 |
| Photo by Matt Anderson Photography via Trover.com |
There are hotels that are perfect because of their proximity to the city and all things hip.
But there are also hotels that are ideal because they’re the opposite of urban; a marriage between nature and old charm – not to mention, a full suite of on-site amenities you wouldn’t mind staying in for days.
These five hotels in Arizona exemplify why out-of-the-way hotels sometimes make the most ideal escapes.
The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon
A chalet-styled hotel, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon exudes an appeal that’s distinctively Southwestern. There are timber-lined, WiFi-equipped rooms, plus an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, ATM, and a business center.
Located only a mile away from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in Tusayan, the hotel is a great base for exploration. A free Grand Canyon bus link stops in front of the resort, making hiking painless.
Three on-site dining options offer traditional Southwestern fare: a steakhouse, a café, and a saloon where you can swig draft beers while listening to live acoustic music.
Lake Powell Resort
Situated on Lake Powell’s southmost tip, Lake Powell Resort is the only one among hotels in Page that has its own marina, from where visitors can take scenic boat tours through the waterways of adjacent Antelope Island and Navajo Mountains. Hiking, golfing, and fishing can be arranged too.
For a pulse-quickening way of sightseeing, Lake Powell offers wakeboarding, kayaking, ski tubes, and water skis. Cap the day off in one of the resort’s lakefront restaurants or in one of its well-appointed houseboats.
The Wigwam
Built in 1929 in history-rich Litchfield Park, The Wigwam sits on nearly 200 hectares of greenery dotted with pool-front Territorial Adobe-lined casitas. Guests can relax in the in-house spa, play tennis, take aim in the 54-hole golf course, or explore the environs on golf carts.
There are four critically acclaimed restaurants serving meats and fresh produce straight from the resort’s own farm. Desert parks, including Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Skyline Regional Park, and White Tank Regional Park, are all located within 13 miles of the property.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Perched at the foothills of Camel Back Mountain in Paradise Valley, Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia is surrounded by panoramic views of soaring Sonora Desert rocks, which guests can appreciate from two swimming pools, private balconies, or at the full-service spa and jacuzzi. The Spanish-inspired rooms – ADA rooms and villas with pool included – are opulent and spacious, ranging from 100 to 2,800 square meters.
Apart from hiking nearby trails, guests can also bag goodies from the Scottsdale Square four miles away. World cuisine, including savory tapas, are served round-the-clock in five on-site restaurants.
Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport InnSuites at the Mall
Hotel Tempe’s name says it all. This no-frills resort lies only six miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Scottsdale malls, and hosts pet-friendly suites packed with tons of freebies: WiFi access, airport shuttle, local calls, full breakfast buffet, daily newspaper, barbecue, and self-parking.
Business, conference, and fitness centers also exist on site, along with a heated pool and tennis courts. Trails to the South Mountain Preserve, lake cruises to Tempe Lake, and jeep tours to the Sonoran desert lie nearby.
