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Greater Phoenix Hotels With Must-See Murals

We’ve all heard the term “a room with a view,” but how about accommodations with a vibrant local aesthetic and a view for your next stay in Phoenix?

Either way, Greater Phoenix is home to nearly 500 hotels and resorts — with even more on the horizon — and the latest surge of grand openings and renovation efforts have ushered in a wave of local art that you won’t be able to resist.

Before you book your next stay in Phoenix, check out these hotels with the best murals.

Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center

Open since November 2019, this downtown property is located in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. And, fittingly enough, put out a call to artists as the $26 million hotel began to take shape.

The first works to catch your eye will be the three five-story decal murals by Heather Freitas on the exterior walls of the hotel. Head for the entrance and you’ll notice the work of local artist Craig Randich, who was selected to create the shade sculpture that’s perched above you.

At check-in you’ll be facing Kayla Newnam’s whimsical shapes and earth tones set against irresistible, neon saguaro lights behind the reception desk. Large-scale works by Antoinette Cauley, Tato Caraveo, Austin Sanchez and others can be found throughout hotel, including pop-inspired pieces by Randy Slack.

The rooftop bar, aptly named From The Rooftop Bar & Lounge, features a wall of vibrant, abstract work by muralist Ashley Macias. As for the views we mentioned earlier, this is the place for them.

222 E. Portland St., Phoenix
602-675-3500

Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel

The first thing that will catch your eye at this downtown hotel, built in 1975, is the distinct pattern of the curved concrete windows. New aluminum fins have been added to the base of the tower to continue the themes of shadow, light and striking repetitive patterns — visit for a special occasion and you might catch a light show on hotel's tower.

As part of a $13 million renovation that concluded in 2017, Adams Street has been transformed into an engaging, pedestrian-friendly experience with enhancements to the shade, lighting and signage. From there, just walk around the corner to find out why this hotel made out list.

In a call to artists, local muralist Clyde Thompson was chosen to give the building’s west exterior wall (along Central Avenue) a makeover in his signature 3D, storytelling style. At first glance, the 144-foot mural, titled “Timeless,” will captivate you. On second and third glance, however, you might see it a little differently. That’s due to the ever-changing shadows cast from the overhanging shade structure. Each hour of the day, the mural changes as the sun moves across the sky. During the last few hours of sunlight, you can catch it shining directly onto the glass prism, held by the person in the painting, and the key inside comes to life with an indisputable glow.

Right around the corner, you’ll also find yourself standing in Melinda’s Alley (not to be confused with the speakeasy). Here, artists Darrin Armijo-Wardle and Hugo Medina painted “Malinda Rising,” a tribute to Malinda Curtis, one of the city's most colorful characters who lived in an apartment on the alley shared by the 1896-built Hotel Adams. She died Oct. 28, 1910, but her spirit is said to inhabit the alley to this day.

After sunset, head back inside to Dust Cutter, the trendiest saloon in town, to contemplate what the key symbolizes and to post the pix you just captured over locally sourced bar bites and an equally intriguing cocktail.

100 N. First St., Phoenix
602-333-0000

Found:RE Phoenix

The soul of this boutique hotel, which opened its doors on the edge of downtown in 2016, is truly its permanent art installations, rotating exhibits and art-based events (currently paused). Rather than creating a museum- or gallery-like space for the art within these walls, visitors can expect an immersive experience, with a surprise waiting around every corner.

The most noticeable installations, as you might guess, can be found on the building’s exterior. First up is a six-story projection screen, created by RJ Ward, that transforms the hotel's south wall into an ever-changing canvas. Next is the twisted neon light that spells out “Find Yourself” along Central Avenue, serving as an invitation that’s instep with the hotel’s ethos. Around the side of the building, you’ll find a curious circus of characters depicted in a mural by Diego Pérez, as well as a rainbow tyrannosaurus rex mural wall, over which you can see a larger-than life t-rex installation by Jeff Zitschke peeking over from the pool area. Speaking of, you'll also find a serene mural scene by Lucretia Torva poolside.

