The Best Hotels to Book in Yuma, Arizona

The history at this Yuma hotel isn’t limited to the Spanish Colonial-style building, a 10-minute stroll from downtown – the original structure was built a lifetime ago, from lumber salvaged from an old railroad hotel – or the Hollywood stars who stayed here over the years. It also lies in the actual location: the restaurant stands on the spot where the first airplane landed in Arizona, back in 1911. And “historic” doesn’t mean dated: you’ll have all the modern comforts of the newer hotels in Yuma and not one but two swimming pools, one of which is heated for those cool desert nights.

The name is apt, not just considering the mineral spring on the other side of the Interstate, but also because this hotel is truly an oasis where the I-8 meets US-95, a five-minute drive from downtown. There are even palm trees around the pool and citrus trees in the courtyard – just the setting for enjoying the complimentary breakfast and happy hour drinks. The lush gardens and gazebos provide respite from the midday heat, and your fur baby will love the pet area.

After you’ve been out all day, visiting the Enchanted Cavern and the Castle Dome Mine Museum at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll want a place where you can just relax. Just a few minutes by car from downtown’s dining scene, where US-95 crosses the I-8, this is one of the best hotels in Yuma to do just that: order American comfort food from the on-site restaurant until you feel ready to venture down to the bar, or lounge poolside, an ice-cold beer in hand. In the morning, fill up at the complimentary breakfast buffet before catching the free shuttle to the airport.

On the long trip along the I-8 between Phoenix or Tucson and San Diego, this hotel just off the Interstate makes for a good pit stop. While the kids cool off in the pool, you can take the dogs for a leg-stretch. If you need a break from driving, the shuttle will take you anywhere within a 3mi (5km) radius, including the airport, Yuma County Fairgrounds, the waterpark, retail outlets and even the dog park, and it won’t cost you a cent. To make it even easier on your wallet, kids can stay and eat for free.

Want to romance your other half in the very spot where the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age once got hitched? In town, check out the wedding chapel where Bette Davis, Jean Harlow, Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel did it, then walk the few blocks back to your room at the Hilton – one of the few hotels in Yuma that overlook the Colorado River. Towards sunset, take a hand-in-hand stroll on the beach along the riverbank. And if you want to combine romance with sightseeing, many of Yuma’s best attractions – including Yuma Territorial Prison Park – and restaurants are only a short walk away, too.

Sometimes you just want a place where you can lay your head after exploring the area all day. Just off the I-8, south of downtown, this hotel gives you spacious rooms decked out in desert colors, with comfortable beds and creeper-patterned statement wallpaper. In the morning, get ready for the day with the complimentary continental or hot breakfast, then head to the hiking trails along the Colorado and Gila Rivers, the golf courses or the historic sites. Come back to laze by the pool as the sun sets.

Who wants to waste time driving aimlessly around the mall parking lot, looking for an open spot? Instead, you can stay across the street where parking is ample, safe and free. This hotel along US-95 overlooks the Yuma Palms Regional Center, a massive open-air shopping and dining mecca. Stock up on local produce at the farmer’s market in the morning before strolling through the quaint village area. Back at the hotel, cool off in the pool, then put on your favorite new outfit and go back to the mall to catch a movie or live show.

While many hotels in Yuma have views of endless parking lots, at this all-suite hotel in Yuma you look out your window and see fields: the deep brown of freshly plowed soil or the bright green of leafy vegetables growing here in the “lettuce capital of the world.” This is the view from the patio, too, where you can fire up the barbecue and char-grill your dinner. Your kids need to beat the summer heat? Waylon’s Water World and zFun Factory with its bumper boats are five minutes’ drive down the road.