Phoenix is known as the Valley of the Sun, and rightfully so. As someone from Phoenix, I absolutely love visiting any chance I get. I also have some family in the surrounding areas, which is always nice to see them. Last year, my husband and I were able to get a few days away to visit. Here are a few of the places we loved!
Of course, you’ve got to start by your arrival. Are you driving or flying? If you are flying, you most likely will be flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport . It is an amazing airport; no wonder it is labeled as America’s Friendliest Airport! If you plan on getting a rental car, no worries, it is just a short bus ride away and in a very easy to navigate building. Expect to feel the warmth as soon as you step out – makes me feel at home. 😊
Let me start by saying we do not particularly like hotels or Airbnbs very much, buttttt I found this fantastic place that we ended up falling in love with! A huge perk I didn’t know at the time is that this place is 21+ only, which is great if you want to avoid hearing children, whether you have any or not.
We will stay here every time we are in the Phoenix area! It is called Rise Uptown and is the cutest little getaway. It is a boutique hotel in uptown Phoenix. It has a poolside restaurant, drinks, a pool and hot tub, a rooftop lounge, and incredible rooms.
We stayed in the Firepit room and adored it! The firepit is located right outside your room in a private outdoor space. We felt very safe with the location and that it is a walk up to your room-style place instead of in a building with halls.
Many amenities come with the rooms, such as a personal fridge with water, a safe, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, a record player with a library of records for your choosing, and many other incredible amenities!
They thought of so many things to make everyone feel welcome! Just like a complimentary popsicle-yum! It is also a midcentury modern style, which we love, with Arizona twists.
They are very accommodating as we were super tired from our early flight in and brunch and were able to check in early to get a nap in. This isn’t always available, but calling to check availability is always okay! See for yourself all they have to offer here!
Another bonus is that the hot water is always hot hot- just ask my husband😆
Now, onto some of the delicious food we had! We mainly ate at the poolside restaurant, Lylo Swim Club, at Rise Uptown because it was SO good, but we did try a couple of other places, too. I still daydream about these fries I got one time for lunch.
I see they are no longer available on their menu, which is so sad 😢 Just an excellent excuse to try the new menu!
My husband and I love Thai food, so we knew we had to search for the best Thai in Phoenix! We found the best spot, according to some, and let’s say it was not #1 in our books, haha. However, we found out about the BEST Thai and got some before heading to the airport on our last afternoon. You need to go to Thai Recipe Bistro in the Coronado district of downtown Phoenix. You have got to try the potstickers and pad see ew. It is casual but impressive all around!
We are now rewinding to our arrival on day one!
After flying into PHX Sky Harbor International Airport and picking up our rental car, we were ready for some food! So, off to Google a good breakfast/brunch spot. We looked at a couple of options but finally landed on Valentine, a favorite, and I can see why. All of our food was really good! I highly recommend it, and it’s a super cute place, too! I had the Churro Waffle and added two eggs on the side… delicious! The cinnamon, dulce de leche, need I say more? A must-try for sure!
All in all, these are just a few of the many great places in and around Phoenix. We just spent a few days in town, and the majority of that was relaxing by the pool if we weren’t with family. Our first vacation married! I definitely have more to share about the place that holds a special place in my heart!
I hope this helps you with some ideas when planning your next trip to Phoenix!
Round up!
Hotel:
Rise Uptown Great option for a little hideaway place but still in the city!
Found:re Great option if you want to stay downtown! We have heard such great things!
Food:
Lylo Swim Club Delicious food + never have to leave Rise Uptown hotel + Pool side!
Thai Recipe Bistro Great Thai food in the Coronado district!
Valentine Great brunch + beautiful mid-century interior + gorgeous plates!
Have you ever been to Phoenix? Will you go to any of these places?