Last month the Arizona Republic hosted a vote for what readers consider the Best Arizona Hotels in a number of different categories. The online polling was open for a few weeks, with the results being tallied and published in last Sunday’s travel section of the paper. While my own personal favorites line up with some of the category winners, they don’t jibe with all of them.
Travelers to the state are lucky that there are so many great Arizona hotels to choose from. Here is a list of both the winners as chosen by the readers of the Arizona Republic as well as my own personal favorites for some of the different categories. Consult it before you head out on your next Arizona vacation.
Best Historic Hotel
Arizona Republic Winner: Hassayampa Inn
Dating from 1927, this historic Prescott property is on the National Register of Historic Places. My bet is that it got so many votes because of its resident ghost named Faith. According to legend, Faith was left by her husband while they were honeymooning at the hotel. After waiting for him for a few days, she hung herself in the honeymoon suite. Since then her ghost, clad in a pink robe, is said to wander the hallways.
My First Pick: La Posada Hotel
Back in the day when travel by railroad was the best way to go, elegant hotels were built along the route to continue the first class experience after travelers left the rail. Winslow’s La Posada, a hacienda designed by famed architect Mary Colter, is one of those hotels. Recently restored to its 1930s grandeur, La Posada is a delightful place to spend a weekend.
Honorable Mention: El Tovar
Decorated but not designed by Mary Colter, El Tovar was the first hotel to be built at the Grand Canyon. Constructed in 1905, the aim was to create a structure that complimented its surroundings. Made of native stone and massive pine logs, the hotel offers amazing canyon views from some of its rooms.
Best for a Spa Weekend
Arizona Republic and My Winner: Enchantment Resort
I could not agree more with this pick. This beautiful hotel is located in one of Sedona’s secluded red rock canyons. It is enveloped by and blends in perfectly with the surrounding natural formations. While the views are amazing (it also took first place in the Hotel with a View category), it’s the top notch spa that really deserves mention. The Mii Amo Spa is located in a red stucco structure that appears to emerge from the canyon wall. Inside, high ceilings and plenty of natural light mimic the outdoors, while an interior design of natural stone and wood textures creates a sense of calm. With a long list of wonderful treatments, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and spa restaurant that creates wonderful healthy meals, you cannot go wrong here.
Best Hotel with a View
Arizona Republic Winner: Enchantment Resort (see above)
My First Pick: The View Hotel
Off of most people’s radar, as it is located in the northern part of the state on the Navajo Nation, the View Hotel’s name says it all. Located inside Monument Valley Tribal Park, The View offers amazing looks of the famous sculptured rocks. Situated so that all rooms have unblocked views of the famous formations and designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, there is not a bad room in the house. You’ll be tempted to sit on your patio and enjoy the scenery all day. There are even westward-facing “sunset balconies” for all to enjoy.
Image credit: The View Hotel
