The Clarendon Hotel and Spa

This central Phoenix hotel is located just north of downtown in what is becoming known as Phoenix's midtown museum district. This once-shabby downtown hotel was transformed into one of the city's hippest and most coveted hotel destinations, earning a reputation for great ambiance and dining along the way. The lobby decor consists of an eclectic collection of statuary and paintings (most of the art is available for purchase), but the real star of the show is the eye-grabbing Oasis pool, featuring a giant glass water wall, massage jets and underwater speakers. Rooms are colorfully decorated with bold print rugs, signature beds and original Arizona-themed pop art on the walls.