The Best Scottsdale Resorts: A Local's Guide

Scottsdale Resorts:
Which One is Right for You?

Scottsdale Resorts are known for being some of the best in the world.

While they all offer luxury and decadence, each are unique in their own way.

So, the question is, how do you know which will be right for you?

Here's my suggestion. Figure out what your basic needs and wants are, first. Then read on to learn which of our magnificent Scottsdale Resorts will suit you best.

What do I mean by basic needs and wants?

Well, depending on what you want (i.e. a golf-centered vacay, romance at a secluded hideaway, or the hottest spot in town), there are resorts that will cater to those "wants" better than others.

And...

Depending on what you need (i.e. pet-friendly, kid-friendly, a specific location), there are certain resorts that will satisfy those needs more than others.

I have organized our Scottsdale resorts according to these specific needs and wants.

So use this page like a Table of Contents, to start learning more about our best (and my favorite), resorts in Scottsdale.

Photo Credit: Intercontinental Montelucia

Ready? Let's get started!

Guide to our Best Scottsdale Resorts

Arizona Biltmore Hotel

Size: Large, 740 Rooms

Golf: 36 Holes

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes, up to 50 lbs, with a $100 deposit, $50 refundable.

Romantic: Not especially.

Location: Biltmore area. Next to the action.

Description: One of the most well-known resorts near Scottsdale. A landmark of Phoenix, famous for its Frank Lloyd Wright influenced design and a favorite of celebrities and U.S. Presidents since its establishment in 1929. This is a destination that offers culture, luxury and a colorful history.

The Boulders Resort

Size: Medium, 220 Rooms

Golf: 36 Holes

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Not especially.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, with a $100 non-refundable deposit.

Romantic: Yes

Location: North Scottsdale. Very secluded.

Description: A natural refuge, with architecture designed to blend harmoniously into the Sonoran Desert. Voted "Best Golf Resort" by Travel & Liesure and Conde Nast Traveler. If you're seeking a quiet escape, but want some of the best amenities around, out of all the Scottsdale Resorts, this should be your destination.

Camelback Inn

Size: Large, 453 Rooms

Golf: 36 Holes

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes, with a $75 non-refundable deposit.

Romantic: Yes

Location: Scottsdale/Paradise Valley border, close to Old Town. Semi-secluded.

Description: Another one of our landmark Scottsdale Resorts, built on 125 acres of lush desert landscape. All guest rooms are lavish, pueblo-style casitas, spread out so you feel you are in your own private home. This resort offers beautiful views and a perfect location to explore the best of Old Town.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

Size: Medium, 210 Rooms

Golf: 36 Holes

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes, no deposit up to 25 lbs.

Romantic: Yes

Location: North Scottsdale. Secluded.

Description: Features individual casitas with spacious bathrooms, deep-soaking tubs and a private terrace or patio. With breathtaking views of the valley, this resort will make you feel as though you're king of the world. It upholds the standards of excellence you can expect from any Four Season Resort.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Size: Large, 649 Rooms

Golf: 36 Holes, Home of the Phoenix Open

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Yes - The most kid-friendly of them all.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, $25/day non-refundable deposit

Romantic: Somewhat

Location: North Scottsdale. Close to the action.

Description: This is one of our highly acclaimed Scottsdale resorts, and one of the most well-known in the area. Home to the Annual PGA Tour Phoenix Open, a popular event that takes place in Scottsdale each year.

Firesky Resort
Firesky Resort Scottsdale

Size: Medium, 204 Rooms

Golf: N/A, Golf courses close-by

Spa: Yes, Full Service

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes - The most pet-friendly of them all. No deposit required.

Romantic: Yes

Location: Old Town Scottsdale. In the heart of the action.

Description: One of my favorite Scottsdale resorts due to its location and exquisite Mediterranean-style tropical gardens. Very close to all the action of Old Town, yet it still feels secluded and private.

Hermosa Inn

Size: Small, 34 Rooms

Golf: N/A

Spa: In-room spa services

Kid-Friendly: Not particularly.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, no deposit required.

Romantic: Yes - very. Known for being one of our most romantic hideaways.

Location: Scottsdale/Paradise Valley border. Semi-secluded.

Description: A historic boutique resort, originally the home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee. One of the more private, unique and romantic destinations in the valley. This is where you should go if you're looking for the perfect escape hideaway.

Hyatt Gainey Ranch

Size: Large, 493 rooms

Golf: Yes, 27 holes

Spa: Yes, Full-Service

Kid-Friendly: Yes, very.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, $50/day non-refundable pet fee.

