10 best hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona

Set amid the scenic Sonoran Desert, dotted with towering Saguaro cacti and under the gaze of majestic Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale is a true oasis that feels worlds away from the bustle of neighboring Phoenix, the state capital of Arizona that happens to be the fifth-largest city in the U.S.

Scottsdale isn’t just beautiful — it’s also a go-to vacation destination for all types of travelers who come for the year-round sunshine and warm weather. Award-winning golf courses, stunning hiking trails, designer shopping, massive spa retreats and luxurious resorts draw the leisure crowd. Likewise, young people flock in droves for the perfect bachelor or bachelorette party base near the lively dining and nightlife of Old Town.

Related: The best last-minute summer getaways

Scottsdale is also a winning pick for families looking to make memories with kid-friendly resorts featuring megapools and proximity to family-centric activities such as the Odysea aquarium, butterfly pavilion, zoo, and awesome parks and playgrounds.

In short, it really is a place with something for everyone. And the best Scottsdale hotels, below, will all leave you wondering, “Why didn’t I visit before, and how soon can I plan a trip back?”

How to choose the best hotel in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is filled with properties of all stripes, including sprawling golf and spa resorts, design-forward hot spots, and major hotel brand points redemption options.

Keep your vacation interests in mind first and foremost as you research the best hotels in Scottsdale for your travels. If you’re here to relax, choose a resort that’s less likely to attract a raucous crowd. On the flip side, if you’re coming with a big group of friends, you’ll want to avoid the quiet boutique hideaways and stay somewhere close to Old Town buzzing with a bit more activity. Families with kids should look for large pools with waterslides and on-site activities. And outdoors enthusiasts should consider proximity to hiking trails and nature preserves.

Prices can skyrocket in high season, late fall through early spring, when sunshine and warm, pleasant weather are nearly guaranteed. If you solely want to plant yourself in the pool or book a spa treatment, consider a visit in the summer offseason when hot desert temperatures scare away most crowds and lower prices make luxury stays more accessible.

Another important factor is location. If you want to ditch the car and walk most places, choose a property near Old Town. For expansive golf courses and picture-perfect scenery, you’re better off in Paradise Valley or North Scottsdale.

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Related: A mother-daughter staycation in Scottsdale using Marriott points

Keep reading for the best hotels in Scottsdale.

The Scott feels like you’ve jetted off to a beach resort outside Havana, but it’s only five minutes from the best places in Old Town Scottsdale. From the first glimpse of The Scott with its teal and white 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air parked out front, staying here feels like you’ve been transported to another era. In this case, vintage Havana, via an airy lobby with retro-inspired rattan furniture and decor alongside leafy fan palms that sway gently from soft cross breezes wafting from the front door to the back patio.

There are 204 rooms and suites, all of which have private balconies and range from standard rooms with one king or two queen beds up to one-bedroom and presidential suites. The boho vibe from the lobby carries over into the rooms, which also have amenities such as a Nespresso machine, a smart TV fitted for streaming and plush robes.

Two central pools are a focal point, one adjacent to a tiki-style bar and hot tub, while the other is a big perk for families with a beach-style zero entry giving kids the choice between crafting sandcastles or swimming around the lagoon-style pool. Families will also appreciate a big green lawn with rocking chairs, giant Jenga and cornhole.

While well suited for families, the hotel is still exceedingly chic and modern, attracting groups of friends, especially to the highly photogenic The Canal Club restaurant serving Cuban-inspired fare. Save time for a stop at the hidden-away spa — it feels like stepping into an enchanting magic garden for tailored treatments that will leave you glowing.

Seasonal rates at The Scott Resort & Spa start at $149 per night.

If you took the swanky cool vibes of a South Beach hotel, merged it with the midcentury look of a historic Palm Springs hideout and placed it at the foot of Camelback Mountain where Paradise Valley and Scottsdale meet, you’d have Mountain Shadows Resort.

Originally opened in 1959, when it welcomed stars like John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor, the hotel was completely reimagined save for a few preserved details, such as the cement breeze block at the pool. A hallway of pictures off the lobby acts as a mini museum honoring the hotel’s storied past, giving way to a lively bar and restaurant scene that spills out to a patio overlooking two chic 75-foot pools with dramatic desert and mountain views.

The boutique resort has 183 guest rooms, as well as a luxury wing with 42 residence-style suites. Rooms are quite spacious, starting with a generous 427 square feet in standard accommodations. Balconies face the pool, mountains or gardens, and feel contemporary with cement ceilings and open, walk-in glass showers separated from the bedroom only by a modest curtain.

Other amenities include a fitness facility, an 18-hole short course with a golf grill and lounge, and 37,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, making it a popular wedding destination.

