Arizona is well known for its natural ruggedness, dramatic mountain spires and panoramic desert scenery and the brand new hotel openings are just as inspiring. With British Airways announcing an increased summer service to Arizona in 2017, adding a second flight three days a week from Phoenix Sky Harbor to London Heathrow Airport, it looks like the state is set to welcome even more Brits this summer, and now has an array of new hotels for travellers to lay their heads. Ranging from artistic boutiques to luxury havens that invite visitors to unwind and relax after an intrepid day’s adventuring in the great outdoors.

Cambria Hotel & Suites, Chandler
For those wanting shaded sanctuary from the outdoors and feel that a spot of retail therapy is required then Cambria Hotel & Suites is the ideal property. Set to open in spring 2017, as part of a larger development, this hotel includes chic décor, flexible spaces for meeting or socialising and impressive ‘standard’ rooms that feel first class. Of course, booking a room at the Cambria gives guests the opportunity to stay on the doorstep of a shopping mecca, Chandler Fashion Center. However, if it’s practicalities that impress, then the Cambria includes no less than 136, a pool with cabanas, fitness room, lounge area and 1,300 square feet of meeting space.

FOUND:RE Boutique Hotel, Downtown Phoenix
For the artistically inclined there’s the recently opened boutique property, FOUND:RE, located in downtown Phoenix. The defining feature of this hotel is to treat guests to an ever-changing art gallery, surrounded by varied and amazing talent of all kinds, created and donated by local artists. This unique combination of local creativity is amplified in MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails, the hotel’s wood–fired, taste-bud-tantalising restaurant. The menu is inspired by global street food with a commitment to local sourcing and top-drawer quality. The hotel suites and interior exhume an industrial, bronze cast, post-modern feel that is impossible to experience anywhere else in the state. The hotel and restaurant are close to stadiums, convention venues, cultural epicentres such as the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Opera and, of course, the downtown Phoenix foodie epicentre.

Mountain Shadows, Scottsdale
In early 2017, Westroc Hospitality, which owns Hotel Valley Ho and manages Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, is rolling out the red carpet for a new resort located in Paradise Valley. Mountain Shadows is taking over the former spot of Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort, nestled between the magnificent Camelback and Mummy Mountains. The original resort at this location was built in 1959 and set the bar for southwest luxury, attracting Hollywood royalty such as John “The Duke” Wayne. Elements of the original resort remain, such as sunscreen blocks, postcards and vintage photos. The exterior of this strikingly unique build will be just as reminiscent of that golden era – a blend of current style and mid-century modernism. An abundance of floor-to-ceiling glass will also be intertwined with classic design and neutral colours. This 183-room boutique hotel will have a lounge, restaurants and a 5,000 square-foot fitness centre. The project even includes the redesign of neighbouring Mountain Shadows Golf Club for gentlemanly sports enthusiasts. Also expect a strong fitness component to the Mountain Shadows’ ethos including guided hikes of Camelback Mountain, a juice bar and a 5,000 square-foot, high-tech fitness centre.

Andaz Resort and Spa, Scottsdale
The Andaz Resort, Scottsdale pays homage to some of the formidable architects and famous artists who helped shaped Scottsdale: names such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Alexander Girard and Paolo Soleri. Opening at the end of 2016 the resort features mid-century desert-inspired interior and features indigenous art, culture and cuisine. The Andaz has also announced a partnership with Cattle Track, a Scottsdale artistic compound just minutes from the resort and downtown. Cattle Track has and continues to be home to some of Scottsdale’s greatest minds, including the founder of Phoenix Art Museum, Phillip C. Curtis, who lived there for 53 years before his death in 2000. Hotel guests can expect to see live art demonstrations from Cattle Track tenants, and they’ll be invited to tour the offsite studios of the exclusive art compound. Additionally, Cattle Track artwork is featured throughout the property and goods from the local creative hub and other local artists are available for purchase in the Andaz’s gift store.

Courtyard by Marriot Sedona
Veteran hotel developers Marriott opened the doors to their brand new Courtyard Hotel in October 2016 in Sedona, home of the majestic Red Rock. With a keen eye for flexibility and a focus on tailor made accommodation packages this hotel takes seriously its ability to bend to the needs of the guest’s itinerary. The latest room layouts offer multi-functional areas designed either for sleeping, relaxing or preparing for the Arizona outdoors. Soft lighting, multi-plugins and handy luggage drops use technology to ease the headache of travelling logistics. But hotel-tech isn’t the only convenience of this new-build. Uptown Sedona, five minute drive away, offers a diverse shopping experience, restaurants and art galleries. Uptown is also the gateway to Arizona outdoor activity bookings and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village- the starting block for 300 miles of hiking trails.

Source: Arizona Office of Tourism