Cool Phoenix Hotels

Arizona Biltmore

• The Arizona Biltmore is a 39-acre resort hotel in the heart of Phoenix that claims to have hosted every sitting U.S. president since its opening in 1929; in addition, it hosted Marilyn Monroe. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright oversaw the construction of the hotel, and one of its more unusual features include its construction of native materials, pre-cast concrete blocks called "Biltmore Blocks." Among the hotel's coolest features are its 740 guest rooms, 78 villas, lush garden areas, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts, five on-site dining establishments and a spa, salon and fitness center. The spa prides itself on its "green" status since it uses natural and organic products and practices. Two 18-hole PGA golf courses are located adjacent to the Arizona Biltmore. The Biltmore is also cool in that it offers bike rentals, free croquet games and outdoor life-size chess and checker boards. The Arizona Biltmore hosts historical tours of its premises on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Arizona Grand Resort

• The Arizona Grand Resort hotel is comprised of 740 rooms and suites on 117,000 square feet of property. It is located next to the South Mountain Preserve, the largest municipal park in the world. Some of the coolest features of the hotel are an athletic club, a spa, a salon, an on-site 18-hole golf course and a 7-acre water park. The Oasis Water Park was voted in the "Top 10" nationwide hotels by the Travel Channel. It includes three 8-story-high water slides, a large wave pool, a 25-person hot tub and more. For adults, the on-site water park features the Oasis Bar and Grill for drinks and snacks. The Arizona Grand Resort also offers seven restaurants. Even the most basic rooms at the hotel include a living room separate from the bedroom, a private balcony, minibar and high-speed Internet access. The hotel is located very close to shopping, dining and entertainment destinations like the Arizona Mills Mall, Casa Paloma and Mill Avenue.

Crowne Plaza Phoenix

• The Crowne Plaza Phoenix hotel features cool accommodations such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, a game room and arcade, two on-site restaurants and complimentary shuttle service to destinations within five miles. Some popular destinations include the Metrocenter Mall, Castles N' Coasters theme park, Arizona State University and more. Golf courses are also located nearby, and hotel staff will make arrangements and reservations for tee times. Each of the 248 guest rooms includes a large bathroom, work desk, free Internet access, premium television and cool sleep amenities like earplugs, an eye mask and a sleep CD with soothing music. The two dining options at Crowne Plaza Phoenix are La Cocina, specializing in Southwestern and all-American cuisine, and 99, a bar offering favorite drinks and casual food items. Other restaurants, including Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and El Paso Bar-B-Que Company, are also located within a few miles of the hotel.

Hotel San Carlos

• The Hotel San Carlos is located in downtown Phoenix, near popular attractions such as the Phoenix Art Museum, the Arizona Center shopping mall and the AMC 24-Plex Movie Theater. The hotel features 128 guest rooms and five suites. The Hotel San Carlos boasts cool features like a rooftop heated swimming pool and sundeck, a barber shop, lounges and two on-site restaurants, Bistro 202 and the Ghost Lounge and Restaurant. The hotel is Phoenix's only historic boutique hotel and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hotel construction began in 1927, and the establishment has been open for business ever since. The Hotel San Carlos also features an "Old World" art décor style, reflecting its historical tradition. Each room is individually decorated, so none of them look the same.