Family Stay Experience: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Phoenix

Phoenix and its surrounding areas offer families a vibrant mix of sunshine, adventure, and top-tier hospitality. Whether you’re in town for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in how relaxed and enjoyable your trip feels. Here’s an in-depth guide to some of the most family-accommodating hotels—complete with addresses, estimated prices, services, and booking methods—along with impressions from our own stays.

The Arizona Grand Resort (8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, around $220–$350 per night) quickly became a favorite with its enormous water park, lazy river, and spacious suites. Our kids practically lived in the pool area, while we appreciated the on-site dining options and comfortable rooms. Bookings can be made via major travel platforms or by phone.

The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak (7677 N. 16th Street, from $180 per night) offers a four-acre water park, mini-golf, and roomy family suites. It’s a destination in itself, with plenty to keep both children and parents happily occupied without leaving the property.

For those who value heritage with comfort, The Wigwam (300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, from $250 per night) delivers a charming Southwestern atmosphere with modern amenities. Our casita felt like a private retreat, and the lush grounds encouraged long evening strolls.

If convenience to the airport is key, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Airport and Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport (both on E. University Drive, from $140 per night) provide free shuttles, breakfast, and family-friendly in-room amenities.

Lastly, for longer city stays, the Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown (132 S. Central Avenue, from $190 per night) offered us a full kitchen, spacious living area, and walking access to Phoenix’s top attractions.

Each of these stays gave us more than just a place to sleep—they shaped our trip into something memorable, comfortable, and stress-free.

1. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Address: 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, AZ
Estimated Price: Around $160–180 per night, including taxes and fees
Services & Highlights:

Expansive water park with lazy river, high-speed slides, and kiddie pool—perfect for children to enjoy hours of play.

Multiple outdoor pools, full-service spa, golf course, and 24/7 front-desk assistance.

Suites feature living areas and kitchenettes, ideal for family convenience.

Booking Tip: We reserved through a well-known travel booking platform offering “reserve now, pay when you stay,” which allowed free cancellation and flexibility—very useful when traveling with kids.

Family Experience Snapshot:
Our children spent endless hours in the lazy river and on the water slides, while the adults relaxed at the spa and enjoyed the resort grounds. The in-suite kitchenette was perfect for quick breakfasts and late-night snacks.

2. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

Address: 7677 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ
Estimated Price: Mid-range, comfortable for family budgets
Services & Highlights:

Four-acre water park with lazy river, slides, and a kids’ pool.

On-site restaurant, spa, fitness center, and mini-golf.

Located near hiking trails for active family outings.

Booking Tip: We used a large travel booking site to compare rates and often found discounts on family suite packages.

Family Experience Snapshot:
Mornings were spent splashing in the water park, followed by family mini-golf. The evenings were peaceful, with plenty of space for the kids to play while we enjoyed dinner on-site.

3. The Wigwam Resort

Address: 300 E. Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ
Estimated Price: Higher-end, upscale family retreat
Services & Highlights:

Historic resort spread over 400 acres with casita-style rooms.

Water slides, multiple pools, and a world-class golf course.

Several on-site dining options and a luxury spa.

Booking Tip: We found package deals on popular hotel booking platforms, sometimes including spa access or golf discounts.

Family Experience Snapshot:
Our kids loved the water slides, while we enjoyed walking through the palm-lined grounds in the evenings. The blend of historic charm and modern comfort made it a truly relaxing experience.

4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Phoenix Airport North

Address: 800 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ
Estimated Price: From about $84 to $103 per night, depending on season
Services & Highlights:

Complimentary breakfast, connecting rooms, child-friendly meals, and cribs on request.

Outdoor pool, fitness center, and free airport shuttle.

Excellent for travelers arriving late or leaving early.

Booking Tip: We used a booking aggregator that offered immediate confirmation, flexible cancellation, and family package options.

Family Experience Snapshot:
The convenience of the airport shuttle was a lifesaver with tired kids. Breakfast was plentiful, and the connecting rooms gave us extra space without booking a second suite.

5. Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport

Address: 3333 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ
Estimated Price: Moderate, slightly higher than Holiday Inn but still family-friendly
Services & Highlights:

Free hot breakfast buffet, spacious rooms with kitchen facilities, and outdoor pool.

Free cribs/rollaway beds, airport shuttle, and parking.

Known for friendly service and quiet rooms.

Booking Tip: Found through a major travel platform with bundled breakfast savings and flexible terms.

Family Experience Snapshot:
We appreciated the kitchen amenities for quick meals and the hearty breakfast before heading out for the day. It’s a comfortable choice for short or extended stays.

6. Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown

Address: 132 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Estimated Price: Around $230–303 per night, depending on availability
Services & Highlights:

Suites with full kitchens and living spaces—ideal for long stays.

Located within walking distance to museums, parks, and restaurants.

Indoor pool and fitness center for year-round use.

Booking Tip: We booked via a large hotel booking network with loyalty rewards and suite discounts.

Family Experience Snapshot:
Staying downtown meant we could walk to most attractions, which made exploring with kids much easier. Having a kitchen was especially useful for preparing quick meals between activities.

Quick Comparison Table

HotelAddressPrice RangeFamily Highlights
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa8000 S. Arizona Grand Pkwy$160–180/nightWater park, lazy river, suites with kitchenettes
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort7677 N. 16th St, Phoenix, AZMid-rangeWater park, mini-golf, near hiking trails
The Wigwam Resort300 E. Wigwam Blvd, LitchfieldHigher-endHistoric charm, slides, golf, spacious casitas
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Airport800 N. 44th St, Phoenix, AZ$84–103/nightFree breakfast, airport shuttle, connecting rooms
Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport3333 E. University Dr, PhoenixModerateKitchen facilities, hot breakfast, pool, shuttle
Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown132 S. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ$230–303/nightFull kitchen suites, central location, indoor pool

Choosing the Best for Your Family

When choosing where to stay in Phoenix, it’s important to think about what matters most to your family. Traveling with kids means different priorities than traveling solo or as a couple, and the right hotel can transform your trip from simply “good” to truly memorable.

For kids who love water activities: Arizona Grand Resort and Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak are unbeatable. The Arizona Grand Resort, located at 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, feels like its own little world with a massive water park, lazy river, and spacious suites. It’s perfect for children who have energy to burn and parents who want to relax poolside while keeping an eye on the fun. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, at 7677 N. 16th Street, offers a similar appeal with its four-acre water park, mini-golf, and family suites that make downtime just as enjoyable as the day’s main activities. Both places make it easy to spend full days on-site without feeling like you’re missing out on Phoenix’s attractions.

For a balance of history and luxury: The Wigwam, at 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard in Litchfield Park, blends old-world charm with modern comforts. This resort has been around for decades and still maintains its classic Southwestern architecture and sprawling grounds. Families who appreciate a touch of history will enjoy strolling through its palm-lined paths or relaxing by one of the multiple pools. It also offers large casitas that give everyone space to spread out, plus activities like tennis and golf that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike.

For convenience near the airport: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Airport, at 3401 E. University Drive, and Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport, at 3333 E. University Drive, are top picks. Both offer complimentary breakfasts, free shuttles to the airport, and family-friendly amenities like microwaves and fridges in the rooms. This makes them perfect for short stays or for families arriving late or departing early, when ease of transit is a priority.

For extended stays in the city center: Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown, at 132 S. Central Avenue, puts Phoenix’s attractions right at your doorstep. Spacious suites with full kitchens allow you to prepare family meals, saving both money and the hassle of dining out every day. Being within walking distance of museums, parks, and restaurants means you can explore at your own pace without the stress of constant driving.

Every one of these hotels provided more than just a place to sleep—they offered an environment that truly enhanced our trip. From in-room kitchenettes that made breakfast with picky eaters a breeze, to sprawling water parks that kept kids entertained for hours, these details made traveling with children smoother and far more enjoyable. Choosing the right accommodation in Phoenix isn’t just about location—it’s about finding a place where your whole family feels comfortable, entertained, and cared for.

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