Phoenix is a city that loves to tear things down and build them back up in beige. If you’ve spent any time driving down Central Avenue, you know the drill: glass towers, luxury condos that look like Minecraft blocks, and a lot of corporate palm trees. But then there’s The Clarendon Hotel and Spa. It sits there on 4th Avenue, just north of Indian School Road, looking like a mid-century fever dream that refused to get the memo about modern minimalism. It’s colorful. It’s a little bit loud. Honestly, it’s one of the few places left in the Valley that actually feels like it has a soul, even if that soul is covered in turquoise paint and smells slightly of high-end cannabis.
You don't just stay here; you kind of experience it. This isn't a Marriott. If you’re looking for a marble lobby where everyone speaks in hushed tones, you’re going to be very confused when you walk into The Clarendon. It’s an urban boutique hotel that has leaned hard into its identity as a social hub. It has survived ownership changes, rebranding, and the massive shift in Phoenix’s downtown culture, yet it remains the go-to spot for people who want something that isn't a cookie-cutter resort in Scottsdale.
The History Most People Forget
The building itself is a relic of the 1970s. Back then, it was the Royal Inn, and later the SunBurst Hotel. But it gained national—and fairly dark—notoriety in 1976. This is the spot where investigative reporter Don Bolles was fatally injured by a car bomb in the parking lot. He was there to meet a source about a land fraud story. It’s a heavy piece of Arizona history. For years, people only associated the address with that tragedy.
When Ben Bethel took over and turned it into The Clarendon in the mid-2000s, he had a massive task: keep the mid-century bones but wash away the gloom. He succeeded by injecting a level of kitsch and color that was basically unheard of in Phoenix at the time. He turned the rooftop into a destination. He made the pool the centerpiece. Today, the hotel acknowledges its past with a quiet dignity, but the vibe is strictly focused on the "now."
Why the Cannabis-Friendly Label Actually Matters
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the green leaf in the room. In 2021, The Clarendon Hotel and Spa made waves by declaring itself Arizona's first cannabis-friendly hotel. People lost their minds. Some thought it would turn into a hazy den of slackers; others thought it was a brilliant marketing move.
The reality is much more nuanced.
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It’s not a free-for-all. You can’t just spark up a joint in the lobby next to a family checking in. The hotel designated specific areas—like the "Lazy River" water feature area and certain balconies—for consumption. They even partnered with local dispensaries and brands like Ponderosa and Mint to offer "elevated" experiences. This was a massive gamble in a state that, while legal, still has a lot of conservative pockets. It worked because they treated it like a luxury amenity rather than a gimmick. It’s about the "spa" part of the name—wellness, relaxation, and getting away from the noise of the city.
The Rooftop is the Real MVP
If you haven't been to the Skydeck, have you even been to Phoenix? Seriously. The view from the top of The Clarendon is arguably the best unobstructed look at the Phoenix skyline and the surrounding mountains. It’s not just for guests. Locals flock there for "Sunset Sessions" and yoga.
What’s cool is that it doesn't feel pretentious. You’ll see people in suits after a meeting at the nearby law firms sitting right next to someone in a swimsuit and flip-flops. There’s no velvet rope. There’s no $50 cover charge just to see the sun go down. It’s one of those rare spots where the "urban" part of "urban boutique" actually feels authentic. The glass railings make it feel like you’re floating over the city lights.
The Rooms: A Mix of Retro and "Wait, What?"
The rooms are... an experience. They are big. Much bigger than what you’d get at a new build like the AC Hotel or the Moxy. Because it’s an older building, the floor plans are generous. You get these massive windows that let in that brutal, beautiful Arizona light.
But they aren't for everyone.
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The decor is bold. We're talking bright accent walls, funky art, and furniture that looks like it was plucked from a set of Mad Men if Don Draper did a lot of hallucinogens. Some guests find it incredibly charming and "Instagrammable." Others, who prefer the beige-on-beige safety of a Hilton, might find it a bit much. The plumbing can sometimes act like 1970s plumbing. The elevators aren't the fastest in the world. But that’s the trade-off for staying in a place with character. You trade the "perfectly functional" for the "memorable."
