The Best Hotels in Scottsdale

Adero Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Nature lovers will be hard-pressed to find a better fit than Adero, a T+L It List winner in 2021. Hiking, biking, and activities like outdoor yoga all feature prominently, and there is an on-site trailhead for direct hiking. Or, hop on the hotel shuttle for a short ride to the Adero Canyon trailhead, which connects to trails spread over 55,000 acres surrounded by desert flora and fauna.

The hotel’s striking locale is also in a certified Dark Sky community, and all 177 rooms include a private balcony where guests can admire the starry skies — as well as views of the mountains and landscape. Additionally, high-definition telescopes are stationed at the hotel, and may be sent to your room upon request. The nearby Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association also puts on educational events to help guests learn more about night skies.

In addition to well-positioned balconies, Adero rooms are colorful and bold, mixing neutral furniture with vibrant pops of color with throw pillows and wall art. All have modern bathrooms and cooling botanical bedding, while upgraded rooms have Peloton bikes and some suites come with separate sitting areas and extra-large terraces.

Cielo is the hotel’s restaurant that serves elevated American cuisine where you can dine under a starlit sky on the outdoor deck. There are also two pools (one for families and one adults-only lap pool) and a hot tub, all perched right where the property meets the mountains, as well as tennis and pickleball courts, and a spa where guests can restore their weary muscles after a long hike in the adjoining desert wilderness.

The Details:

• Location: Fountain Hills
• Distance From Airport: 26 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Pet Policy: The hotel welcomes dogs up to 25 pounds, with a maximum of two per room, along with a non-refundable, one-time $150 cleaning fee.
• Resort Fee: $35 plus tax, which includes a reusable tote bag and water bottle, a welcome drink, tennis or pickleball courts with equipment, a $10 spa credit, daily self-guided desert hike, fitness and Peloton classes, lawn games, shuttle service to trailheads, Wi-Fi, and nightly in-room delivery of telescope for dark sky viewing.
• Parking: On-site valet parking is available for $25 daily. Electric car charging stations are free.
• Accessibility: The hotel has accessible doorways, fitness facilities, elevator, parking, pathways, ramps, and pool entrance, plus features designed for hearing and visual impairments. Guest rooms have lowered bars and shelves, viewports, temperature switches, and door security; bathrooms have toilet and shower grab bars, roll-in showers, handheld showers; and hearing accessible and TTY/TTD kits are available at check-in.
• Rates: Start at $127

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

Also available to book at Kayak.com

Mountain Shadows reminds me of many hotels I've checked into in Palm Springs. Not just for the desert air, but also for the authentic midcentury nostalgia. Like those historic hotels, Mountain Shadows dates back to 1959 when stars like Elizabeth Taylor and John Wayne frequented the property.

Some original details remain at this T+L 2022 World's Best Awards winner, including the pool's cement breeze block and the name of the restaurant, but history buffs can also learn about the building's roots by walking through hallways that act as art galleries, lined with photos and plaques that tell the hotel's full story.

Similarly, vintage photos adorn the walls of the 183 guest rooms, though they mingle with much more contemporary decor. Most rooms have cement ceilings and sultry, standalone walk-in glass showers that are only separated from the rest of the room by a curtain. Even standard rooms are large, starting at 427 square feet, with private patios boasting views of the mountains, pools, or golf course. I shared my room with my husband and two kids and felt like we had plenty of space.

Additionally, golf is a major draw, with an 18-hole short course right up against Camelback Mountain, adjacent to Rusty's Grill with a large patio overlooking the green. Hearth '61 is the hotel's flagship restaurant serving hearty farm-to-table fare with an adjoining bar and living room for free-flowing cocktails and conversation. The dining area also connects to a terrace with couches and seating areas, all overlooking two chic 75-foot pools lined with loungers and reservable cabanas. The entire pool area is impressive, framed by mountain views for a scene that's made for a well-curated Instagram feed.

The Details:

• Location: Paradise Valley
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: Mountain Shadows rewards program
• Pet Policy: The hotel is pet friendly and all pets must be registered with the hotel. A complimentary amenity package is available that includes a bed, food and water bowls, bottled water, doggie bags and more.
• Resort Fee: $42 plus tax daily, and includes valet parking, golf club rentals, fitness center classes, pool use, and more.
• Parking: Overnight valet and self parking are included with the resort fee. Tesla and universal EV charging stations are available.
• Accessibility: Accessible features in guest rooms include lowered security glass, vanities, closet shelves and rods, and safe; rails and grab bars in roll-in shower and toilet with handheld wand; accessible paths throughout the hotel and within amenities; ADA chair lift at the pool, among others.
• Rates: Start at $199

Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows

Also available to book at Kayak.com

Andaz Scottsdale is a true lifestyle resort, offering an immersive overall experience that far exceeds simply being a place to sleep.

