What to expect: The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa showcases architecture, art, and dcor that is representative of and inspired by Gila River Indian culture. Located 11.5 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the resort is set within the Gila River Indian Community. As the name suggests, more than 1,500 wild horses roam the surrounding lands and frequently visit the corrals.
Amenity highlights: Amenities at the Sheraton include two 18-hole golf courses managed and maintained by Troon Golf, the Koli equestrian center (surcharges), four outdoor pools, a 111-foot waterslide, and four restaurants. Also on site, Aji Spa is notable for Native American influenced treatments (surcharges).

Boats shuttle guests to sites on property and to nearby attractions, including a casino. A seasonal kids club (surcharges) occupies ages 412.

Insider tip: Complimentary walking tours led by the Cultural Concierge highlight the cultural artwork and architectural significance of the resort. One mile away, the Huhugam Heritage Center is a museum where guests can view Native American archaeological collections and art exhibits, and take classes.

Using a "Treasuring the Essence of Arizona" theme, the resort pays tribute to Arizona's famous landscapes and colorful history. The entry is flanked by 12-foot-tall, cast glass panels glistening with water that trickles down into a bed of river rock. The striking views from the entrance showcase the surrounding mountains & rolling hills of the golf course.

The Phoenician gives the feeling of being away from it all, while offering a location conveniently centered between Scottsdale and Phoenix. The clientele consists of vacationers looking for a desert getaway and businesspeople attending conferences. Families appreciate the nine swimming pools and Funician Kids' Club, and couples enjoy the romantic desert setting and private patios.

• This southwestern hotel is 1 mile from Camelback Mountain, 8 miles from the Phoenix Zoo, and 17 miles from the Arizona State Capitol.
• The Hilton Scottsdale Resorts beds have the Hilton Serenity Beds with down comforters and 250-thread-count sheets and duvets.
• A business center provides secretarial services and meeting space. An indoor pool and a full-service spa provide relaxation.

Opened in 2002, the resort looms as a monumental presence against a mountain backdrop. A huge, skylighted lobby with marble floors inset with mosaic tiles features stained-glass accents, flowering plants, conversation areas, stone columns with softly lit panels, and a huge fountain tumbling to a lower level fronted by a pond, palm trees, and dining terrace--all creating a desert-palace ambience.

Red-tile-roofed, mission-style buildings echo with good times at this rambling property nestled against a 17,000-acre nature preserve. Families enjoy the giant, six-acre Oasis water park. Active couples like the proximity to South Mountain with its 60 miles of trails. Groups appreciate the 640 suites, Phantom Horse Golf Club, and extensive meeting facilities.