The Greater Phoenix area is gearing up for a transformative year in 2025, with hotel and resort openings that promise to elevate the region’s appeal to travelers and locals. From luxury accommodations to family-friendly attractions, these developments highlight the area’s commitment to innovation and hospitality.
AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin
The AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin are set to open in late 2025 in North Phoenix at Norterra, located at West Happy Valley Road and Norterra Parkway. The dual-branded hotel, catering to business needs driven by the nearby TSMC Semiconductor Plant, will have 274 guest rooms: 179 for the AC Hotel and 95 for Element, which caters to long-term guests.
The four-story, 160,000-square-foot hotel will include an 8,000-square-foot convention center, ballroom, fitness center, pool, spa, and event lawn.
As Phoenix continues to grow as a top travel destination, the opening of these three exciting hotels in 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for the city’s hospitality scene. With modern amenities, innovative designs, and prime locations, these new establishments are set to elevate the visitor experience and provide diverse options for travelers.
Accor, a world-leading lifestyle hospitality company, in collaboration with Dakota Development and DESCO, Arizona, LLC, announced SLS Scottsdale will open its doors in 2025. The property will bring 235 hotel rooms – including 30 luxury suites – spanning just under 222,100 square feet above and below the grade of refined hotel, dining, bar, and event space to Scottsdale. Two floors of entertainment space alongside top culinary and mixology experiences will ensure the new property speaks to the most discerning guests.
Phoenix-based Biltform Architects are leading architectural design. The property will be designed by New York-based HGXDesign, owned by Hal Goldstein. SLS Scottsdale will host enriching and elevated experiences via its portfolio of diversely distinct luxury brands.
Dakota Development was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. Led by President Joe Faust, Dakota will manage full-service development and technical services for the project. SLS has delivered an imaginative hospitality experience with glamour, play, and leisure since 2008.
VAI Resort, set to open in 2025, is being built in Glendale and is poised to become the state’s largest hotel. With 1,100 rooms (149 of which have balconies that double as premium viewing boxes for the entertainment venue), an 11,000-seat amphitheater, sandy beaches, and numerous dining options, VAI aims to rival Las Vegas for music residencies and tourism.
The resort will also feature a 50,000-square-foot “party island,” luxury spas, wellness centers, and a tethered hot-air balloon ride offering stunning views. Michelin-starred chef José Andrés will debut in Arizona with the restaurant Bar Mar.
VAI Resort will have 11 elevated dining experiences with a range of international cuisines, eight of which will offer waterfront views. VAI will also have over 27 unique bar and cocktail experiences and world-renowned celebrity chef restaurant concepts.
The resort’s second phase, opening in 2026, will include a 2,000-capacity indoor theater. Nearby, the 9-acre Mattel Adventure Park will bring family-friendly attractions, including Hot Wheels-themed coasters. VAI Resort is expected to generate $2.2 billion in taxes over 25 years and will be built on a 60-acre site south of State Farm Stadium. Room rates will range from $500 to $900 per night.