Art is a major focal point with special access provided to the Cattle Track Arts & Preservation Compound, a local organization with communal experiences. Guests may join interactive workshops with local artists, and works by Cattle Track artists are scattered around the resort. Similarly, free daily access is included to visit both the Arizona State University Kerr Cultural Center and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts. For an additional fee, sign up for classes like bird watching, perfume making, mixology, and cooking.

Wellness also reigns supreme at this 2018 It List winner. The Palo Verde Spa pampers with desert-inspired treatments, steam rooms, outdoor hot tubs, a private pool, and outdoor lounge. A spa apothecary allows you to create bespoke blends of essential oils to take home, and the fitness center offers complimentary meditation, yoga classes, and boot camp classes.

Wellness extends to some of the 185 bungalows, too, including suites that come kitted out with in-room Tonal smart gym systems. But if working out isn’t on the vacation agenda, standard rooms are still quite lavish with private patios, rainfall showers, and mod furnishings.

Finally, there are two pools in addition to the one at the spa; I've spent a day lounging at the picturesque Turquoise Pool sipping iced drinks following an excellent brunch at Weft & Warp. The latter serves modern Mediterranean cuisine in an airy space spilling out to a patio overlooking the pool. And while the hotel can be pricey, it comes with plenty of perks, from free house car rides within a 3-mile radius to turndown service and bike rentals.

The Details:

• Location: Old Town
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: World of Hyatt
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome with a fee of $150 per stay for six nights or less, or $150 per stay plus an additional $150 cleaning fee for longer stays. These fees apply to one dog weighing 50 pounds or less, or two dogs with a combined weight of no greater than 75 pounds.
• Resort Fee: $45 plus tax per day that includes daily access to Cattle Track Art Compound and preferred access to artists’ studios, fitness classes and a 24-hour gym, a welcome beverage, daily access to the Arizona State University Kerr Cultural Center, house car drop-off within a 3-mile radius, water refill stations, electric vehicle charging, resort bicycles, and games like croquet, corn hole, and bocce ball, among other resort activities.
• Parking: Self-parking is $23 per night and valet parking is $35 per night.
• Accessibility: Public hotel areas such as the entrance, pool, lobby, restaurants, restrooms, pathways, and fitness center are accessible, while guest rooms with mobility features have doorways that are 32 inches wide and have closed-caption capabilities for in-room TVs.
• Rates: Start at $194

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, a Gurney's Resort & Spa

Also available to book at Kayak.com

When seclusion and solitude are what you seek, check into Sanctuary on Camelback, a T+L World’s Best Award winner in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The name is not only a nod to the location alongside its namesake mountain, but also to the fact that it’s a real sanctuary for indulgent wellness.

The flagship spa spans 12,000 square feet with 12 treatment rooms that open up to the outdoors. Bliss out on Asian-inspired services like a Sumatra coconut body ritual, healing reiki, detoxifying sugar exfoliation, and aquatic massages alongside all the typical offerings. There is also a Zen meditation garden, reflection pond, and full salon.

While the spa takes center stage, the rest of the resort is equally soothing throughout its 53 acres. A palette of calming, neutral hues seemingly mirror the colors of the surrounding land, and fill the hotel’s 110 casitas and suites and eight private mountain villas. Standard casitas are generously sized, starting at 500 square feet, and have cool tile floors, natural finishes, and glam bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs and separate showers. Upgraded rooms include multi-bedroom suites with outdoor tubs or showers and glass rock fireplaces, depending on the type.

There’s also a fitness center with complimentary workout classes, three swimming pools, a town car, tennis and pickleball courts, and a dining program focused on seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients. The main restaurant, Elements, serves farm-fresh American fare with Asian accents, while the Jade Bar shines for craft cocktails.

