The Arizona Biltmore was recognized as a top Phoenix-area conference hotel in the inaugural 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Conference Cities and Best Conference Hotels rankings (photo courtesy of Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts).
U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, announced its inaugural 2026-27 Best Conference Cities and Best Conference Hotels rankings, identifying the top destinations and properties for meetings, conventions and business events across the United States.
While Las Vegas secured the inaugural title as the No. 1 Best Conference City in the U.S. for 2026-27, Phoenix was recognized in the No. 4 spot, with the Arizona Biltmore earning the top spot among Phoenix-area conference hotels.
The publisher called Phoenix a “standout destination,” primarily due to its “stunning desert mountain scenery, 300-some days of sunshine annually and an airport close to the city center.”
The announcement focused on how the city’s hotels “embrace desert decor in the accommodations and meeting spaces with earthy tones, and encourage visitors to unwind after a busy day with amenities like sprawling pools and relaxing spas.”
Developed with input from event industry experts, the new rankings evaluate the factors that matter most to conference planners and attendees, including meeting space, accessibility, affordability, destination appeal and – for hotels – business and leisure amenities.
