3 Luxury Arizona Resorts That Won’t Blow Your Budget

Let’s talk about three luxury Arizona resorts that offer top-notch experiences without the eye-watering price tags. Why shell out $750 per night when you can enjoy similar amenities for a fraction of the cost? Whether you’re after contemporary digs with world-class dining or a vintage-style ranch with thrilling desert excursions, we’ve got some solid options for you.

Arizona consistently ranks as one of the best vacation spots in the U.S., and for good reason. Home to the Grand Canyon (one of the world’s seven natural wonders, in case you forgot), this sun-drenched state attracts visitors from around the globe. They come for the natural attractions, stay for the wild excursions, and leave with a newfound appreciation for southwestern culture and cuisine.

While northern Arizona boasts canyons, red rocks, and Route 66 nostalgia, the southern part of the state is where the Sonoran Desert steals the show. We distinctly remember our first saguaro sighting while driving south from Flagstaff. The transition from woodlands to a cacti-covered basin was nothing short of astonishing – a moment that’s stuck with us ever since.

Each time we’ve visited southern Arizona, we’ve grown increasingly fond of the saguaro. For us, it radiates a sense of both peace and energy. In fact, the more time we spend surrounded by saguaros the more we appreciate how extraordinary each one is—check out this one shaped like a T-Rex dinosaur.

Sonoran Desert

Arizona attracts all types. Some come for the warm weather and high-end resorts, while others are on a more introspective journey. In our experience, there’s something inexplicably refreshing about this part of the world. Maybe it’s the tranquility, or perhaps it’s the intense heat that seems to melt away your worries. Whatever it is, don’t be surprised if you leave feeling a bit more zen than when you arrived.

From personal experience, there is some abstract soul-cleansing element that takes place in this area of the world—we’re not sure if it’s the tranquility or the insanely hot climate that allows the body to sweat out the toxins. Regardless, some metaphysical experience can happen here if you’re open to it.

3 Affordable Luxury Arizona Resorts

After spending months exploring Arizona (tough job, we know), we’ve grown particularly fond of the Tucson area. The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is a standout for outdoor enthusiasts. While mountain lion sightings are rare, we’ve encountered everything from rattlesnakes to bobcats during our stays. It’s nature at its finest, making it an ideal backdrop for a resort getaway.

Here are our top picks for affordable luxury resorts in Arizona:

1. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort – Hollywood’s Desert Hideaway

With mountain views from just about every viewpoint and an endless sea of saguaros, Tucson is our favorite vacation destination in Arizona. Furthermore, the 350 days of sunshine, distinguished Spanish-style architecture, a multi-layered food culture, and outdoor experience make it the ultimate destination for fun and adventure.

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is situated in the Catalina Foothills, one of the prettiest parts of Tucson. The resort is a member of Historic Hotels of America—it was a popular getaway for Hollywood royalty during the 1940s and 50s. Today, guests enjoy the luxurious yet relaxing setting, all with an authentic southwestern twist.

Accommodation options include standard guest rooms, suites, and casitas (one or two-bedroom cottages). In a word, the view from the rooms and the pool decks is epic.

While swimming in the pool or unwinding in the hot tub, guests have a stunning panorama of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Other amenities include healing botanical gardens, a rejuvenating spa, a fitness center, a cocktail lounge, and an award-winning restaurant, The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol, with a massive wine collection.

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Ideally located, some of the best attractions in Arizona are only a short drive away. For example, a few of our favorites include the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, the 27-mile Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Arizona’s second most popular tourist stop, only behind the Grand Canyon.

Budget-savvy Tip: Look into off-season rates for the best deals. You’ll get the same stellar experience with a gentler impact on your wallet.

2. Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass – Amerian-Indian Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

Surrounded by natural beauty, and only 20 miles south of Phoenix is the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Named after the wild horses that occasionally frequent the area, this hidden gem in the Sonoran Desert radiates luxury. Newly renovated with a blend of American Indian motifs and earth tones, this hotel has the wow factor expected from one of the best luxury Arizona resorts.

Located on the Gila River Indian Reservation, the 500-room hotel focuses on incorporating Native American culture into all aspects of the resort. For example, the Aji Spa features a “thoachta” treatment, which utilizes ancient Pima (Akimel O’otham) techniques and light touch.

The luxurious atmosphere and Native elements make the resort feel unique, unlike anywhere else on the planet. For instance, depending on the season, the resort’s cultural concierge recommends activities such as storytelling, bread and jewelry making, and horseback riding on the reservation.

Amenities and Highlights

The best Arizona luxury resorts provide guests with all the amenities that they desire. Without a doubt, this is where the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass does not disappoint. For one thing, guest rooms and suites feature private terraces or balconies, pillowtop mattresses, and room service.

Enjoying the property is easy. With four pools, a 111-foot water slide, tennis courts, an equestrian center, a 36-hole Troon-managed golf course, and the only five-star restaurant, Kai, in the state—odds are you’ll never want to leave. Also, guests looking to test their luck may wish to visit the neighboring property, Gila River Resorts and Casinos.

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3. The Wigwam – Classic Charm Without the Premium Price Tag

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, The Wigwam offers a classic American vacation vibe—it feels like old money. With an interesting history, tall palm trees, and manicured lawns to a T, this resort protrudes classy.

While The Wigwam may not have the legendary views of the other two resorts on the list, it makes up for it with its golf courses and spa. The three onsite championship golf courses make for 54-holes of paradise golfing heaven and the LeMonds Aveda Salon is out of this world. There are even three couples suites.

Guests may choose from luxuriously appointed standard rooms, suites, and casitas. Some have fireplaces as an option. Golf fanatics will enjoy the units positioned along the fairway.

Other amenities include four restaurants including Litchfield’s which is award-winning, nine tennis courts, and three swimming pools, one with a slide. With over 100 years of perfecting service, The Wigwam is the type of resort you bunker down for a week or two to escape from the chaos of the world.

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