Scottsdale has some of the best desert resorts in the United States. They offer stunning settings, top-notch service and a long list of amenities, from spectacular swimming pools to championship golf courses. Scottsdale covers a large area, so you may want to consider location when making your choice of accommodation. Many of the attractions, interesting shops and restaurants are centered around the southern part of the city, in or near Old Town Scottsdale. If you plan to stay at the resort primarily to enjoy the facilities, retreat to the desert, or simply spend some time on a golf course, location is less important. Many of the resorts have everything you need: good food, spas, gyms and programs to keep you entertained. Choose the best place to stay from our list of the top-rated resorts in Scottsdale.
1 Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North
The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North is an elegant luxury resort with just 210 rooms, casitas and suites. Nestled among saguaros and the fantastically shaped boulders in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, the scenic mission-style complex blends perfectly into the desert landscape. Guests can enjoy beautiful desert views from the main lobby, pool, restaurants and rooms and balconies. Unlike some of the larger resorts in Scottsdale, Four Seasons offers a more intimate atmosphere, which combined with an attentive staff makes for a relaxing and stress-free experience.
In recent years, the resort has undergone extensive renovations and upgrades. All accommodations are very private and have a balcony or terrace. Golfers will enjoy the convenience of the iconic Troon North Golf Club with its two beautiful courses right next door. A free shuttle service is available for guests. The resort also has a spa and gym, and fitness classes, such as yoga or guided walks, are available. Dining options include Talavera, an upscale, casual Spanish steakhouse, and Proof, a more relaxing dining experience featuring cuisine from across America, with inviting and beautifully designed indoor and outdoor dining options.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North
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2 The Phoenician
Long one of Scottsdale’s premier resort destinations, the Phoenician continues to evolve after a massive renovation of all areas, including the golf courses. Some buildings have been completely rebuilt. Built on the lower slopes of Camelback Mountain, the resort blends beautifully as it flows down the desert landscape. The new modern design incorporates some of the desert motifs, from a cactus garden to the sophisticated decor. The beautiful three-level swimming pool is perfectly positioned to catch the sun all day long. A separate children’s area with slide and splash pad is good apart from the adults only pool.
The Phoenician has 648 rooms, consisting of standard rooms, casitas and suites. Included in this total are 60 canyon casitas, offering ultimate luxury and privacy. The large rooms have marble bathrooms with a bath and separate shower. Many rooms have a balcony overlooking the pool. The restaurants, including the J & G Steakhouse, Mowry & Cotton and the Relish Burger Bistro, offer a range of dining options from fine dining to casual.
Accommodation: Phoenician
3 Hotel Valley Ho
One of the city’s historic landmark hotels, this mid-century modern classic has been brought back to its former glory by its enthusiastic owners. Often described as cool, Hotel Valley Ho has a hip and trendy atmosphere and is within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale. The location is unbeatable. Well thought out floor plans and 1950s décor combined with the modernized luxury standards of today’s discerning traveler make this one of the most unique places in the city. Each room has its own balcony or terrace and unlike some of the larger resorts, the pools and restaurants are just steps away. Many famous actors and actresses have stayed here over the years, and the hotel is included as a drive-by stop on some city tours. ZuZu, the hotel’s restaurant, has a retro vibe in keeping with the rest of the property.
Accommodation: Hotel Valley Ho
4 The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Photo source: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Whether you’re interested in planning a golf vacation, a family vacation, a romantic weekend, or a friends trip, the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa delivers. Golfers can enjoy the three Scott Miller-designed golf courses right on the property. For pampering and relaxation, look no further than the Agave Spa. Kids can spend all day on the 110-foot water slide and 900-foot lazy river, and all ages can find excitement on the FlowRider, a water feature that lets you surf a permanent wave.
The rooms at the Westin Kierland are large and luxurious and have private balconies that look out over the golf courses or mountain ranges in the distance. Dining options are varied, from casual to fine dining at the newly renovated Nellie Cashman’s or at the Latin-inspired Deseo restaurant.
Accommodation: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
5 Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection
Photo source: Boulders Resort & Spa
Boulders Resort & Spa is located in northern Scottsdale, in a beautiful setting with huge, strangely shaped rocks. This resort has long been a popular destination for golfers. The two beautifully landscaped golf courses flow over 1300 hectares of Sonoran desert. There is also a 33,000 square meter spa with the latest treatments, a labyrinth and shamanic tipi, ideal for meditation or rituals led by a local shaman. Accommodation options range from casitas and villas to executive suites. Regardless of your choice, each room offers luxury and elegance and features a stone shower and a fireplace. Boulders is part of the Hilton collection of hotels.
Accommodation: Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton
6 Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Photo source: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Spread across 23 acres, the modern Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa features the design brilliance of Alexander Girard. The large bungalows each have their own patio or private terrace and display an array of eclectic art from the Cattle Track Arts Compound. You can be as busy or as lazy as you want here. Those looking for sun and relaxation can sit by one of the three swimming pools and those who want to exercise their creative side can sign up for a course led by the artist in residence. If you prefer a little pampering, visit the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary. Andaz Resort is conveniently located just a short drive from historic downtown Scottsdale.
Accommodation: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa
7 Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Photo source: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is a perfect family destination. The resort features a 2.5-acre water park with a three-story water slide, 10 pools, hot tubs and even a white-sand beach. This is a mid-sized resort with 493 lavish rooms and suites, all of which have private balconies or terraces, luxury amenities and refrigerators. It offers views of the mountains, the pool or the golf course. There are plenty of activities at the resort with four lighted tennis courts and guests have access to the Gainey Ranch Golf Club with 27 holes of golf over three courses. One of the most unique features of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is the opportunity to take a gondola ride and be serenaded by a gondolier during a tour of the lakes behind the resort. The resort also has ten restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of dining options, from quick and easy to fine dining.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
8 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Princess
A stay at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess allows you to experience the best of the Sonoran Desert landscape, along with all the luxurious services and amenities the Fairmont chain of hotels are known for. Some of the resort’s highlights include the two nearby golf courses, where guests are provided with preferred tee times, the Well & Being Spa, offering a wide range of soothing treatments, and the six swimming pools, including the unique and innovative 9,000 square-foot Sunset Beach. This is a large resort with 750 rooms and casitas, including large luxurious bathrooms, luxury bedding and terraces with views of the mountains, pools or golf courses. The four restaurants offer Mexican, Latin American and contemporary American cuisines.
Accommodation: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
9 Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas
Unique to the Scottsdale area, the Sheraton Desert Oasis is an all-villa hotel. The resort has 300 one-bedroom villas, in a standard or premium version. Each villa has a balcony or terrace, a full kitchen, a dining area and a separate bedroom. A washing machine and a dryer are also provided. This is an ideal set-up if you want to cook for yourself or plan a longer stay. The resort also has a 4,500 square meter swimming pool with waterfalls and a sun terrace, where light meals are available at the only on-site restaurant. The resort is located in northern Scottsdale, a short distance from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.
Accommodation: Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas
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