Just 15 minutes’ drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale has huge appeal as a trendy desert destination, with a plethora of hip hotels, heaps of great eateries and a seemingly endless array of outdoorsy activities. Accommodation options range from small inns with great restaurants to expansive spa resorts, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Described by the New York Times as “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach”, Scottsdale has long been popular with a lively, late-night crowd. Some of the best places to stay in Scottsdale have, in fact, been big-hitters since the glitzy Fifties — and the city is still on the up!

Some of our Scottsdale collections:

• Scottsdale Spa Resorts and Hotels
• The Best Resorts in Scottsdale
• The Best Scottsdale Tennis Hotels
• Best Luxury Hotels in Scottsdale
• Best Boutique Hotels in Scottsdale

Explore Old Town Scottsdale on foot for a fun sense of the Wild West, before pondering the city’s past at the Museum of the West and the Scottsdale Historical Museum. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is fantastic, as is the adjacent Scottsdale Centre for Performing Arts — do look into exhibitions and events before you travel. The city inspired architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and his studio, Taliesin West, is well worth visiting. Cosanti, the home and studio of his student Paolo Soleri, is also open to the public.

Much of Arizona’s appeal lies in its spectacular landscapes, and Scottsdale is no different. Spend your days hiking, mountain biking and horse riding around Camelback Mountain, take thrilling hot air balloon rides, or follow an expert guide to delve into the region’s complex ecosystems and fascinating biodiversity. There's rafting, kayaking and fishing to try, as well as an impressive number of golf courses in the area.

Round off your days with indulgent spa treatments or big nights out at sophisticated eateries and buzzing bars — some of which are part of the best places to stay in Scottsdale!

The Best Places to Stay in Scottsdale

For Contemporary Cool

• The Saguaro is a colourful, modern hotel offering chic accommodation in the heart of old town Scottsdale. Poolside DJ sets and live music ensure it's a buzzing place. Plus there's a spa for the morning after, and the Mexican food is award-winning.
• Mountain Shadows Resort offers swish, ultra-modern rooms with beautiful bathrooms and striking Camelback Mountain views. A bold reinvention of a chic 1950s hotspot once popular with the likes of John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor, this is a seriously cool pick for a poolside cocktail.
• W Scottsdale is a hip contemporary hotel with a youthful feel. Set in downtown Scottsdale, this is a great pick for sociable travellers looking to chill out beside the central pool or at the glitzy bar. Sleek, minimalist rooms have crisp, clean lines and modern art pieces. A playful base with four eateries and a lovely spa.

FOR FAMILIES

• Hotel Valley Ho is a quirky and colourful hotel with an almost futuristic feel, just 5 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. Generously-proportioned suites and a big outdoor pool make this a fun pick for families.
• Four Seasons Scottsdale features gorgeous contemporary rooms in traditionally-styled casitas, fusing soothing vibes with a real thirst for adventure. Explorers will love discovering the desert by mountain bikes, whilst the designated kids' pool should prove a hit with little ones, as will the superb kids club activities — ranging from fun science experiments to tracking animals in the desert. Highlights include two nearby golf courses, fantastic eateries, and an excellent spa. A luxury resort for the whole family.
• The Phoenician really does have it all. This luxurious resort boasts eight dining options, an extensive pool complex, a spa, seven tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. Spend your days on family bike rides and hikes through the desert landscape, or try rejuvenating treatments whilst the little ones play at the kids club. Flexible rooms options are the icing on the cake.
• JW Marriott Camelback Inn sits at the foot of Camelback Mountain, with traditionally-inspired casitas, two 18-hole golf courses, six restaurants, a spa, & endless activities for the whole family, including hiking, cycling, tennis and horse riding. For couples or families keen on timeless Arizona style.
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a brilliant family choice, complete with an excellent kids club, six swimming pools, two golf courses, four restaurants and a spa. An enormous resort with something for everyone, set in northern Scottsdale.

For Romance

• Adero Scottsdale is a beautiful resort with panoramic desert views, farm-to-table cuisine, a sumptuous spa, heaps of desert-focused activities and enchanting nightly star-gazing. Wonderful for special celebrations or couples' getaways, the property has 177 glamorous rooms and suites and a tranquil, luxurious feel.
• The Scott Resort & Spa promises an indulgent escape with fresh, Scandi-style interiors, two swimming pools and a fabulous spa. This adults-only property boasts top-notch cuisine and cocktails, making it a fun pick for groups of friends on holiday together. Also very romantic.

For a Foodie Inn

• Hermosa Inn is a hacienda-style artist’s residence turned boutique hotel, with a warm, cosy feel. Think big beds, leather upholstery, handwoven textiles and lovely fireplaces. Highlights include the lovely outdoor pool and a chic restaurant serving gourmet fare. A charming, traditional choice for foodie couples!
• Bespoke Inn is an elegant spot in Old Town Scottsdale's arts district. Rooms and suites are filled with antiquess, but the big draw is the award-winning seasonal restaurant, Virtu Honest Craft. Menus change daily and focus on the freshest local ingredients, to be savoured on the shaded terrace.

FOR LUXURY & A SPA

• Sanctuary Resort at Camelback offers a sophisticated resort experience, with suites, casitas and private villas overlooking spectacular Paradise Valley and Camelback Mountain. Book a Spa Suite or Spa Casita for maximum proximity to the spa and fitness centre. Rejuvenate your mind and body with one of the signature Asian-inspired treatments, before tucking into gourmet fare at the famed Elements restaurant. Super-chic and luxurious.
• Royal Palms Resort & Spa is a timeless classic, on a 65-acre estate between Phoenix and Scottsdale, which first opened as a hotel in 1948. Elegant suites and casitas boast characterful wooden beams, big beds and lovely outdoor patios, whilst families will adore the six villas. Relax with Mediterranean treatments at the Alvadora Spa, try tai chi or yoga, explore the biking and running trails, and chill out by the pool before tucking in to marvellous Mediterranean food at T.Cooks. An ideal choice for old-school charm.
• Boulders Resort & Spa is tucked amidst the enormous rocks of the Arizona desert, promising a real sense of escapism. Ingredients from the desert are used to create restorative treatments in the 33,000 sq. ft. spa oasis, there are two acclaimed golf courses, and rooms take the form of traditional casitas, blending beautifully with the landscape. Interiors are surprisingly lavish.
• Civana Wellness Resort & Spa is a more modern property, with crisp, white interiors and the feel of a holistic retreat. Begin your days with a hydrotherapy thermal circuit, choose from 70+ complimentary fitness, personal growth and spiritual classes per week, and nourish your body with delicious, healthy dishes. There are also nature-focused activities aplenty. A wellbeing haven.

For Great Value

• Andaz Scottsdale is a slick spot near central Scottsdale, with desert views from the outdoor pool, an inviting spa and swish rooms with big bathrooms. The restaurant is also excellent. A great value choice for a chic resort stay as a couple or with friends.

FOR A HOLIDAY HOME OR APARTMENT

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Scottsdale?

• Fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and travel by bus or taxi to your destination in nearby Scottsdale, just 15 minutes away.
• Arizona is great for a road trip! If you would like to hire a car, we recommend that you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Expect very hot summers and fairly cold winters. Plan your trip during the shoulder months (March to May or October and November) for the best weather.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Phoenix.
• Alternatively, check out our pick of the best places to stay in Arizona.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Scottsdale