Attractions
Mattel Adventure Park
Opening 2023
The Mattel toys and board games you love come to life at Mattel Adventure Park, the first-ever Mattel branded theme park, opening in Glendale. Join Barbie at her Beach House attraction to curate the ultimate wardrobe. Drive your own Hot Wheel through the Hot Wheels Go-kart track before embarking on the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer roller coaster. Talk to Thomas on the Thomas Adventure Train: Treasure Hunt™.
Angel Delgadillo StoryFile
Opening early 2023
Learn about Route 66 from the man who fought to preserve its history at the Kingman Visitor Center where visitors can interact with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) version of Angel Delgadillo to discover what living on Route 66 was like. Now every guest has the chance to ask Angel questions about Route 66 with AI technology that combs through hours of interviews and formulates a response to guests’ burning questions.
Barrio Viejo Nominated for National Historic Landmark Designation
Earning designation in 2023
Stroll through Barrio Viejo in Tucson to explore the largest barrio in the US which will soon be a national historic landmark. Discover the 100-year-old history of this mile-long barrio and its influential role in establishing Tucson’s culture. Those passionate about architecture will appreciate the architectural significance of the barrio with its largest collection of Sonoran Row houses in the US.
VAI Resort
Opening late 2023
The ultimate desert oasis is the best way to describe VAI Resort in Glendale. With its white sand beaches and six-acre swimming pool, VAI takes a lazy day at the pool to the next level with its Konos Island, a man-made party island. The island offers guests a Mediterranean restaurant, private cabanas and allows guests to take in panoramic views from 130 feet in the air while enjoying the aerial bar.
Los Milics Vineyards
A new tasting room, and more to come, in 2023
In Elgin, near Tucson, Los Milics is an expanding winery in southern Arizona that recently debuted its new tasting room and plans to open nine luxury casitas in 2023. Located in “one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country”, Los Milics’ new wine-tasting room’s architecture enhances the experience for wine enthusiasts with its stunning mirrors, steel pillars, and breathtaking views of the Mustang Mountains. The upcoming addition of casitas will maintain Los Milics’ commitment to blending its architecture with the surrounding nature while honoring Southern Arizona.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Alamo Canyon Campground Opens For Advanced Reservations
Reservations Began Jan. 1, 2023
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument’s Alamo Canyon Campground will be available year-round, beginning January 1, 2023, for reservations. With only four sites available, birders, photographers, and dark sky enthusiasts who desire to camp at the mouth of Alamo Canyon in the Ajo Mountains will want to make reservations in advance. Visitors can make reservations on the same day they plan to arrive, as long as sites are available. To book a reservation visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777
PHX Sky Train® Connecting Airport Terminals to Car Rental Center is Now Opens
Launched Dec. 20, 2022
A 2.5-mile extension of the PHX Sky Train® connects the existing line between the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station and Terminal 3 to the 24th Street PHX Sky Train® Station / 24th Street Express Pay Parking and the Rental Car Center. The 24th Street PHX Sky Train® Station features a convenient option for travelers arriving from the West Valley and downtown, with improved access to and from nearby freeways.
Hotels
Ambiente
Opened December 26, 2023
Continue to be immersed in Sedona’s breathtaking nature when staying at Ambiente’s cubed-shaped, glass-encased Atriums designed to harmonize with Sedona’s geography and offer guests their own distinct panoramic view. With their luxurious interior and private rooftop desks, guests will have the perfect star-gazing spot to end their adventure-filled days. As a hotel where guests must be over 21 years old, guests can reconnect with nature and find tranquility.
The Eddy Hotel
Opening in February
Nestled in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, this new boutique hotel offers comfort and plenty of space for meetings or events. Soak in views of the iconic Santa Catalina Mountains and dip into the outdoor heated pool after hiking the nearby Chuck Huckleberry Loop. Venture around the Catalina Foothills to discover art galleries and endless shopping opportunities. At The Eddy Hotel guests can use their Hilton rewards to stay minutes away from midtown.