The Details:

• Location: Paradise Valley
• Distance From Airport: 8 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: None.
• Pet Policy: Up to two cats or dogs weighing 50 pounds or less per pet are welcome in most rooms and villas, and incur a one-time non-refundable deposit of $100.
• Resort Fee: $50 plus tax, which includes self and valet parking, 24-hour text messaging concierge service, house car transportation to Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Fashion Square, spa and fitness facilities, some movement studio classes, tennis and pickleball courts, bike rentals, Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee, espresso, assorted teas, and bottled water
• Parking: Self and valet parking are included in the resort fee.
• Accessibility: There are seven ADA rooms on the property, and many areas are wheelchair accessible, including the restaurant.
• Rates: Start at $305

The Scott Resort & Spa

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

With its iconic turquoise 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air parked out front, The Scott transports you out of the every day, and perhaps even Scottsdale, though Old Town is only minutes away.

In a city filled with upscale enclaves, I love The Scott for a more laid-back, family-friendly choice that’s still refined and relaxing. I came with my two young kids, but I’ve also visited on a bachelorette weekend and think it’s a great pick for either.

The design-forward lobby is open and inviting with wicker chairs, rattan accents, and large, lush palms. That sense of boho style extends to the 204 rooms and suites, which feel equally Caribbean-inspired from the headboards to the Adirondack chairs on balconies.

A can’t-miss feature is the lagoon-style pool with a sandy zero entry where little ones can play or swim under a small bridge, all beneath the shade of leafy trees. A second pool with a hot tub is where adults unofficially gather, next to a tiki bar serving drinks and Cuban-inspired food. Nearby are tranquil seating areas; one next to a koi pond, and another on a big green lawn with Gatsby-like rocking chairs, hammocks, Jenga, and cornhole.

Be sure to dine at The Canal Club, a photogenic spot serving a slice of Havana via inventive cocktails and dishes like ceviche, tostones, snapper, gaucho steak, and, of course, a Cubano sandwich.

Finally, hidden in a corner of the resort in what feels like an enchanted garden, is La Vidorra Spa. With just a few treatment rooms, no extra facilities, and a modest lobby, it might initially pale in comparison to its palatial counterparts at other resorts but writing it off would be a mistake. It’s where I got one of the best facials of my life.

The Details:

• Location: Old Town
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: None.
• Pet Policy: Up to two cats or dogs weighing 50 pounds or less per pet are welcome in most rooms, and incur a one-time non-refundable deposit of $100.
• Resort Fee: $57 plus tax, which includes self and valet parking, electric car charging, a resort shuttle within a 3-mile radius, bicycle rentals, Wi-Fi, smart TV streaming, fitness center, lawn games, daily yoga, water and tea in the lobby, and more.
• Parking: Self and valet parking are included in the resort fee.
• Accessibility: Several rooms have roll-in showers with bars and fold-down seats, accessible commode, entry, and bathroom doors, commode bars, raised vanity sink for roll-in access, plus hearing and communication features.
• Rates: Start at $149

Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

To some, a desert getaway means escaping city concrete in favor of a remote landscape with towering stone and cacti. If that’s you, book a room at Boulders Resort & Spa.

Set in North Scottsdale in the Sonoran Desert foothills, Boulders is a beautiful resort amid massive 12 million-year-old rock formations. And once within its 1,300 acres, you may have very little reason to leave.

It's a particularly great choice for families who will love spreading out in one-, two- or three-bedroom Hacienda or Villa homes. My family stayed in one for a night and I wished we were booked for a week as it had all the comforts of home, including a kitchen, laundry, grill, a rooftop terrace, and private backyard. However, I'd gladly return with my husband to stay in the spacious, 550-square-foot standard Adobe casitas with their Southwestern-inspired design, wood beam ceilings, stone showers, and private patios.

Either way, there’s so much to do. I loved taking a morning walk on the nature trails that weaved alongside the award-winning Jay Morrish-designed golf courses and up into the rocks for views over all of Scottsdale. The hotel can also arrange activities ranging from mountain climbing and bouldering to hot air balloon rides.

There are four pools in total; the main pool next to the lobby is scenic with a waterfall trickling down one of many giant boulders, and an adults-only pool at the 33,000-square foot spa is a quiet place for contemplative reflection, ideally before or after a treatment.

There are also five on-site restaurants, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, and a shuttle to help you navigate the expansive grounds.

