Located within the larger Phoenician Resort, this intimate boutique offers personalized service, a private pool with poolside food service, and beautifully landscaped surroundings. The views -- looking out to Camelback Mountain and the golf course -- are gorgeous. The pool and golf course are the two hot spots here, but other areas of Canyon Suites are elegant inside and out. There is a full service spa and fitness center with classes and a sauna, free chauffeured Mercedes around the resort and to Fashion Square, and wine happy hours hosted by sommeliers. This hotel definitely exudes prestige appropriate for its price point, although rooms aren't quite as luxe as one might expect at a hotel of this caliber. 

The 241-room Hotel Valley Ho is the textbook picture of 1950s architecture. Highlights from the 1956 design include a geometric stone frieze that lines the buildings and rainbow tiles that decorate the tower's balconies. This property was a favorite getaway of a number of Hollywood icons in its mid-century heyday, and interiors honor that history: there's a circular fireplace in the lobby and terrazzo tile floors in the stylish and colorful rooms. (Room categories range from standard kings that surround the pool to loft-style suites in the tower, all decorated in the hotel's funky aesthetic.) Grounds are immaculate, the main pool is one of the liveliest in the Phoenix area, and the restaurant serves tasty food. 

Bright colors and a tropical spirit radiate throughout this vibrant and artsy hotel. The lobby looks straight out of the '60s with glowing bulbous lamps shining down on purple lounge chairs, colorful artworks, and potted palms. The bold color scheme -- inspired by native desert flowers -- is continued in the rooms, which also have contemporary fixtures and handcrafted Mexican furnishings. Some rooms also feature vintage artifacts such as antique cameras and outdoor magazines from yesteryear, but some interiors are also showing signs of wear. The lighthearted decor and happening pool scene -- one of the hottest in the city -- pull a lively clientele of hip young professionals and local scenesters.

Stylish from top to bottom, the chic W Scottsdale appeals to a youthful clientele. Its 230 rooms are stylish and bright, and some have views of Camelback Mountain. Regular DJ events, weekend poolside parties, and a fine-dining sushi restaurant have given the hotel a reputation around town as a place to be, but the party vibe and noise levels may turn off some travelers. 

Hermosa Inn is an intimate, romantic southwestern retreat, with 43 casita-style rooms on six sprawling acres. The higher-end Casita rooms come with cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and private patios; the lower-priced Rancho rooms are just as tastefully decorated, and most include beehive fireplaces. The attractive pool has palm trees and cushy cabanas, and the Blue Door Spa Suite offers massages and facials. Gourmet local fare is served at the outdoor restaurant and cocktails and tapas are available at the bar. During chillier nights, guests can use the fire pits and sit back with a glass of wine (try the fire pits facing Camelback Mountain for stunning sunset views.) 

The 130-room, family-friendly 3 Palms fills to near capacity year round, which is saying something in this land of 110-degree summers. The rates are very attractive, especially in summer, but the amenities and customer service do their share to pull people back. Wi-Fi and parking are free, the pool is inviting and spacious, and the staff is cheerful and attentive. Add the fact that it's only a five-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale, and it’s easy to see why the 3 Palms is so popular for all sorts of guests: families, couples, friend groups, and independent travelers.