempe
The Moxy in Phoenix is by far one of the most fun places to stay in Arizona on this list. With an outdoor pool, cabanas, games, and an on-site bar, it’s the perfect spot for a staycation! And if you feel like exploring the city, the Moxy has got you covered with complimentary bikes, making getting around Phoenix both easy and enjoyable.
The modern and trendy interior design extends into the rooms and suites, boasting under-bed lighting, extensive storage space, and simple artwork. Some rooms also feature their own balcony, or are on the ground level and have direct access to the pool!
Royal Palms Resort: Luxury Resort with Spa & Pool Outside Phoenix
The Royal Palms Resort is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and unique places to stay in Phoenix and all of Arizona for those seeking a pampering desert escape.
The resort boasts an outdoor pool, an upscale spa, and offers fitness classes such as yoga to rejuvenate and reenergize your mind, body, and soul. The resort fee also includes a range of cool amenities, such as a hiking kit, mixology class, and complimentary bicycles to fully enjoy your stay.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas. The spacious accommodations feature courtyard or mountain views and are decorated simply yet luxuriously, including European furniture. All accommodations feature a soaking tub, and some include private patios and balconies for extra touches of comfort.
Canyon Motel & RV Park: Unique Train Car Accommodations & RV Parking
Just like the Wigwam Motel, the Canyon Motel and RV Park offers unique accommodations in Williams along Old Route 66 that evoke nostalgia for the heyday of U.S. road-tripping. Choose from a variety of options, including old train cars or the historic motel. Plus, if you have your own RV or camping gear, you can set up here for the night!
If you, like we were, are looking for something both unique AND affordable (especially on weekdays), this is a great choice.
The Canyon Motel & RV Park is more than just a place to sleep though as it has a playground, an indoor pool, a pet area, a gas BBQ, and coin-operated laundry. Plus, with its location, you can easily access nearby attractions and restaurants.
Arizona Biltmore: Luxurious PHX Arizona Resort with Two Golf Courses
Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Arizona: The Arizona Biltmore. The resort has two golf courses, seven swimming pools, an upscale spa, and seven eateries, just to highlight just a few of its amazing offerings.
In addition to the variety of activities available, there’s a range of accommodations, including rooms, suites, villas, and cottages. The accommodations feature tranquil yet luxurious and boho desert designs that immerse you from the moment you walk in.
With so many options, you’ll need to browse for yourself to find the perfect one, but with features such as private fire pits, bathtubs, and poolside access, you’re bound to find the ideal space for you and your loved ones!
Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center: Former School Turned Cute Inn in Ajo, Arizona
The Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center is one of the coolest hotels in Arizona and will even have you wanting to go back to school! Why? Because this inn was actually a school before it began welcoming guests. Nestled in Ajo, Arizona, the Sonoran Desert Inn is one of the best places to rest up while exploring this small and charming town.
The property includes 22 guest rooms and a courtyard with gardens, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring the town and local markets. Built in former classrooms, the rooms are designed with Western flair and feature large windows, desks, and coffee makers.
That’s it for unique places to stay in Arizona – for now! Let me know in the comments which hotel you picked or which other places I should add to the list.
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