Top Resorts in Scottsdale, AZ: A Desert Oasis

If you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, you’re in for a treat. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication.

Visitors can explore the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where hiking and biking trails provide breathtaking views of the desert, or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the area’s rugged beauty. With over 330 days of sunshine a year, Scottsdale is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities, from golfing on world-class courses to embarking on scenic desert tours.

In addition to its natural beauty, Scottsdale boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and live performance venues to occupy each day of your getaway. The city’s Old Town district is a lively hub filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants, offering visitors a taste of Southwestern culture and cuisine.

Scottsdale is also known for its luxurious resorts, making it a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. In this post, we’ll highlight the top resorts in Scottsdale that promise a memorable stay.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort: The Perfect Family Getaway

One excellent Arizona Resort is Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort, a fantastic option for families and couples alike. Located within the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the resort provides luxurious amenities and easy access to local attractions like golf courses, shopping centers, and hiking trails.

The resort’s villa-style accommodations feature separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, a washer and dryer, and free Wi-Fi—perfect for families or extended stays. You can choose from a variety of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom options to suit your preferences and group size. The luxurious Three-Bedroom Signature Collection villa is excellent for larger groups. It sleeps up to eight guests comfortably and comes with an entertainment and video gaming system, a kitchen with an espresso machine, a beverage cooler, and a private patio or balcony.

The resort features three outdoor pools, including a family pool with a waterfall and a quiet adults-only pool. The resort’s Splash Canyon has a waterslide and interactive water features. Families can also take advantage of the resort’s dedicated kids’ activities and game room, making it an ideal destination for vacations with children. Plus, there’s a fitness center where you can get in a workout and a marketplace stocked with snacks and other goodies.

The onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner amid lively Southwest decor. Enjoy tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and a range of decadent desserts, then try enjoy a signature cocktail by the outdoor fireplace.

The Phoenician: A Luxury Collection Resort

The Phoenician is an iconic resort in Scottsdale that embodies luxury and sophistication. It sits at the base of Camelback Mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Guests can choose to stay in rooms, casitas, or suites—some with multiple bedrooms. But no matter which room you choose, there are always plenty of activities and seasonal events to keep you entertained. Sing along to crowd-pleasing songs at the Dueling Pianos event every Saturday. Experience unique dining experiences, like Taste of Tavern. Take a cocktail mixology class on Fridays. There are also guided bike tours, cactus garden tours, self-guided art history tours, and iced tea sampling.

For those who want to relax, The Phoenician Spa offers massages, facials, body scrubs, and much more—all inspired by the surrounding desert. When you’re finished with your treatment, you can enjoy the lounge area or the rooftop pool. There’s also an 18-hole golf course onsite (par 71) created by Phil Smith to celebrate the beauty of Arizona.

When it’s time to eat, guests can choose from multiple restaurants, including J&G Steakhouse and Mowry & Cotton.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon Noon

Set in the high Sonoran Desert, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers a true escape into the natural beauty of Arizona. The resort blends seamlessly into the desert landscape, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment.

The resort’s casitas sleep 2-3 adults, with a single king or two double beds plus a sofa bed. Casitas have private balconies, fireplaces, and soaking tubs. Suites are larger, with separate bedrooms and private plunge pools.

The resort offers many events and tours, including a day trip to see the Grand Canyon, a Scottsdale hiking tour, and a Jeep tour of Sedona’s famous red rocks. There’s also a free shuttle to the Troon North Golf Club, which has two 18-hole courses. The spa has a variety of unique services, like the Himalayan Salt Journey, which includes a Himalayan salt bath and massage using salt stones. There are also massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

There are several resort dining options to choose from. Talavera is a contemporary steakhouse with beautiful views. If you’re in the mood for American comfort food, check out Proof. Saguaro Blossom has lighter dishes, like salads and ceviche, served poolside.

Andaz Scottsdale Resorts & Bungalows

For a modern take on luxury, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows offers a unique boutique experience. Known for its artistic flair and mid-century modern design, this resort provides a more intimate setting than some of the larger resorts in Scottsdale.

