Phoenix Hotels|Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Name: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Telephone: 602-225-0100

A culture-filled desert retreat

VERIFIED LUXURY

Learn How We Inspect

The Phoenix-area Gila River Indian Community does more than house Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on its grounds — it informs everything about the hotel’s design and amenities. The result is a unique resort that delivers authentic cultural experiences along with relaxation in the Arizona sun.

The influence of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes are perhaps most vividly felt at the hotel’s Five-Star Kai Restaurant and Five-Star Aji Spa (both of which base their menus on Native American traditions), but there are plenty of other diversions to explore.

Two 18-hole, Troon-managed golf courses boast stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Estrella Mountains. An onsite equestrian center offers lessons and guided rides. Four pools, two tennis courts and plenty of trails for spotting wildlife will also help keep you busy. The attractions of Phoenix and Scottsdale are within 15 miles, and outlet shopping and Rawhide western town are practically at the resort’s doorstep.

Our Inspector's Highlights

Kai Restaurant honors the culture and traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes who live on the reservation on which it is built through ingredients like buffalo and red deer, and the décor (the walls are covered in Native American art).
Take advantage of your trip out West with a private trail ride across the desert plains at the Koli Equestrian Center. The wranglers will even pick you up from the Phoenix hotel via shuttle.
The courses at the Whirlwind Golf Club are considered among the best in Arizona, and are pristinely maintained. It is also possible to take lessons with PGA and LPGA professionals.
At the back of the hotel, past a large communal fire pit and amidst the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert is a series of pools that includes a wading pool and large, twisting water slide that kids love.
Aji means “sanctuary” in the Pima language, and the most unique part about the destination spa is the selection of indigenous treatments, which could be administered by a native medicine woman and include a variety of massages and body treatments approved by tribal leaders.

Things to Know

Even if horseback riding is not on your agenda, the property features two jogging trails — one that is 1.3 miles and one that is 2.5 miles — as well as complimentary yoga, Pilates and meditation classes on weekends.
If your plan is to stick close to the property, you don’t need a car. Shuttles are available to take guests to the nearby casino and Koli Equestrian Center.
Opt for the deluxe rooms. The price difference is minimal, and these balcony rooms face west, and offer stunning views of the sun setting over the Sonoran Desert and mountains.

The Rooms

After a 2021 renovation, the redesigned rooms pay homage to the Pima and Maricopa tribes’ heritage with touches like saguaro cactus rib valances, custom artwork from Gila River Indian Community artists and calendar stick artifacts, which tracked important village events.
The Maricopa group is famous for beautiful pottery while the Pima tribe is known for intricate basket weavings, and nods to both art forms are placed throughout the rooms in the respective guest wings.
The natural beauty of the Gila River Indian Community inspired the rooms’ hues. The browns and tans represent the sweeping mountains and desert landscape that surrounds the Phoenix resort. And blue accents symbolize the Gila River, which once flowed through the area and was a life source for the community.
The accommodations have the latest technology, including 60-inch flat-screen televisions, plenty of outlets and USB ports, additional ambient lighting throughout, insulated walls for better soundproofing, new air-conditioning units and more.

The Restaurants

A staple of Kai’s ever-changing menu, the grilled tenderloin of tribal buffalo is a must-try, served with smoked corn puree, cholla buds, bean chili, merguez sausage and saguaro blossom syrup.
Kai Restaurant features an enormous wine list that includes 29 diverse selections offered by the glass. There are pages and pages of wines by the half-bottle and bottle that a resident sommelier will be happy to guide you through.
Ko'sin, meaning "kitchen" in the Pima language, fuses Native American and Arizona comfort food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this casual spot seven days a week.
Fare at Ko’sin could include buffalo meatloaf, wood-roasted trout or honey hot pork wings all served amid stunning views of the Sierra Estrella Mountain Range.

Amenities