Romantic: Yes

Location: 5 minutes from Old Town. Close to the action.

Description: Perhaps one of the most well-known of our Scottsdale Resorts. It's beautiful. The location is great. And it has some very cool unique amenities...(i.e. a very large pool area and gondola rides).

JW Marriott
JW Marriott Phoenix

Size: Very large, 950

Golf: Yes, 18 holes

Spa: Yes

Kid-Friendly: Yes, somewhat.

Pet-Friendly: No

Romantic: No

Location: North Phoenix, on the border of Scottsdale. 20 minutes from Old Town.

Description: This is by far, the largest resort in the valley. It's a favorite location for major conferences simply due to its size. It's low on the romance factor, yet still a very noteworthy destination with excellent amenities (everyone loves the lazy river!).

Montelucia Resort

Size: Medium, 285 Rooms

Golf: N/A, Golf courses close by.

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Not particularly.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, $100 pet-cleaning fee.

Romantic: Yes, very.

Location: Paradise Valley. Semi-secluded.

Description: With its beautiful European style architecture and some of the most spectacular views in the area, this is a resort that delivers gorgeous scenery at every turn. The details and attention put into the design, make this one of the most eye-catching destinations in the valley.

Phoenician Scottsdale

Size: Large, 583 Rooms

Golf: 27 Holes

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Yes, very.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, under 40 lbs. No deposit required.

Romantic: Somewhat.

Location: 5 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. Close to the action.

Description: This hotel was the ultimate luxury destination when it was first built. It features imported Italian marble accents, lush tropical landscaping and a $25 million dollar art collection. If you want to be close to all the action in Scottsdale, this is a great spot.

Ritz Carlton Phoenix

Size: Medium, 281 Rooms

Golf: N/A, Golf courses close by.

Spa: Full-Service

Kid-Friendly: No

Pet-Friendly: Yes, $125 cleaning fee.

Romantic: No. More business oriented.

Location: Biltmore area. In the heart of the action.

Description: A luxurious urban destination, within the heart of the shopping, dining and financial district of Phoenix. Most people know what kind of quality they can expect from a Ritz Carlton property. If you want to be close to the Biltmore, Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix, this is where you should stay.

Royal Palms Resort

Size: Small, 119 Rooms

Golf: N/A, Golf courses close by.

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes, up to 18" or 30 lbs, $250 deposit, $100 non-refundable

Romantic: Yes - extremely.

Location: 5 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. Close to the action.

Description: One of our most beautiful Scottsdale resorts...and one of the most romantic. With the feel of a Mediterranean villa, rooms overlook tiered garden terraces and beautiful fountains, lined by exotic palm trees and vibrant bougainvillea.

Sanctuary on Camelback

Size: Small, 105 Rooms

Golf: N/A

Spa: Full-Service, Award-Winning

Kid-Friendly: Not particularly.

Pet-Friendly: Yes, up to 50 lbs, $100 non-refundable pet fee.

Romantic: Yes, very.

Location: On the North face of Camelback mountain, looking out towards Paradise Valley.

Description: A boutique intimate hideaway and one of my favorite Scottsdale Resorts...with Asian-inspired design including a breathtaking infinity-edge pool and the best spa in Scottsdale. If you're going strictly for a spa vacation in Scottsdale, this is the perfect destination for you.

Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Size: Large, 732 rooms

Golf: Yes, 27 holes

Spa: Full service.

Kid-friendly: Yes, very.

Pet-friendly: Yes, no deposit required.

Romantic: Not particularly.

Location: North Scottsdale, close to the action.

Description: One of our very family-friendly Scottsdale Resorts. Adults will love it as much as the kids. It has a prime location next to Kierland Commons and other shopping, dining and entertainment in North Scottsdale.

W Hotel Scottsdale

Size: Medium, 225 rooms

Golf: No

Spa: Yes, Full-service.

Kid-friendly: No

Pet-friendly: Yes, up to 40 lbs. $100 non-refundable deposit.

Romantic: Not particularly.

Location: Old Town Scottsdale. In the heart of the action.

Description: One of our most trendy hotels in Scottsdale. People who stay at the W are looking for a hip, happening experience. And they get it. In fact, as a local, my friends and I usually frequent this hotel on the weekends because of the nightlife scene and rooftop pool.

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Scottsdale Resorts:Which One is Right for You?

Scottsdale Resorts:
Which One is Right for You?