Seasonal rates at Mountain Shadows Resort start at $199 per night.

Set in North Scottsdale, this aptly-named sprawling resort covers 1,300 acres of Sonoran Desert foothills with jaw-dropping views of 12-million-year-old boulder rock formations. The setting is nothing short of magnificent, with undisturbed terrain and indigenous plant life that feels like you’ve arrived at a true desert oasis.

Southwestern-inspired adobe casitas come with fabulous details such as wood-burning fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings and natural stone showers. Or choose one of the fully-furnished one-, two- or three-bedroom Hacienda or Villa vacation homes with full kitchens, grills, washer-dryers and furnished outdoor terraces that are ideal for families, multigenerational getaways and extended vacations.

There’s so much to do on property you’ll never need — or want — to leave. Unwind on a lounge chair next to the large main pool surrounded by giant boulders, including one with a waterfall cascading down. Play a round on one of the two award-winning Jay Morrish-designed golf courses. Go hiking or rock climbing on nearby trails, then work out the kinks at the 33,000-square-foot spa with desert-inspired treatments. The spa is also where you’ll find an adults-only pool, a cafe, a fitness center and a setting so serene you’ll have no choice but to bliss out. There are also five on-site restaurants, from fine dining to Mexican fare and a golf course grill, and plentiful racquet sports, including tennis and pickleball courts.

Seasonal rates at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton start at $178 or 54,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa ticks all the boxes for a great vacation — and it happens to be Bill Marriott’s favorite hotel (we fully understand why). The location is ideal, near enough to Old Town Scottsdale to get there easily for dinner, but nestled in peaceful and posh Paradise Valley. The casita-style rooms have private patios and modern furnishings that feel luxe, and the rustic-feeling lobby flows out to a picturesque, flower-filled terrace under string lights with a bubbling fountain, often with live music humming in the background. And that’s just the start.

Multiple dining options are available, from a casual poolside grill to a fine-dining steakhouse to a modern Mexican eatery. There’s also a glam lobby bar and a Starbucks next to a well-stocked boutique.

Families will love staying here, not just for the spacious rooms but also for the on-site playground. (Don’t miss the Wild West-themed communal area; often used for private events, it’s open to guests and looks like a working movie set that kids will love to explore.) An adjacent hiking trail gives direct mountain access, too.

The main Jackrabbit pool deck is impressive, with ample seating, a waterfall feature and plenty of room to splash around. There’s also a smaller children’s pool and another just for adults, ensuring everyone can have a good time.

Speaking of the 18-and-over set, the spa is a must-visit. The 32,000-square-foot space provides sublime treatments with wet and dry saunas, a large whirlpool and several relaxation areas, including large outdoor terraces. A boutique and dedicated restaurant flank a large pool reserved for spagoers.

But wait, there’s more: Tennis courts, pickleball courts and a fitness center are on-site, too, and championship golf is a quick 4-mile drive away.

Seasonal rates at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa start at $224 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

At this luxury enclave near Old Town, 23 secluded acres house three sparkling pools, a large collection of bungalows, a spa and the excellent on-site restaurant, Weft & Warp.

The hotel delivers whether you’re looking for a wellness-focused stay, a romantic getaway, a family vacation or even a pet-friendly stay (there’s no fee for furry companions).

The 185 rooms scattered around the property range from studio-style bungalows to wellness-minded suites with Tonal smart gym systems. All have private patios, spalike showers (some of which are outdoors), local art and sun-soaked interiors with midcentury-modern furnishings.

Staying here comes with loads of extras, like access to a complimentary house car within a 3-mile radius, evening turndown service, fitness classes, electric bike rentals and free admission to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Add-on activities include perfume creation, art instruction, mixology workshops, birdwatching and cooking classes.

Don’t miss a meal at the hotel’s main restaurant, Weft & Warp, for modern Mediterranean cuisine and terrace seating above the hotel’s main Turquoise Pool. Live music adds to the scene a few nights a week; a six-course chef’s tasting menu allows you to try all the best seasonal plates.

Seasonal rates at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows start at $194 per night.

With large resorts as the norm in Scottsdale, Hermosa Inn feels like you’ve snuck away to discover a well-kept secret. The boutique resort has just 43 charming, hacienda-style rooms and dates back to the 1930s when it was opened by famed cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee, whose original artwork still covers the walls.

The property includes idyllic gardens, a tranquil pool and a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Lon’s, with a romantic outdoor patio. The guest rooms and bougainvillea-draped casitas all embrace their Southwestern cowboy heritage with vaulted ceilings, warm wood and leather accents, as well as fireplaces and private patios. Upgrade to one of the Deluxe Casitas, which range from 600 to 700 square feet, and you’ll also have four-poster beds, oversized bathrooms with walk-in showers and antique pedestal tubs, or choose the Grande Casitas, which come with a separate living room.

