If you're in need of time away from the kids or a night to reconnect with your significant other, Phoenix might have what you need. Because tourism is one of Phoenix's major industries, the city offers a wealth of romantic luxury resorts. Booking a room for a night in one of these hotels provides a quick, inexpensive getaway for two.
Gayot Travel Guide picks the Arizona Biltmore as Phoenix's most romantic resort, while Frommer's lists it as one of the top luxury resorts in the city, calling it a "unique historical gem." The property, which is a AAA four-diamond, opened in 1929.
The resort offers all-inclusive packages, which include breakfast, lunch and dinner for two plus a 50 percent discount on spa services. The discount can be used on a couples outdoor massage at the resort spa, which is performed in an outdoor cabana during the months of October through April, weather permitting.
For a romantic dinner, consider the hotel's signature dining room, The Wright Grill. The restaurant features American cuisine, but the menu changes weekly according to what's fresh and in season. Alternately, stay in your room and order room service--nothing says romance like sipping champagne and feeding each other grapes in a hotel bed.
If you're more interested in heading off the property for a night on the town, hop on one of the hourly shuttles to the Biltmore Fashion Park, an outdoor shopping mall. There you'll find upscale shopping, such as Coach and Brooks Brothers, as well as romantic restaurants such as The Capital Grille and Stingray Sushi.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
2400 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-6600
arizonabiltmore.com
With the classic elegance of the Ritz-Carlton name behind it, it's no wonder this hotel made the Five Star Alliance's list of Phoenix's most luxurious hotels.
The hotel offers a host of romance packages, priced specifically for one night. The less-expensive Reconnect package offers deluxe accommodations and a hotel credit. The Special Occasion package includes the deluxe accommodations, plus a bottle of champagne, your choice of chocolate-covered strawberries or truffles and either breakfast for two in the dining room or room service.
The hotel's restaurant, Bistro 24, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. For a truly romantic experience, dine alfresco on the patio while the sun sets.
Ritz-Carlton Phoenix
2401 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-468-0700
ritzcarlton.com
The Royal Palms has a lot going for it, romance-wise: It's a historic hotel, as noted by its membership in the Historic Hotels of America; it offers weekend getaway packages; and it employs its own romance concierge. On top of that, Frommer's claims the hotel's restaurant, T. Cooks, is the most romantic in the Valley.
The hotel was listed in Travel + Leisure's 2003 article "50 most romantic retreats," which detailed properties across the globe. The article recommends employing the hotel's romance concierge to arrange a private dinner in the garden.
For a luxurious accommodation, book one of the casitas. Each casita includes a master bedroom, bathroom and private patio. They're each custom-furnished by members of the American Society of Interior Designers. The more luxurious of the casitas, the Valencia, offer views of Camelback Mountain, a fireplace and French doors.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
5200 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-840-3610
royalpalmshotel.com
