Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Katrina
Bask in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, the former Old West town outside Phoenix. Nowadays it is a hotbed for golf courses, mid-century modern architecture, and living well. Go on a hike through the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Behold the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece Taliesin West. Or explore Scottsdale’s charming Old Town. Here are the best luxury hotels in Scottsdale, all of which offer their own versions of desert bliss.
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale (6000 E Camelback Rd.; 480-941-8200) Phoenician
Stay at this 645-room megaresort, part of the Marriott family, for what Afar calls “one of the classic Arizona desert hotel experiences.” You might not ever need to venture out—there are eight pools, eight dining options, 11 tennis courts, a spa, golf, and a kids club. Some Tripadvisor reviewers complain about room views, so be sure to ask when booking. “The view from our balcony was a cement wall,” says one, “and a lot of people in our group have roof views or solar panel views. But the beds are extremely comfortable and the food is very good.” >> Book this hotel for less
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa (5700 E McDonald Dr.; 855- 421-3522) Paradise Valley
This sleek resort of casitas, suites and villas and spa spreads across 53 acres on the north side of Camelback Mountain. Condé Nast Traveler likes that it sits near “the hiker’s playground in neighboring Paradise Valley” and that “Beyoncé and Jay-Z honeymooned here … expect more understated elegance than outright glitz.” One Google reviewer points out that the exclusive vibe may not be ideal for everyone: “Good for an intimate experience …and great overall, albeit overpriced compared to similar resorts, and fairly small pool and amenities.” >> Book this hotel for less
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows (6114 N. Scottsdale Rd.; 480-368-1234) Paradise Valley
Travel+Leisure commends this Hyatt boutique-style resort as a “a 23-acre oasis in the city. It feels like you’re a world away, when in fact, it’s a mere five-minute drive from the Old Town. Each room offers a private entrance, a huge two-person shower, and a sunning terrace.” Enjoy three pools, a spa, and complimentary yoga and meditation classes. A Tripadvisor user likes the “mid-century vibe with the feel of a curated art gallery in every room. Bungalows are the way to go—lots of privacy.” >> Book this hotel for less
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255•(480) 585-4848) North Scottsdale
With six pools, two golf courses, a spa, and daily activities, this 750-room, Mexican-Colonial-style Fairmont resort is “big and busy,” writes Afar. “There is always something for everybody to do—just one of the reasons it’s popular for family reunions, school holidays, and weddings.” It’s so big, says one Tripadvisor user, that one might “need a road map to get from lobby to room, but a beautiful resort.” Another user agrees that it’s very family-friendly. “We had three young girls in our group who participated in so many of the resort activities [like] rock climbing, zip line and laser tag, and we also had two babies and we were able to bring them everywhere.” >> Book this hotel for less
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale (10600 E Crescent Moon Dr; 480-515-5700) Troon North
This 210-room Four Seasons resort “offers an escape to the natural world,” writes Afar, and “one of Arizona’s most lauded golf courses, Troon, is a short drive away, as is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s 225 miles of pristine hiking and biking trails.” Onsite, the resort has a two-level pool, a spa, a Spanish-influenced steakhouse, and day trips to Sedona. It’s easy—and perhaps most convenient—to stay put, says one Google reviewer. “It has a quiet feel away from the city, but it’s about 25-30 minutes to downtown Scottsdale, and with a few restaurants and other spaces about 10–15 minutes away.” >> Book this hotel for less
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