But we’re just getting warmed up. Head to check in and you can’t help but notice “Burtney,” Randy Slack's nude Burt Reynolds hanging behind front desk. According to Slack, the painting is a salute to Reynolds’ iconic 1972 centerfold in Cosmopolitan. Inside MATCH Market & Bar, Linda Ingraham’s “Reveries” will greet you. This series of five panels, made out of archival pigment prints, paint and resin, features an image of a relaxed-looking face the artists photographed once upon a time.

The 105-room hotel also hosts revolving exhibits, which are often teased in the 22-foot glass display near valet. We’ve been told this art oasis houses about 300 pieces of art created by more than 25 Arizona artists, and we invite you to fact check that for us.

1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-875-8000

Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Even if you have yet to visit downtown Phoenix, there’s a good chance the Hyatt will seem familiar. That's because this building has looked over our city for 44 years. And, following its massive 2019 overhaul, the top hat it wears — which is actually The Compass, a sky-high revolving restaurant (currently closed) — is illuminated brighter than ever before.

The most noteworthy product of the recent renovation is Barrel & Bushel, an indoor/outdoor neighborhood restaurant that serves up classic American fare with an emphasis on local beer. In addition to the 11 Arizona brews on tap, you’ll find an exceptional bourbon and whiskey selection and an array of innovative cocktails at this rustic-meets-modern space with a gastropub feel. Here’s more on Phoenix's brewery scene.

Once you’ve sipped on a flight of local beers and nibbled a few of the must-try shared plates, head around the building to the northeast corner of First and Adams streets (the hotel’s northwest corner) for your eye candy desert. Here, local lettering artist, muralist and illustrator Jane Goat brings a whimsical, dreamlike Sonoran Desert landscape to downtown with a scene entitled, "Abstruse Thirst.” You can check out another of her creations at the 1½ Street Mural Project in the Roosevelt Arts District (at the alley’s south entrance).

122 N. Second St., Phoenix
602-252-1234

Hotel Valley Ho

This midcentury marvel is an iconic landmark for so many reasons, including its roots as a Hollywood hideaway, the second-to-none vistas from the rooftop (Skyline Rooftop) and the variety of swanky events it’s played host to over the years.

Originally designed by Edward L. Varney, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright who brought a forward-looking and futuristic design to the project, the hotel opened in 1956.

By 2005, the seven-story tower with guest rooms and condominiums was built above the lobby. At which point, the hotel's original jet-age design was restored and new restaurants, including a retro-chic seasonal-American ZuZu, were incorporated.

Fast-forward to present and this spot has never been trendier. The swanky VH Spa goes hand-in hand with the sparkling OHasis Pool — which is where you’ll find the reason we’ve included this hotel here.

Inspired by the 1950s feel of the hotel, property, Pandr Design Co. created a poolside mural that’s feels a lot like a vintage postcard. “It’s always Sunny in Scottsdale,” a nod to the area’s 300 plus days of sunshine each year, and was brought to life using colors from the hotel branding — and the matching pool cushions and furniture make it picture-perfect. As one TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "Don Draper would approve."

6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale
480-376-2600

The Camby, Autograph Collection

From the right distance, you’ll notice that The Camby is somewhat of a mural itself, as the highest points of the exterior are a light gray that dissolves into geometric confetti in a variety of cool blue shades, giving way to a classic white that covers most of the 11-story building (it subtly continues throughout some inside spaces, too).

Named after the iconic Camelback Mountain, The Camby is a luxury boutique property that underwent a full transformation in 2018 — a process that celebrated innovation and invited creative minds to bring unexpected twists to the new atmosphere (think: illuminated faux cow skull fixtures and animal-shaped garden sculptures).

While there’s no massive mural like you’ve come to expect after reading thus far, (if you’re still reading), we think you’ll appreciate the artistic appointments here. No neon light was spared in the imagination of this space, so you’ll find these among the curated, quirky art collection throughout the hotel.

The most Instagrammable, however, has to be the large, mixed-media piece that combines the Sonoran Desert landscape — yes, a saguaro cactus — with a bolt of neon light across the mountain line. This piece is part of the “Aleksandr Berki 4 The Camby” collection, a partnership between the brand and the artist who is recognized for his provocative taste and a style philosophy that’s driven by traditionalism while embracing a modern lifestyle.

2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-468-0700