Holiday splendor hits Valley

Phoenix's gorgeous resorts are amped up even more during the holidays. You don't have to be a tourist or hotel guest to enjoy the twinkling lights, gleaming gold accents and classy holiday touches at these spots:

Arizona Biltmore

This Valley institution celebrates the holidays with a sophisticated flair. The focal point is a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree on the front lawn. The tree has become a Valley tradition, done up with simple, ball-shaped metallic ornaments.

The music of Dickens carolers fill the air as you walk into the lobby. You won't miss the 5- by 10-foot gingerbread house, the result of more than 300 hours of work by the hotel's pastry team, headed by master pastry chef Thomas Huebner. More Christmas trees and a menorah dot the lobby. Pine garlands are strewn around the hotel's famous textile block walls.

Details: 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com.

Montelucia Intercontinental

While not technically in Phoenix, the new Spanish-inspired luxury resort in Paradise Valley shines with more than 50,000 lights sprinkled throughout more than 35 acres of landscape. The arrival drive boasts a 45-foot-tall tree. Four more trees throughout the property are decorated with Moroccan-style lanterns.

Relax and take in the décor by the open fireplaces and sparkling fountains that are inspired by the white-washed villages of Southern Spain.

Details: 4949 E Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. 480-627-3200, icmontelucia .com.

Camelback Inn

Another spot just over the city limits, the Camelback Inn has just completed a $50 million facelift that includes a remodeled courtyard, lobby and garden. Signs ringed with garland and lights greet visitors from the the driveway. The trees and the outside of the resort will glisten with white lights, starbursts and tinsel.

A wreath on the front door and a 20-foot-tall tree with presents underneath welcome visitors. Paloverde trees in the courtyard are covered in more lights.

Details: 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale. 480-948-1700, camelbackinn.com.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort

Nestled against scenic Camelback Mountain, the Sanctuary gets gussied up for the holidays with a 20-foot live tree personalized with ornaments donated by each department. Bold poinsettias welcome visitors at the entry steps of the resort, with more lining the silver wall inside the main entrance. Find holiday wreaths and trees dressed in lights scattered throughout the swanky hotel.

Details: 5700 E McDonald Drive, Scottsdale. 480-948-2100, sanctuaryon camelback.com.

W Hotel

The décor at the W is understated, keeping with the hotel's swanky metropolitan aura. Instead of trees, lush botanicals in cool winter colors fill the lobby, including white calla lilies, dendrobium, and purple vanda orchids. Look out for the wheat-grass display that has its own forward-thinking holiday touch. Stroll through lobby and inhale the musky scent of bergamot orange peel, Moroccan clove and other spices emanating from handmade candles. Hotel guests are treated to cranberry spice nectar, maple-syrup-infused crème brulee and cranberry granola squares.

Details: 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-970-2100, starwood hotels.com.

A 65-foot tree decorated with metallic ornaments and poinsettia plants welcome guests to the Arizona Biltmore.