Arizona Grand Resort and Spa  

Perched at the base of South Mountain Preserve in Phoenix’s Ahwatukee Foothills, this family-friendly, all-suite AAA Four Diamond resort feels like a desert oasis just minutes from the city. You’re a 2-minute drive from Arizona Mills Mall, about 8 minutes from Arizona State University, roughly 6 miles from Sky Harbor Airport and within easy reach of downtown sights like the Phoenix Convention Center and Chase Field.

Oversized one- and two-bedroom suites deliver a residential vibe with separate living rooms, queen sofa beds, private balconies or patios and plush Grand Dream Sleeper pillow-top mattresses. Décor leans into warm Arizona desert tones with bamboo and rattan accents; many suites are newly renovated and all are non-smoking. The resort pairs spacious rooms with playful on-site features like a water park for families and sunset views over the preserve.

Six outdoor pools, seven hot tubs and a full water park mean splash-forward fun for all ages. A full-service spa offers massages, body treatments and facials; there’s also a golf course, hair salon, gift shops, tour/ticket assistance, poolside bar and café. Expect easy mornings — wake up to desert-sunrise balconies and poolside coffee service.

Event-ready with a business center, conference space and meeting rooms, plus express check-out and complimentary lobby newspapers. Check-out time is 11 AM PST.

Home to multiple on-site venues (six unique dining outlets noted), the resort serves everything from savory steaks and seafood to authentic Mexican fare, with a café for snacks and a poolside bar for cocktails. Full breakfasts are available for a fee and limited-hour room service keeps late nights covered.