The Details:

• Location: North Scottsdale
• Distance From Airport: 32 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: Hilton Honors.
• Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed.
• Resort Fee: $35 plus tax, which includes an on-property shuttle, Wi-Fi, fitness center access and classes, gratuities for bell service and shuttle drivers, club storage, local and toll-free calls.
• Parking: Valet Parking is $25 per night, self parking is free.
• Accessibility: Most amenities here have accessible features, ranging from the business center to the elevators, concierge desk, fitness center, restaurants, parking spaces, pool, meeting rooms, guest rooms, and more.
• Rates: Start at $178

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

Also available to book at Kayak.com

I've stayed in several Scottsdale hotels and this might be my favorite for a family vacation. The location on 125 acres between Mummy and Camelback Mountains in Paradise Valley is as good as it gets, away from the bustle of Old Town but close enough to visit it and all major Scottsdale attractions with ease and little traffic. This makes it a great base whether you’re here to golf, hit the spa, or have kids to entertain.

There are 453 spacious casitas and suites with large patios, comfy beds, and Southwest-meets-midcentury decor. Upgraded rooms have sun decks, private pools, and separate living areas, which is where I plan to stay next time – and I'll definitely be back. I loved the large main Jackrabbit pool with its waterfall feature, loads of lounge chairs, on-site cafe, and a separate children’s pool and adult pool.

I also enjoyed a pampering massage at the 32,000-square-foot Spa at Camelback Inn, which includes another adults-only pool, wet and dry saunas, a whirlpool, relaxation lounges with outdoor terraces, a fitness center, boutique, and restaurant.

My kids had a ball, too, thanks to an on-site playground and an Old West-themed area with false storefronts like an apothecary, saloon, and bank alongside picnic tables. Right on property were also trailheads leading to a few short hiking trails, and Camelback Mountain is pretty much across the street.

A rustic lodge-style lobby leads to several on-site offerings, including a bar, Starbucks, boutique, upscale steakhouse, and a Mexican eatery. The latter is where we enjoyed meals and live music in the courtyard. Other amenities include access to multiple golf courses, a second gym, fitness classes, tennis and pickleball courts, and incredible views as far as you can see.

The Details:

• Location: Paradise Valley
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome with two pets permitted per room with a $150 non-refundable fee.
• Resort Fee: $48 plus tax, which includes fitness center access, bike rentals, driving range and golf practice area, tennis court with racquets and balls, Wi-Fi, and more.
• Parking: Valet and self-parking are both included.
• Accessibility: The hotel has many accessible features such as entrances to communal and public spaces including the pool, plus guest rooms have shower and toilet rails, adjustable height shower heads, lowered amenities, and more.
• Rates: Start at $224

The Hermosa Inn

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Not everyone wants to check into a flashy resort with multiple pools, eateries, and activities lined up for every hour of the day. And even some of Scottsdale's most relaxing spa retreats are still quite large with 100 to 200 rooms.

Meanwhile, Hermosa Inn is an intimate, quiet hideaway with just 43 Hacienda-style rooms, a peaceful pool, a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, and charming gardens.

The historic property first opened in the 1930s when it belonged to Alonzo "Lon" Megargee, a cowboy artist whose original art is featured prominently throughout the hotel. Now, it consists of Santa Fe-style adobe structures and colorful flower-filled grounds with turquoise accents and bubbling fountains.

The guest rooms range from 350-square-foot standard rooms up to 750-square foot casitas, most of which have Kiva fireplaces, private patios, walk-in showers or soaking tubs, warm wood accents, four-poster beds, and oversized leather sitting chairs. There's also a small gym, bike and walking paths, art classes, and specialty dinners available.

The Details:

• Location: Paradise Valley
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: None.
• Pet Policy: Dogs up to 50 pounds are welcome for an additional fee of $100 per stay.
• Resort Fee: $35 plus tax, which includes valet parking, Wi-Fi, daily newspaper, local and long-distance calls, a computer workstation in the lobby, fitness center, bike rentals with helmets and water bottles; coffee, tea, and bottled water in the room; coffee, tea, fruit, morning pastries, and afternoon cookies in the lobby.
• Parking: Valet parking is included in the resort fee.
• Accessibility: There are two ADA-compliant rooms, Rancho and Deluxe Casita, which includes wide doorways, ramps, handrails/grab bar, and roll-in showers.
• Rates: Start at $270

The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

It's easy to love The Phoenician. Sophisticated travelers will appreciate the high-end approach to hospitality found throughout all aspects of the 250-acre resort, while families flock here for the kid-friendly splash pads, waterslides, and activities.

Rooms start at 600 square feet and come with balconies, plush beds outfitted with Frette linens, and marble bathrooms, while suites feel like livable apartments at 1,200 square feet. And while the large well-appointed rooms are a selling point, the major draw is the resort itself.

