QUIETLY MAKING NOISE. KRIS:602.334.8887 | NORTHANDCO.COM | HEATHER:602.206.1814 G NOIS E . HEATHER:602.206.1814 Q U I E T L Y L Y L KRIS:602.334.8887 HEATHER WILSON KRIS MCLAUGHLIN Page 18 June 2016 By Michelle Donati-Grayman “If you haven’t experienced a boutique hotel before, put one on your list of places to stay this summer,” said Linda Gorman, who oversees the AAA Diamond rating program in Arizona. More people have checked out – and checked into – boutique hotels in recent years, but the trend is far from new. Boutique properties emerged in the 1980s in cities like New York and San Francisco. Today, thousands of them are sprinkled throughout the country, and some of the best are in our backyard. “Boutique resorts tend to be smaller in size and focus on making every stay a unique experience,” Gorman said. Before your summer plans are set, travel authority AAA has compiled a list of boutique hotels across the Valley to consider exploring: FireSky Resort & Spa (fireskyresort.com) The theme of this cozy resort, “The Elements,” is at every turn of this downtown Scottsdale property. Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll through the lush lagoon, sit around a romantic fire pit or dip your toes in the water of a soft, sandy beach, this lush desert retreat is the place to reconnect with your inner Zen. The property even offers an in-room yoga channel, and yoga mats are free to borrow from the front desk. Summer room rates start at $126 per night. Hotel Palomar A Kimpton Hotel (hotelpalomar-phoenix.com) This AAA Four Diamond hotel is in a prime downtown location. It is steps away from Talking Stick Resort Arena, Chase Field and the central Phoenix foodie scene. It also offers plenty of its own entertainment, including a rooftop pool and bar that overlooks downtown Phoenix. Furry family members are always welcome at the Palomar, and are greeted with a pet bed, food and water bowls in the room. The property hosts a social hour with complimentary wine for guests each evening. Summer room rates start at $120 per night. The Hermosa Inn Resort (hermosainn.com) If you want your summer getaway to be more of a hideaway, The Hermosa Inn is calling your name. Nestled in the desert west of Camelback Mountain, this secluded property offers 34 hacienda-style accommodations and casitas. It also is home to LON’s at The Hermosa, one of only 21 AAA Four Diamond restaurants in Arizona. The Hermosa Inn is celebrating 80 years of service this year. Summer room rates start at $180 per night. The Clarendon Hotel and Spa (goclarendon.com) The Clarendon consistently ranks as one of the most popular boutique hotels in Phoenix, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel’s rooftop deck and bar offer stunning views of the Phoenix skyline and live jazz music every weekend. The property’s pool features a 50-person Hydro Spa and underwater speakers. Daily breakfast and evening wine hour are complimentary for guests. Summer room rates start at $326 per night. The Saguaro Scottsdale (thesaguaro.com/scottsdale) Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, there is plenty of action happening in and around The Saguaro. Those looking to relax can sip on a margarita while enjoying heated and chilled pools surrounded by daybeds and cabanas. Those who want to venture out can borrow a desert cruiser and explore Scottsdale’s Arts District and the Civic Center Mall. Summer room rates start at $119 per night. Moxy Phoenix Tempe (moxy-hotels.marriott.com/hotels/tempe) When it comes to boutique hotels across the Valley, the Moxy Phoenix Tempe is the new kid on the block. The property opened in March and is located near Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Given its location and amenities that include a front desk that doubles as a bar, this hip hotel is a match made in millennial heaven. It also offers a price that younger consumers can afford. Summer room rates start at $85 per night. Get a room: Boutique hotels across the Valley (Left) Furry family members are always welcome at Hotel Palomar. (Center) Visit FireSky Resort & Spa to reconnect with your inner Zen. (Right) The Hermosa Inn offers only 34 casitas and hacienda-style rooms.