Arizona's renowned sunshine ensures that nearly everyday is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and almost any outside adventure.
Prized as a mid-winter getaway by snowbirds, retirees and golfers, Arizona nonetheless has a remarkable collection of family-friendly hotels and large resorts. Remember that since their high season is the nation's winter season, room rates fall in summer months... when Arizona is a scorcher, but so much more affordable.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
Phoenix
800/950-0086, 602/955-6600
This historic Frank Lloyd Wright monument has eight swimming pools and a 92-foot water slide (with swim-up bar) to keep you and the kids cool but it's the design and Art Deco fans who will go crazy at this classically stylish resort. Children (5-12) engage in smart activities tailored to their age group, such as swimming, hiking, cooking classes, computer games, and more at the weekend-only organized kid's program, while mom and dad can tour the historic property, relish the attention to detail in floor and wall coverings, admire celebrity photographs, play golf, tennis, take a power walk or relax in the spa, and enjoy Afternoon Tea. During the rest of the week, mom and dad can watch their kids play at the covered and water-mistedl Kids Korral play area which boasts a tunnel spiral slide, a chain net climber and a track ride for little ones.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
Carefree (North of Phoenix)
866/397-6520
Located in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, The Boulders caters to its guests with six restaurants and cafés, deluxe casitas (some of which are housed in soft, rose stone structures like the boulders pictured above), sightseeing tours, golf and tennis. Designed for those who prefer the Old West more than video games and cellphones, it's an informal yet very posh retreat with superior service. Additional adult pampering is available at the on-site Golden Door Spa, also an excellent facility with the best beauty technicians around. Children (16 and under) stay free when using existing bedding. Note: Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Enchantment Resort
Sedona
800/826-4180, 928/282-2900
Relax in Southwestern style and comfort in a hacienda or canyon-side casita at this super deluxe resort where service reigns supreme. Its spiritual setting near Sedona usually wows guests, as does its range of New Age treatments at the Mii amo Spa. While its high tariffs tend to minimize the number of kids in-house, children ages 4-12 can sign up to be a "coyote kid" at Camp Coyote, where they enjoy arts and crafts, treasure hunts, tennis lessons, and other activities. The resort has four swimming pools for enjoyment as well. Children under 12 stay free.
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
Scottsdale
800/WESTIN-1, 480/624-1000
Located adjacent to Kierland Commons, a spectacular dining and shopping complex which is 10 miles from Scottsdale and 20 miles from Phoenix, this very large, conference-center-like property offers you the choice of sleeping on a signature Westin Heavenly Bed in a guest room, suite or casita. After spending time on the golf course, tennis court, fitness center or an aerobics class, head to the full-service spa for some pampering or to the pool complex complete with a flowing river pool and waterslide. Westin Kids Club is the spot for children from ages 4 to 12 where Arizona-themed games, projects and activities, as well as plenty of pool time, keep kids smiling.
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Tucson
800/WESTIN-1, 520/742-6000
With architecture inspired by its setting in the Catalina Mountains, this family-favorite hotel offers a myriad of recreational activities such as tennis, golf, a healthclub, and an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. For the entire family, there are five pools and a Sidewinder, a 177 ft. waterslide! The Kid's Club includes welcome gift bags and free meals for kids, and, the supervised Children's Lounge is where kids as young as 6-months up to 12-years are entertained by a trained staff. Parents can leave children for a maximum of four hours (only 2 hours for infants under 1) or they can play with them there for free. A junior tennis camp is also available.
The Phoenician
Scottsdale
800/888-8234, 480/941-8200
It's an Old World gilt and chandelier kind of place, somewhat out of tune with Arizona's desert beauty, but resort amenities and facilities are top notch. Guests enjoy leisure activities from backgammon to lawn bowling, tennis and swimming in nine pools at this classic upscale golfer's paradise. Their homegrown produce and famous chef guarantee every meal (if pricey) will be wonderful. While children have fun at the Funicians Kid's Club or Junior Tennis Clinic (offered in the summer months for ages 6 to 15), you can relax at the Centre for Well-Being Spa or schedule a Fitness and Wellness Consultation.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Scottsdale
866/540-4495, 480/585-4848
This pink stucco Mediterranean-style Scottsdale resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses (one with a great steak restaurant), a fun family pool with small sand beach and waterslide, lots of well-groomed land to roam, and the stunning Willow Stream Spa. The complimentary Kids Club takes 5 to 12-year-olds on scavenger hunts, lagoon fishing, and other adventures. There's also tennis time, and most important at the huge main pool - regularly scheduled Dive-In Movies viewed from the comfort of your pool float (weekends only). Kids under 18 stay free and pets are welcome.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale
Scottsdale
800/233-1234, 480/991-3388
Located on the Gainey Ranch, you'll discover a championship golf course, a 2.5-acre water playground with 10 interconnecting pools, and a sand beach (perfect for the little ones). Eight tennis courts, as well as biking and jogging trails provide lots of opportunities for physical activities. Most importantly, this resort's luscious, Caribbean-tropical landscaping and abundance of plantings add a soothing touch to the sometimes bleak desert envirnoment. That natural, almost spiritual, quality pervades Camp Hyatt Kachina, an ongoing Native American-themed day camp that entertains young guests as part of Hyatt's "Experiential Vacationing." The resort also offers adults the opportunities to experience the rich culture and heritage of the Southwest with workshops and presentations at the Native American and Environmental Learning Center, just off the art-filled lobby. In June 2005, the new Spa Avania, a Greek word meaning tranquil, opened. Its treatments revolve around the times of day: energizing treatments for the morning; rejuvenating for mid-day, and calming for the evening, and it features an outdoor heated mineral pool with French Celtic minerals and underwater music.
Wigwam Resort and Golf Club
Litchfield Park, outside Phoenix
800/327-0396, 623/935-3811
These attractive garden-view casitas offer activities such as golf, tennis, and horseback riding. Kids can enjoy Camp Pow Wow (in session during holiday seasons and during the summer) which has sports and excursions for a daily fee.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
Phoenix
602/997-2626 or 800/947-9784
At the foot of Squaw Peak and surrounded by expansive mountain views and recreational activities, the two Pointe Hilton Resorts guarantee adults and children alike a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Between the resorts at Squaw Peak and at Tapatio Cliffs, we like the more informal family atmosphere at Squaw Peak. Facilities of both properties, open to all guests, total lots of golf, seven restaurants and pool after pool of water slide, lazy river and more. Squaw Peak's main attraction is at night: 430 two-room suites and 133 one and two-bedroom luxury casitas, all comfortably furnished and spacious enough for all ages to spread out and relax. Rates in summer often dip under the $100/N mark, making it a wonderful value.