Eating and Drinking at Fuego at the Point
The on-site restaurant, Fuego at The Clarendon (often associated with the "Fuego CityGrille" branding), has gone through various iterations. Currently, the focus is on Latin-inflected flavors. Think street tacos, ceviche, and a tequila list that will make your head spin.
The food is genuinely good, but the atmosphere is better. The restaurant spills out toward the pool area, creating this indoor-outdoor flow that defines Arizona living. On weekends, they usually have live music or a DJ. It’s loud. It’s festive. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner to discuss your 401k, maybe go somewhere else. If you want a margarita and some solid chips and salsa while watching the sunset, this is the place.
Is It Actually "Safe" and "Clean"?
This is a question that pops up a lot in reviews. Look, the hotel is in Midtown. Midtown Phoenix is a vibrant, transitioning area. That means you’re going to see the reality of a major city. You might see some unhoused individuals on the sidewalk outside. You might hear some traffic noise from Central Avenue.
Inside the gates? It’s a total sanctuary. The staff is famously friendly—like, "actually remember your name" friendly. They know they aren't a five-star resort in Paradise Valley, so they make up for it with personality and service. The maintenance team works overtime to keep a 50-year-old building looking fresh, though you might spot a chipped tile or a scuffed baseboard if you’re looking for things to complain about.
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Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to book a stay or just stop by for the day, there are a few things you absolutely need to know to make it worth your time.
- Book the Junior Suite. The price difference from a standard room is usually minimal, but the extra square footage makes a huge difference if you're staying more than one night.
- The Pool is the Heart. If you aren't a "pool person," you might feel out of place. Most of the social life of the hotel revolves around the water. The hydro-spa is actually surprisingly good for sore muscles.
- Check the Event Calendar. They host everything from comedy shows to "Canna-tours." Sometimes the rooftop is closed for a private wedding, so call ahead if you’re driving in specifically for the view.
- Parking is Easy. Unlike downtown hotels that charge $40 for valet, The Clarendon has a surface lot that is generally much more accessible and affordable, though always check current rates as they fluctuate with demand.
- The Cannabis Policy. If you are sensitive to the smell of smoke, request a room away from the designated consumption zones. The hotel is very good about separating these areas, but it’s better to be proactive.
What to Do Nearby
You shouldn't just stay in the hotel. Midtown is exploding with cool stuff.
- Heard Museum: It’s a short Uber or a long walk away. It’s world-class for Native American art and history.
- Lux Central: The best coffee shop in the city. It’s chaotic, crowded, and the coffee is incredible.
- The Light Rail: It’s just a couple of blocks away. Use it. You can be in the heart of Downtown or at a Diamondbacks game in 15 minutes without worrying about parking.
- George’s Kitchen: If you want a break from the hotel food, this spot nearby has some of the best Mediterranean food in Phoenix.
The Clarendon Hotel and Spa represents a specific side of Phoenix: the side that is creative, slightly rebellious, and deeply tied to its desert roots. It’s a place for people who find beauty in a neon sign and a well-mixed drink. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely not boring. In a world of corporate hospitality, that might be its greatest achievement.
If you want to experience the real Midtown, start by grabbing a drink on the Skydeck at sunset. Watch the planes line up for Sky Harbor and the shadows stretch across the North Mountains. You’ll get it then.
Your Next Steps:
- Verify the Event Schedule: Before you head over, check their official website for rooftop closures. It’s a popular wedding venue.
- Download a Rideshare App: Parking in the surrounding neighborhood is tricky, so if you plan on exploring the bars on 7th Street, don't drive.
- Join the Loyalty Program: They often have "locals only" rates or discounts for repeat guests that aren't advertised on the big travel sites.