From open-air observatories to translucent domes, there are tons of ways to go stargazing in Arizona. Perhaps the most unique opportunity can be found at Adero Scottsdale, where you can stargaze from your hotel room. The resort has telescopes available for rent, so you can turn your private balcony into a planetarium.
Scottsdale's only certified Dark Sky Zone resort, Adero is surrounded by the vastness of the Sonoran Desert.
Boasting everything from a rooftop pool to on-site hiking trails to a state-of-the-art fitness center, the hotel offers a perfect blend of nature and modern luxury.
There are 177 rooms in total, including 16 suites. Amenities vary, but all Adero guests can expect to leave feeling thoroughly pampered and ready to take on the highs and lows of life.
One of the most incredible things about the resort is that each room features its own private balcony. Some of the rooms, including the highly coveted Dark Sky Corner Suites, even have wraparound balconies ideal for stargazing.
Marvel at planets, stars, and other celestial bodies that illuminate some of the darkest skies on Earth. You'll even get exclusive access to a real-time, interactive sky map smartphone app that will make you feel like a real astronomer.
If you prefer stargazing with a group, there are nightly events on the lawn led by expert guides. You'll see the resplendence of the cosmos like never before - and learn a few things along the way!
The opportunities to admire the night sky at Adero just don't stop. From a cocktail lounge above the clouds to a restaurant perched high above the McDowell Mountains, you can even stargaze while you eat and drink.
Visit the hotel's website or Facebook page for more information, such as nightly room rates.
Have you ever stayed at Adero Scottsdale? If so, did you stargaze from your hotel room? Tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check our previous article for another unique way to go stargazing in Arizona.
Ride a Christmas Train, Then Stay in a Christmas-Themed Hotel for a Holly Jolly Arizona Adventure
The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff offers a festive holiday experience with elaborate Christmas decorations and the immersive North Pole Experience.
One of the best Christmas hotels in Arizona offers an all-around, holly jolly adventure for the whole family. Nestled in beautiful Flagstaff, the Little America Hotel decks its halls to the nines for the holiday season. The hotel also offers an immersive event known as the North Pole Experience, which takes passengers on a magical trolley ride through the snow to Santa's workshop. So, if you're looking for a holiday vacation in Arizona, Little America Hotel in Flagstaff is hard to beat.
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Spending the holidays in AZ at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff is a tradition that many families look forward to year after year. It's a place that offers something for everyone who visits.
The hotel gets completely decked out for the Christmas season, with perfectly trimmed-up trees in the lobby and twinkling lights galore (both indoors and out)! In fact, it's one of the best places to visit during the holidays in AZ.
You may even run into Santa and Mrs. Claus — and perhaps even enjoy breakfast with them on select dates through Christmas Eve.
Not only does Little America go all-out in terms of holiday décor, but it's also located in a full-blown winter wonderland. Flagstaff is the snowiest town in Arizona, and the hotel boasts its very own, 500-acre private forest — winter hike, anyone? Just take the 2.3-mile Little America Loop for some fresh winter air and exercise during your visit!
There's even a gift shop where you can find the perfect something for everyone on your list!
What truly sets the Little America apart from all other hotels during the holiday season is the North Pole Experience.
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Powered by the spirit of Christmas, a holly jolly trolley whisks passengers away on a magical journey to the North Pole, where Santa and his elves are busy preparing for Christmas Eve.
This immersive experience lets you build toys in Santa's workshop, tour the "Toy Hall of Fame," eat cookies, and so much more.
All ages will experience feelings of pure joy as Santa's elves show off their high-tech reindeer tracking equipment. You'll even get the opportunity to attend Elf University and learn all the ins and outs of what it takes to be one of Santa's trusty helpers.
Of course, plenty of one-on-one time with Santa is included in the experience. Make sure to tell him everything you want for Christmas!
Have you ever stayed at the Little America Hotel at Christmastime? If so, did you partake in the North Pole Experience? Tell us all about it in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for a winter gondola ride in Flagstaff that's like entering a fairytale. You can also embark on one of the best holiday trains in AZ on board the Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express this season.
Not everyone can afford a luxurious stay at a high-end resort. However, many of us can afford a day pass to use the amenities of one. If you're looking for some fun under the hot summer sun, there are resort day passes in Arizona you can purchase for a fraction of the cost of an overnight stay. With a pass, you'll be able to lounge, go for a swim, and order drinks and food poolside. If this is something you'd like to experience this summer, check out these Arizona resorts that offer day passes:
While I've stayed overnight on a staycation at Hotel Valley Ho and sometimes meet friends at its on-site bar/restaurant called Zuzu's, I love that you can get a day pass for the pool. The OH Pool. as it's called, is just as cool as the rest of this mid-century-modern-era hotel. With its ultra-hip vibe and poolside bar, spending an afternoon here during the summer is a must!
Want to turn a day at the resort into a staycation? Book a stay at Hotel Valley Ho!
If you love mountain views, you'll love seeing Camelback Mountain from the pool at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. There are two types of Resort Passes you can get here — the Day Pass that includes the pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, towel service, and poolside service, or the upgraded Spa Pass that includes the rooftop pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, a relaxation room, access to the fitness center, and more. If you really want to splurge, you can spend between $250 and $350 on a cabana. Whatever you decide, it will be worth it!
If spending the day at a resort to use its multiple pools, lazy river, splash pad, waterslides, and hot tub sounds good to you, then you must purchase a Resort Pass to the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. The family-friendly amenities here will help create such fun summertime memories!
If you find yourself in Sedona for the day and want a relaxing time by the pool, a day pass to the L'Auberge de Sedona may be in order. You'll have access to the pool, hot tub, fitness center, and more. Known for its luxurious spa and accommodations, this resort is one of the best places to stay in town.
Prefer more than a day pass to this incredible resort in Sedona? Go ahead and make a reservation at L'Auberge de Sedona!
" target="_blank">day pass guests can join in on the fun at five pools (one of which is for adults only and another that's for kids and has a waterslide), a hot tub, a cold plunge pool, saunas, steam rooms, and so much more. Spending a day here is a summertime dream for fun under the hot summer sun!
Spending time poolside at the world-renowned, AAA Five-Diamond The Phoenician is an achievable dream when you purchase a day pass. Yes, it's certainly pricey to book a room here but how fun would it be to spend a day using its amenities? You may even choose to splurge a bit and spend a little more for a Daybed that can accommodate up to two guests. Sounds like a great idea to me!
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Need a getaway instead of a day trip? Book a luxurious room at The Phoenician.
If you have kids and looking for something fun to do this summer, consider taking the family to Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak's very own water park, River Ranch Water Park. You don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy all this hotel has to offer like a lazy river, three swimming pools, a children's pool, waterfalls, and a waterslide. You can also upgrade your day pass to include a cabana if you'd like.
If you enjoyed your time lounging poolside and enjoying the lazy river, you may never want to leave! If you can, you should definitely book a night or two at
" target="_blank">Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak.
Are you ready for some poolside fun? Do you plan on purchasing any resort day passes in Arizona this upcoming summer? Let us know! You can check out more day passes from your favorite hotels and resorts on the Resort Pass website.