There are nine pools, ranging from an adults-only area to a multi-tiered pool where one section is lined in actual mother of pearl. Kids won't want to leave the splash zone with a tree house, bridge, and a play area fashioned like a ship with spray guns, water spouts, sails, and a helm. If that's not enough, there are water slides, too.

But that's not to say this is a raucous resort overrun by children. They're here, but so are spa-seekers looking to relax in a 37,000-square-foot facility with wet and dry saunas, a vitality hot tub, and treatments like Himalayan salt stone rituals, wellness scrubs, luxury facials and massages. Before or after, snag a spot on a chair at the spa's rooftop pool, or book a blowout or pedicure at the on-site Drybar salon.

There are also nine restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, several boutiques, and an array of seasonal activities from dueling pianos to wine and beer tastings, art history and bike tours, painting and craft classes, jewelry making, dive-in pool movies, and even mermaid meet and greets.

The Details:

• Location: Old Town
• Distance From Airport: 8 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Pet Policy: Up to two dogs weighing less than 40 pounds are permitted with a fee of $150.
• Resort Fee: $50 plus tax, which includes Wi-Fi, yoga, tennis and pickleball court usage and racquets, bicycle rentals, and daily craft beer tastings.
• Parking: Valet parking is $40 nightly, while self-parking is $28 per night.
• Accessibility: The hotel has many accessible features throughout the property from entrances to the hotel, pool, rooms, and restaurants, to in-room details such as roll-in shower with rails; lowered handles, outlets, deadbolts, and viewpoints; wheelchair-height toilets with grab rails, and more.
• Rates: Start at $343

The Global Ambassador

Also available to book at Expedia.com

Technically, this hotel is in Phoenix. But it’s located where Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley meet, less than 5 miles from downtown Scottsdale. It misses the designation of being in Scottsdale by a hair, and dismissing it because of its legal street address would be a mistake.

That’s because the Global Ambassador was one of the most hotly anticipated new luxury hotels in the area before it opened at the end of 2023 and since opening, has lived up to the hype.

Helmed by lauded restaurateur Sam Fox as his first hospitality venture, the 141-room hotel is exquisite, with every aspect designed by Fox and Judith Testani from Testani Design Troupe, who also designed many of Fox’s restaurants.

When I checked in shortly after opening in spring of 2024, I was awestruck. The property was immaculate, from the polished lobby to the Barbiecore pool, and a see-and-be-seen rooftop with views over the whole valley.

Rooms differ mostly by view. I stayed in a mid-tier Camelback Two Queen Room, which had a direct view of Camelback Mountain and a larger balcony than standard rooms. It felt like a stylish pied-à-terre with hardwood floors, hand-selected original art, and standout bathrooms with walk-in showers, Byredo toiletries, and marble finishes. I was particularly impressed by the mini bar, stocked with high-end Augustinus Bader and Supergoop products (a nod to the treatments you can expect in the spa), as well as creative, ready-to-drink cocktails.

Dining is a highlight, and rightfully so from the 12-time James Beard award nominee, Fox. There’s a casual French bistro-inspired market in the lobby for grab-and-go coffee and pastries alongside an upscale French steakhouse. There's also a swanky lobby bar, while theà is the aforementioned rooftop bar and restaurant, a sun-drenched space serving an elevated Mediterranean menu. On my weekend stay, streams of locals arrived coveting a spot inside theà, outside on the patio, or next to the turquoise-tiled outdoor bar where a DJ was spinning tunes. It’s as much a destination for locals as it is for overnight guests.

There’s also Pink Dolphin, which is a beachy bar overlooking the pool; a well-curated boutique with designer wares; a 19,000-square-foot fitness center with group workout classes; and a spa where Augustinus Bader products are exclusively offered in Arizona, and treatments incorporate French brand Biologique Recherche.

The Details:

• Location: Northeast Phoenix
• Distance From Airport: 6 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Loyalty Programs: I Prefer
• Pet Policy: Two dogs with a maximum combined weight of 75 pounds are permitted for a flat fee of $100.
• Resort Fee: $35 plus tax, which includes Wi-Fi, pool use and towels, fitness center and classes, plus in-room perks like Dyson hair dryers and nightly turndown.
• Parking: Valet parking is available for guests for $35 per night. There is also a separate, paid, private parking garage adjacent to the hotel.
• Accessibility: There are seven ADA rooms, one for each category type, with features such as roll-in showers.
• Rates: Start at $240