The best hotels in the American Southwest
The American Southwest is a land of cinematic landscapes, where sun-washed deserts, sculpted red rock canyons, and high-mountain retreats create a setting as dramatic as it is serene. The hotels here embrace their surroundings with a distinct sense of place—whether through adobe architecture, Native American artistry, or panoramic views that seem to stretch endlessly.
From intimate desert hideaways in Arizona to stylish mountain lodges in New Mexico and boutique inns steeped in history, these properties offer more than just a place to rest. They immerse guests in the region’s rich cultural heritage, with handcrafted furnishings, locally inspired cuisine, and design that echoes the beauty of the land. Here are the best hotels in the Southwest, where comfort meets timeless character.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Tucked into the heart of Santa Fe, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is a seamless blend of Southwestern heritage and contemporary luxury. This boutique retreat, just steps from the historic Plaza, feels like an elegant homage to New Mexico’s layered past, where Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences intertwine.
The decor is an intimate interpretation of Pueblo-style architecture, with handcrafted vigas (wooden ceiling beams), adobe-plastered walls, and kiva fireplaces flickering with warmth. Every detail speaks to artisanal craftsmanship—woven Navajo textiles drape over plush seating, while hand-carved wooden doors and sculpted light fixtures cast intricate shadows against the stucco. In the guestrooms, soft earth tones are accented by locally sourced pottery, woven rugs, and ironwork that nod to Santa Fe’s artistic soul.
The lobby feels more like an expansive living room, anchored by a grand fireplace and curated book collections on the Southwest. The inn’s signature restaurant extends this aesthetic with hand-tooled leather chairs, wrought-iron chandeliers, and tables crafted from reclaimed wood, creating an atmosphere that’s both rustic and refined.
With just 58 rooms, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi maintains an air of exclusivity while exuding a genuine connection to the land and culture. It’s an elevated take on Santa Fe’s artistic spirit—timeless, textured, and deeply rooted in place.
El Tovar Hotel
Perched on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, El Tovar Hotel is a historic retreat that channels the charm of the early 20th century while offering modern comfort in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. Opened in 1905 as a luxurious stop along the Santa Fe Railway, the hotel remains the most iconic lodging in the Grand Canyon, blending rustic character with refined elegance.
From the moment you step into its log-and-stone lobby, with its soaring beams and Native American-inspired décor, El Tovar feels like a portal to another time. Yet, there’s nothing outdated about the experience. Rooms are inviting yet sophisticated, with handcrafted furnishings and plush bedding—many offering stunning canyon views. The hotel has hosted luminaries from Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Einstein, adding to its sense of prestige.
Eating at El Tovar Dining Room should not be missed. Imagine sipping a glass of wine while watching the canyon glow in the sunset, the menu featuring regional specialties like Navajo tacos and prime rib. For early risers, the French toast with prickly pear syrup pairs beautifully with the crisp morning air.
Beyond the hotel’s doors, countless adventures await. Sunrise hikes to Ooh Aah Point, scenic mule rides along the rim, or simply taking in the sweeping vistas from a rocking chair on the porch—all feel like scenes from a classic travelogue.
Staying at El Tovar isn’t just about accommodation; it’s about experiencing the Grand Canyon in its most timeless, enchanting form. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, long after you’ve gone.
Amangiri Resort
Hidden in the vast, otherworldly desert of Southern Utah, Amangiri is a minimalist marvel that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The resort, whose name translates to “peaceful mountain” in Sanskrit, is a sculptural masterpiece—a stark yet serene retreat spanning 600 acres in the Grand Circle region. A favorite among A-listers and design aficionados, Amangiri offers an unparalleled connection to nature without sacrificing the refined luxuries that define Aman properties.
The architecture is a study in restraint. Low-slung concrete structures mirror the desert’s raw beauty, framing endless vistas of striated cliffs and mesas that shift in color as the sun moves across the sky. The resort’s signature pool is wrapped around a towering sandstone escarpment, a 160-million-year-old relic that stands as a testament to the passage of time. Inside, guest rooms echo the surrounding landscape with muted tones, textured concrete walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that dissolve the boundary between indoors and out.
Amangiri is more than a place to stay—it’s an immersion into the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Guests can hike through winding slot canyons, ride horseback across ancient terrain, or explore centuries-old petroglyphs. The via ferrata climbing route offers an adrenaline-fueled way to scale sheer rock faces, while those seeking tranquility can opt for a meditative sound bath at sunset. At the resort’s spa, Navajo healing traditions inspire treatments that soothe body and mind.
Culinary offerings lean into indigenous flavors with a global twist. The dining room, designed to blend with the landscape, serves dishes such as bison filet with mesquite smoke or wild elk crusted in native chiles. The recently added Camp Sarika, a secluded enclave of 10 tented pavilions, offers a more intimate experience, with private plunge pools and its own restaurant serving local fare.
For those who crave the ultimate perspective, private aerial tours via helicopter or hot air balloon unveil the grandeur of nearby national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. Whether adventuring through the desert or basking in its stillness, Amangiri is a retreat that redefines luxury—one that speaks not through excess, but through an artful dialogue with the land itself.
