10 Best Hotels in Downtown Phoenix: Urban Retreats for Weary Travelers

Experience a touch of Phoenix history at the Hotel San Carlos, the city's only historic boutique hotel. Gracing the corner of Central and Monroe since 1928, the hotel has over 128 guest rooms and is within easy walking distance of most downtown attractions. In downtown's heyday, this is where Marilyn, Bogie and Bacall stayed while passing through this desert metropolis. The Ghost Lounge downstairs is a popular venue for live music, stiff cocktails, and cutting a mean rug. Rooms are a bit on the small side and the hotel is frayed around the edges, but these are small sacrifices for history buffs paying a visit to downtown Phoenix.

This central Phoenix hotel is located just north of downtown in what is becoming known as Phoenix's midtown museum district. This once-shabby downtown hotel was transformed into one of the city's hippest and most coveted hotel destinations,earning a reputation for great ambiance and dining along the way. The lobby decor consists of an eclectic collection of statuary and paintings (most of the art is available for purchase), but the real star of the show is the eye-grabbing Oasis pool, featuring a giant glass water wall, massage jets and underwater speakers. Rooms are colorfully decorated with bold print rugs, signature beds and original Arizona-themed pop art on the walls.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites Phoenix Midtown Hotel is located on Central Avenue, a short drive or short Metro Light Rail ride away from downtown Phoenix attractions. This is a AAA Diamond property offering complimentary shuttle service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and area attractions within a three-mile radius. Other amenities include complimentary Internet access, complimentary breakfast, a business center, free parking, a fitness center with cardio equipment, outdoor pool and spa facilities, and valet dry-cleaning services. With so many amenities and a location convenient to central and downtown Phoenix cultural and business attractions, the Fairfield Inn offers great value.

The Hilton Suites Phoenix is a full service Hilton located conveniently in the Midtown/Downtown Phoenix district. The hotel is adjacent to the Metro Light Rail and approximately 7 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Spacious two-room suites provide a comfortable base for guests in town for business or leisure. The 11-story atrium, featuring live palms, garden plants, and soothing fountains, provides a soothing backdrop after a long day of business or sightseeing. The hotel has a business center, fitness room, swimming pool and gift shop. There is also a full-service restaurant, the Great American Grill, as well as a lounge.

Conveniently located blocks from the Phoenix Civic Center, U.S. Airways Center, Chase Field, ASU Downtown and other downtown business and entertainment destinations, SpringHill Suites Phoenix Downtown offers guests a host of amenities for a comfortable stay. Free high-speed Internet, complimentary transportation to and from Sky Harbor Airport and local downtown businesses, and spacious, functional studio-suites make this a perfect place to make a home away from home during your downtown Phoenix stay. Every suite is equipped with a well-lit work area, wet bar, mini-refrigerator, sofa sleeper, lounge chair and ironing board. A swimming pool, whirlpool, cardio room and complimentary breakfast buffet make this a comfortable downtown hotel for business or leisure.

All the amenities guests have come to expect from this upscale business-class hotel chain are represented here, offering a comfortable, chic stay in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The 693 spacious guest rooms offer mountain or downtown views, 37" flat screen TVs, deluxe bath products, and comfortable work areas. Guest services include a 24 hour business center, Wi-Fi, salon, gift shop, and business lounge. Guests also enjoy access to an outdoor pool and hot tub, 24 hour gym, and sun deck with lounge chair. Compass Arizona Grill, located on the 24th floor of the hotel, is the city's only revolving restaurant.

The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel is conveniently located next to the Phoenix Civic Center and within walking distance of many major downtown attractions, including the Arizona Science Center, U.S. Airways Arena and Chase Field. The 31-story hotel features over 1,000 modern guest rooms, many offering unrivaled views of downtown, along with surrounding mountain ranges. Amenities include an onsite 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, modern meeting spaces and the hip new District Restaurant and Bar. There is complimentary internet in the lobby or club lounge, and guest room internet is available for a nominal fee. Members of the Sheraton Club get access to the Club Lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and a variety of beverages.

The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel blends the stylishness of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a business-class stay. Guests enjoy a clean, modern hotel with spacious guest rooms, flat-panel TVs and good views of central Phoenix. Some of the guest amenities include access to a fitness center, swimming pool and a cafe and lounge. The hotel is walking distance to downtown amenities, making it convenient for attending a Phoenix Sun's game at the US Airways Center or a Diamondback's game at Chase Field. You can also take the light-rail and head to museum district, home to the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum.

Finding a quiet sanctuary in the middle of downtown Phoenix is not easy, but the Westin Phoenix Downtown invites guests to unwind and relax in the heart of the city's busy business and entertainment district. Located near the Phoenix Convention Center, the Westin is also steps away from the Arizona Science Center, U.S. Airways Arena, Chase Field and downtown restaurants and bars. Many of the spacious modern guest rooms feature city views, while the Lapis Pool and Terrace offers a soothing escape from the city noise below. Province Restaurant and Lounge is the hotel's casual upscale dining room, perfect for grabbing a drink or enjoying lunch or dinner.

Palomar Phoenix CityScape is a newly opened 242 room hotel located at the vibrant CityScape center in downtown Phoenix. The hotel is within walking distance of US Airways Center, Chase Field and the Phoenix Convention Center. The hotel is surrounded by an array of restaurants, shopping and entertainment to include Tilted Kilt, Breakfast Club, Lucky Strike Bowling, Urban Outfitters and much more. This downtown luxury hotel gives you the ultimate urban retreat, within easy reach of the city's countless attractions, and features high-speed internet access, a daily hosted wine reception, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails gastro-lounge, Lustre rooftop lounge, a roof-top pool with spectacular views, and complimentary access to Gold's Gym Elite for guests. Guest rooms invite guests in with stylish amenities and touches from home including plush bathrobes, Italian Frette linens, pillow top mattresses, iHome alarm clocks, designer bath amenities, flat screen TVs, fully stocked gourmet honor bars, laptop sized safe, hairdryers, iron and ironing board. For guests seeking elite accommodations, Palomar Phoenix has suites available. These spacious accommodations exude style with large dining areas, living spaces, and upgrade baths with soak tubs, some accompanied by views of US Airways Arena.