While you’re here, check the calendar for the hotel’s Mimosa & Monet art classes, winemaker dinners and candlelit tasting menus served in a subterranean wine cellar.

Seasonal rates at The Hermosa Inn start at $270 per night.

Midcentury design is a centerpiece of the colorful and lively hotel, with rooms and suites split between the historic main hotel and a newer, contemporary tower focused on boutique luxury and sprawling residential-style suites. Whichever you pick, expect retro mod accommodations that feel very Palm Springs with private patios, terrazzo-tile bathrooms with soaking tubs, and, extra bonus, absolutely no resort fees.

In addition to design lovers, the hotel is popular with destination bachelor and bachelorette party crowds for its prime location near Old Town’s lively restaurants and bars. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel’s photogenic decor is perfect for selfies and social media.

And the hotel’s all-day restaurant, ZuZu, is just the spot for cocktails, brunch or dinner before a night on the town (save room for an over-the-top shake that’s designed for a spot on your Instagram feed).

During the day, the two pools with daybeds and cabanas are the place to be, plus there’s a full spa for much-needed morning-after rejuvenation.

Seasonal rates at Hotel Valley Ho start at $183 per night.

Scottsdale isn’t short on indulgent resort properties, but The Phoenician stands out as truly palatial. The property’s nine dining venues, ranging from a proper tea room to a classic steakhouse and a lobby bar with killer sunset views, as well as multiple pools, a spa with a Drybar and nail salon, an 18-hole golf course, a collection of boutique-style shops, and more may give you little desire to leave its confines.

The pools are certainly a highlight, including one crafted from mother-of-pearl. Certain areas are welcome for all guests, while others are adults-only, and a family-friendly pool and splash zone comes with a treehouse, swaying bridge, spray guns, water spouts, sails and ship helm that is a dream come true for little ones.

The spa is enormous, with a rooftop and vitality pool for its guests, steam and sauna, and nourishing treatments for body and soul.

The everything-bigger-is-better approach to hospitality extends to the 645 guest rooms, where even a standard room counts 600 square feet, and suites easily double that. All have oversized marble bathrooms, Frette linens and well-furnished balconies with views of the pools, gardens or golf course.

And, note that there is a stunning hotel-within-a-hotel here; Canyon Suites offers elevated accommodations, its very own pool and exclusive concierge services for an even more elegant experience.

Seasonal rates at The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale start at $343 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

There’s no fear of sleeping in a tired or dated room here. At just under 4 years old, it’s one of the city’s newest options and you’re guaranteed a stylish, comfortable and affordable stay in a central location.

There are 177 rooms touting a modern aesthetic, with beds featuring the signature “Canopy” headboard — in this case, fashioned from local wood and etched with copper to mimic the feel of the sun setting behind Camelback Mountain. They range in size from 375 square feet for a standard room to 550 square feet for a junior suite and nearly 1,000 square feet for a one-bedroom option.

The hotel also has a rooftop pool, a fitness center and an American brasserie restaurant with Southwest flair, as well as a bar and rooftop lounge. In addition to everything feeling shiny and new. The location is fantastic, too, within walking distance of world-class dining and shopping at nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall.

Seasonal rates at Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town start at $178 or 55,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Scottsdale is where the golf pros go to play, and the PGA Tour’s top-attended event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, takes place right at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

So unsurprisingly, the hotel has a host of amenities for golfers, including a dedicated concierge, a well-stocked golf shop, preferred courses and tee times, and multiple packages tailored specifically to this group of guests.

The AAA Five Diamond, 65-acre property also has five restaurants, a pampering spa, a kids club and a location right near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and its slew of hiking trails.

The 750 rooms start at a spacious 525 square feet and increase in size from there in the upgraded Gold-level rooms and suites. All have balconies, work areas and oversized showers.

Families who love an expansive resort with activities planned specifically for kids will find much to like here, too. There are a whopping six pools, including the flagship, 6,000-square-foot Sonoran Splash Pool with two 200-foot twisting waterslides, as well as a zero-entry pool deck and sand area with beach toys for littles. There’s also Sunset Beach, the largest pool at 9,000 square feet, with a white-sand beach and splash pad. For a quieter scene, Sonoran Landing is adults-only, while Princess Pool has sweeping views of lush lagoons and golf courses.

While summer tends to see fewer crowds due to the heat, the Fairmont hardly scales back — catch a dive-in movie, go lagoon fishing, join poolside games and, on all summer weekends, guests receive complimentary admission to camp-themed activities, too.

Seasonal rates at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess start at $196 per night.

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