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:
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!