Nobody has time for mediocre resort restaurants. These properties have invested in their culinary footprints, and it shows.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa hitched his wagon to this family-friendly North Phoenix resort, and we are reaping the delectable rewards of that union: pan-Latin cuisine at Tía Carmen (must order: ember-roasted purple yams) and fancified southeast Asian street food at Kembara (must order: chile crab).
5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, 480-293-5000, marriott.com
High-season rate: $345+/night
Summer rate: $738+/night
Staycation deal: The Splash Into Summer package includes a $50 daily resort credit, complimentary parking and access for four guests to the new AquaRidge WaterPark.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
With its transportive citrus grove patio, it’s no surprise that Carcara – this Downtown hotel’s signature restaurant – has a menu that leans bright and tangy, from lime- and grapefruit-forward cocktails to pomegranate-jalapeño chicken wings. Even the hummus is citrusy – and sided with crispy lavash.
340 N. Third St., Phoenix, 602-262-2500, marriott.com
High-season rate: $224+/night
Summer rate: $174+/night
Staycation deal: The Stay & Sip: Urban Summer Retreat package includes a Supergoop! Sunscreen kit, a bucket of local seltzers and a 4 p.m. checkout.
The Hermosa Inn
LON’s got a new executive chef last fall: Brian Peterson, most recently of Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. Experience his new dishes in the cool (literally – it’s a crisp 57 degrees) underground wine cellar with a seasonal tasting menu starting at $150 per person (optional wine pairings start at $75 per person). Everyday brunch also returns, from May 27-September 1.
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, 844-267-8738, hermosainn.com
High-season rate: $610/night
Summer rate: $252/night
Staycation deal: The Summer in Paradise package includes a discount on the best available rate, a $25 food and beverage credit for each night of stay, two welcome cocktails and daily poolside treats. The AZ Locals Celebrate Summer package includes two complimentary cocktails and 25 percent savings on a stay with valid Arizona driver’s license. Both deals run May 27-September 2.
