CheapoTrav
Call

Where to stay in Phoenix

Picking the right neighborhood in Phoenix matters more than picking the right hotel — here's how to choose.

Phoenix, AZ, USA· Airport: PHX
Phoenix — Where to stay | CheapoTrav travel guide

Skip the search — let a CheapoTrav expert do it for you.

Phone-only fares for Phoenix, 24/7.

Call (815) 991-4848

Key facts

  • Most central neighborhoods carry a 20–40% nightly premium vs. outer areas, but offer better walkability and dining access.
  • Downtown and Midtown are well-served by the light rail, providing convenient access to cultural institutions and sports venues.
  • Old Town Scottsdale, adjacent to Phoenix, is known for its nightlife and high-end shopping, often with higher hotel rates.
  • Look for accommodations in North Phoenix or Mesa if prioritizing proximity to nature preserves or specific golf courses.
  • Resort properties, particularly in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, often include amenities like spas and large pools, increasing their cost.
  • Family-friendly hotels are clustered in quieter districts like Arcadia or near attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.
  • During spring training (February-March), hotel rates across the metro Phoenix area can increase significantly due to demand.

Phoenix offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with a distinct character, making your accommodation choice crucial for shaping your visit. Whether you're in town for business, exploring the desert landscape, or enjoying the city's vibrant arts scene, understanding the layout and offerings of each area will help you settle in effectively. The urban core, while more expensive, provides convenient access to many cultural attractions and dining options, often making it worth the premium if your itinerary is packed with city experiences.

Venture a bit further out, and you'll find areas that blend suburban tranquility with easy access to outdoor activities. These districts often feature resorts designed to maximize the sunny climate, offering amenities like golf courses and extensive pool areas. For those prioritizing value or seeking a quieter base, exploring neighborhoods slightly removed from the immediate city center can yield good options, particularly if you have a rental car to navigate the spread-out metro area.

Consider your primary activities when choosing your base. If you plan to spend most of your time hiking or enjoying the natural beauty, staying closer to the Preserve areas or Scottsdale's northern reaches might make more sense. Conversely, if downtown events or sports are on your agenda, a central location minimizes travel time. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm, from the bustling energy of Downtown to the more relaxed pace of areas like Arcadia. Weighing these factors against your budget and travel style will guide you to the right fit.

The city's public transportation, primarily light rail, serves a limited corridor, so relying on it exclusively for all excursions might be challenging. A car is often recommended for comprehensive exploration of Phoenix and its surrounding attractions. If navigating these choices feels complex, consider reaching out to a travel agent for personalized guidance.

In this guide

  • Best for first-timers
  • Best for nightlife
  • Best for families
  • Best on a budget
  • Areas to skip

Frequently asked questions

What's the best neighborhood for a first-time visitor to Phoenix?
For first-time visitors, Downtown Phoenix or Midtown offer a good introduction to the city. Downtown provides access to museums, sports arenas, and a growing restaurant scene, all within a walkable core and along the light rail. Midtown, just north of Downtown, combines cultural institutions like the Phoenix Art Museum with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere and various dining options. Both areas provide a central base for exploring further afield, particularly if you plan to use public transit occasionally.
Where should I stay in Phoenix if I'm interested in nightlife and dining?
If nightlife and dining are your priorities, Old Town Scottsdale, immediately east of Phoenix, is generally the best choice. It features a concentrated area of bars, restaurants, and clubs, ranging from casual to upscale. While not technically in Phoenix, its proximity makes it a popular option. Within Phoenix itself, the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown offers a more eclectic, lively scene with numerous independent eateries and live music venues, though it's less concentrated than Old Town.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
Which areas in Phoenix are good for families with children?
Families traveling with children often find suitable accommodations in areas like Arcadia, Biltmore, or parts of North Phoenix. Arcadia offers a mix of established neighborhoods with parks and easy access to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. Biltmore provides resort-style options with amenities like pools, while still being close to shopping and dining. North Phoenix often has hotels with larger rooms or suites and is a good base for accessing outdoor activities while being more budget-friendly than the core.
What's the best area to stay for easy access to hiking and outdoor activities?
For easy access to hiking and outdoor activities, consider staying in North Phoenix or areas bordering the Phoenix Mountains Preserve or McDowell Mountain Regional Park. These locations put you closer to trailheads for popular spots like Camelback Mountain or South Mountain Park. Staying in Scottsdale's northern reaches also offers convenient access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. While a car is almost essential for reaching these trailheads, minimizing drive time from your accommodation enhances the experience.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
Is it better to stay near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or further out?
Staying near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is convenient for early departures or late arrivals, with many hotels offering airport shuttles. However, for a multi-day stay exploring the city, it's generally better to stay further out. The airport area, while practical for logistics, doesn't offer the same cultural attractions, dining diversity, or neighborhood character as Downtown, Midtown, or Scottsdale. Many central locations are only a 10-15 minute drive from PHX anyway.
Are there any walkable neighborhoods in Phoenix?
Phoenix is largely a car-dependent city due to its sprawling layout. However, certain neighborhoods offer more walkability than others. Downtown Phoenix, particularly around CityScape and Roosevelt Row, is quite walkable with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment in close proximity. Old Town Scottsdale also stands out as highly walkable, with its grid of shops, galleries, and dining options. Biltmore offers walkability within its shopping and dining complex, though less so for broader neighborhood exploration.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares

More for travelers visiting Phoenix

Nearby destinations