Photo: Barbie Beach House, Mattel Adventure Park (photo credit Mattel Adventure Park)

Arizona is set to welcome its largest hotel to date this year in Glendale – VAI Resort.

Considered a desert oasis and situated on a man-made island, VAI offers 1,100 rooms across four hotel towers, a six-acre swimming pool, private cabanas, white sand beaches, 10 bars, 13 deluxe restaurants and a shopping corridor. It’s also associated with Mattel Adventure Park, opening this year in Glendale as the first-ever Mattel-branded theme park. Here, guests of all ages can join Barbie at the Barbie Beach House, go go-karting at the Hot Wheels track and ride the Hot Wheels Boneshaker rollercoaster.

VAI Resort (photo credit VAI Resort)

Other new hotels debuting in 2024 include The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie, featuring a world-class spa and specialty dining, located adjacent to The Palmeraie Shops.

Just opened in February is Caesars Republic Scottsdale, the first non-gaming hotel from Caesars Entertainment in the U.S., located near Scottsdale Fashion Square and featuring two new dining concepts by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.

And opening in late 2024 following a US$110 renovation will be the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, which will be rebranded as the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa, making it the first Grand Hyatt property in Arizona. Top selling points include newly renovated guestrooms, pools, a spa, fitness centre and event spaces.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also note the opening of Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde, Arizona’s newest state park where hiking, kayaking and fishing opportunities abound.

After visiting this day-use-only park, visitors can explore the surrounding Verde Valley including Montezuma Castle National Monument and area wineries.

For more information about travel to Arizona go to visitarizona.com.

Barbie Beach House, Mattel Adventure Park (photo credit Mattel Adventure Park)

Source: Travelweek