Mii amo at Enchantment Resort
Re-opens on February 2, 2023
Those in need of a digital detox need to visit this destination spa located in Sedona’s famed Boynton Canyon. Recently renovated to amplify guests’ journey to wellness, the new additions include a fitness studio, a consultation wing for private sessions and extended spa treatment sessions. After meditating in Mii amo’s Crystal Grotto, nourish your body at the new restaurant, Hummingbird, with its ingredients sourced from nearby farms and Mii amo’s own Chef Garden.
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
Opening Spring 2023
A night on the town or every night of the week is possible when staying at t Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU which is nearby the exuberant Mill Avenue. This high-rise hotel offers unparalleled views of ASU’s campus, four onsite dining options and a pool that guests can swim in between their trips to downtown Tempe. Guests can visit downtown Tempe’s lively bars or have dinner with a view at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar.
The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, the Palmeraie
Opening Fall 2023
For those who travel to shop and stay in luxury, the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley in Scottsdale is calling your name. Guaranteed to offer luxurious experiences and accommodations, staying at the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley will enhance your trip to Arizona with its world-class spa, views of Camelback Mountain and specialty dining. Adjacent to the resort will be The Palmeraie Shops, an open-air shopping paradise where shoppers can wander through more than 60 specialty boutiques and stop for dinner at one of the dozen restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine.
The Global Ambassador
Opening Late 2023
Oriented around its plaza courtyard, The Global Ambassador in Phoenix offers an elevated hospitality experience with incomparable views of Camelback Mountain. An ideal spot for foodies with five original dining experiences onsite it is simple for those craving fine dining. The hotel’s signature restaurant will be a Parisian bistro and brasserie serving classic French fare, pastries and wine. Sip a cocktail and observe the sunset sky when dining at the rooftop restaurant, théa Mediterranean Rooftop, which takes inspiration from the Mediterranean region.
Moxy Phoenix Downtown
Opening March 2023
Unafraid to alter guests’ expectations of the hotel experience, Moxy Phoenix Downtown’s playful nature and willingness to break the rules of a “typical” hotel stay is where free-spirit travelers belong. With check-in at the bar, guests can enjoy a glass of local wine or brew before settling in or can stop by the award-winning cocktail bar, Bitter & Twisted, located underneath Moxy. For business travelers that desire an out-of-the-box experience that still ensures productivity, the “Plug and Meet” gathering area is ideal for brainstorming sessions and presentations.
Leo Kent
Opening Spring 2023
Steps away from many of the most popular attractions in downtown Tucson, this new boutique hotel allows visitors to jump from one adventure to the next. Once a skyscraper that held office spaces, the hotel’s design and cuisine take inspiration from its downtown location. Leo Kent’s close proximity to the Tucson Convention Center, Tucson Museum of Art and the University of Arizona ensure guests are immersed in Tucson’s culture. Relish the Southwestern cuisine Tucson is known for at the hotel’s restaurant St. Cruz after exploring all of downtown or embarking on a Sonoran Desert adventure.
Flights
WestJet increases frequencies to Phoenix
WestJet announced that it will increase weekly flights from YYC Calgary International Airport to Phoenix (PHX) beginning in 2023. Flights from Calgary to Phoenix will be available 18 to 21 times weekly, with additional service added Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, effective February 9, 2023.
American adds new flights to Mexico in 2023
American Airlines will begin daily, nonstop service from Phoenix to Monterrey, Mexico on Jan. 10, 2023.
Lynx announces nonstop service to Phoenix
Lynx Air, an ultra-low-cost Canadian start-up carrier based in Calgary, has announced nonstop service to Phoenix. The Phoenix-Calgary nonstop flight will run three times weekly beginning Feb. 7, 2023.
Frontier will continue to add more nonstop service in January
Last month, Frontier began new nonstop service to Baltimore, Portland, Fort Lauderdale, Orange County and Philadelphia. In January, it will add nonstop service to Nashville, Kansas City, Seattle, Minneapolis and Indianapolis.
Breeze expands its Phoenix flights
Breeze has announced an expansion of its Phoenix flights and will begin nonstop service to Richmond, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Arkansas, Hartford, and New Orleans in February.