Accommodations include suites and bungalows situated around the 23-acre property. Each one has a private entrance, a private patio, an oversized shower, a fully stocked bar, and artwork and furniture by local artists.

Amenities include three pools, including the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary pool, which has poolside cabanas for outdoor massages. The resort also offers workshops and classes: take a morning yoga class, make your own perfume, create and enjoy seasonal cocktails, learn more about the region’s owls, hawks, and falcons, and much more.

If you want to see the surrounding area, there are several guided tour options, including mountain biking, paddle boarding, ATV excursions, hiking, and kayaking. If you’d rather explore on your own, the resort offers complimentary electric bike rentals and car service (within three miles). Guests can also enjoy complimentary admission to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary offers a variety of services plus steam rooms, outdoor hot tubs, a private pool, and outdoor seating. Services include massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Andaz is especially good for couples or solo travelers who are looking for a tranquil and creative retreat.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a large, luxurious resort perfect for anyone looking for an all-inclusive experience. Known for hosting large events, the Fairmont offers world-class amenities across its expansive property.

Accommodations include guest rooms, suites, and villas. Guest rooms have beautiful views, walk-in showers, and a mini fridge. Suites are on the third and fourth floors of the resort’s main building, and include a sitting area, a chaise lounge, and two TVs. The resort also has Privado Villas, a AAA Five Diamond resort located within Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy the resort’s six pools, including a sunset beach pool with 9,000 square feet of sand, a splash pad, and oversized lounge chairs. The resort is also next to TPC Scottsdale, home of the PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open. If you’re in the mood for shopping, you’ll find several stores onsite. Browse athleisure, lounge apparel, swimwear, artisan goods, home décor, sunglasses, hats, and items from top labels like Free People, Gucci, Tom Ford, and Louis Vuitton.

If a spa treatment is on your wish list, you can choose from Well & Being Spa or Sisley-Paris Spa. Services include massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, blowouts, personal training sessions, assisted stretching, and acupuncture. The Well & Being Spa has a large facility with a private pool that is open for those who have booked spa services that day.

Multiple onsite restaurants offer a range of cuisines and dishes. Indulge in a delicious steak from Bourbon Steak Scottsdale, try a Mexican dish and the tequila bar at La Hacienda, or have a delicious meal delivered to you in your room.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is a chic, urban retreat located in the heart of downtown Phoenix. As part of the CityScape complex, the hotel is ideally situated for visitors looking to explore the vibrant city, with easy access to some of Phoenix’s top attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding desert mountains.

One of the standout features of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar is its rooftop pool and lounge—a favorite spot for visitors to unwind and take in the Arizona sunshine. The rooftop also offers a bar and seating areas, making it the perfect place to relax during the day or enjoy a cocktail in the evening while watching the sunset. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine while traveling, the hotel provides a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also offers complimentary bicycles, making it easy for guests to explore downtown Phoenix in a fun and eco-friendly way.

Dining at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar is another highlight. Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails serves up a creative menu of New American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and Eden Rooftop Bar has Mediterranean eats, delicious cocktails, and live music on Friday nights.

Why Scottsdale is a Premier Resort Destination

Scottsdale has earned its reputation as one of the top resort destinations in the United States for a variety of reasons:

• Year-Round Sunshine: With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Scottsdale is a perfect destination for sun-seekers.
• Golfer’s Paradise: Scottsdale is home to over 200 golf courses, many of which are set against the stunning backdrop of the Sonoran Desert.
• Natural Beauty: From Camelback Mountain to Pinnacle Peak, the natural landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
• Luxury Spas: Scottsdale is home to some of the most renowned spas in the country, making it a go-to destination for wellness retreats.
• Cultural Attractions: Scottsdale also boasts a thriving arts scene, with several museums, galleries, and cultural festivals that showcase both modern and Native American art.
  
  
  
  

Stay in Highly Rated Resorts in Scottsdale

Scottsdale, AZ is home to some of the most luxurious and unique resorts in the world. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort or a high-end retreat at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, there’s something for everyone in this desert paradise. When planning your next vacation, consider Scottsdale for its perfect blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and luxury.