$100–250

Think of the family-owned Smoke Tree Resort and Bungalows (7101 E. Lincoln Dr., 480/948-7660, www.smoketreeresort.com, $150–175 d) as a Scottsdale-style bed-and-breakfast—in other words, a mini-resort. Smoke Tree is the longest-running independent hotel in Paradise Valley, and it’s no wonder. The charming Arizona decor of the 26 recently remodeled private bungalows feels like you are staying in a friend’s cozy guesthouse or at an exclusive retreat. There are one- and two-bedroom villas, some with small, full-service kitchens.

For more amenities, consider the Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort (5401 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480/947-5400, www.doubletree.com, $125–175 d). The two large pools with whirlpools, racquetball and tennis courts, health club, and nine-hole putting green are fun for families and business travelers who would like a few distractions in between meetings. The spacious rooms are clean and bright, though a tad dated.

The charming Hermosa Inn (5532 N. Palo Cristi, 602/955-8614, www.hermosainn.com, $180–225 d) quietly exudes a taste of old Arizona. Cowboy artist Lon Megargee built the hacienda as his home and studio, and it was a converted into a small inn in the 1930s. Today, the intimate 35-room boutique hotel features authentic furnishings and artwork painted by Megargee, and guests should expect the quirks that come with a historic property, like small bathrooms and limited space for a pool and other amenities you’d find at the big resorts. The meticulously landscaped grounds, stunning views of Camelback Mountain, and prime location near Phoenix’s Camelback Corridor can’t be beat, though.

The Scottsdale Cottonwood Resort and Suites (6160 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480/991-1414, www.scottsdalecottonwoods.com, $160–180 d) offers quite a bit of size for its relatively small price: a huge pool, big suites, and sprawling, well-maintained grounds. The budget resort could use an update—inside and out—but its convenient location next to the Borgata and Hilton Village shopping centers makes it a worthwhile option.

© Jeff Ficker from Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona, 1st edition