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The Best Resorts to Book in Scottsdale, Arizona

For a stylish and luxurious desert getaway, theres no better place to book than the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
For a stylish and luxurious desert getaway, there's no better place to book than the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale | © Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North / Expedia

Despite being founded a little over 100 years ago, Scottsdale is one of the fastest-growing cities in America – having zoomed from 2,000 people to 250,000 since the 1950s. Much of this growth has been thanks to a tourism boom, as visitors have been attracted to its mix of natural wonders, culture, and luxury lifestyle in droves. More than nine million tourists come annually to visit its golf courses, spas, and big-label shopping outlets – or simply to get away from it all amid dramatic peaks and bright starry skies. If you’re looking for luxury living with a stunning desert backdrop, look no further than our list of the top resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona – bookable on Culture Trip.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, for making memories

Luxury, Resort

View of outdoor pool, sun loungers and rocky hill at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
© Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North / Expedia

You know what to expect from the Four Seasons – and if you don’t yet, then prepare to be amazed. This five-star desert paradise is set against a towering mountain backdrop – lose yourself in the spa, sample southwest cuisine, and bring your clubs for the two world-class courses, just a free shuttle away. Accommodation-wise, opt for the private casita with your own firepit to up the romance level to the max – or choose from suites with private telescopes. Add-on one of several bucket-list experiences including a sunrise hot-air balloon ride and a cycle tour with wine tasting. This place takes memory-making to the next level.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, for a soul-enriching stay

Resort, Chain Hotel, Hotel

Modern living space with tiled floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, grey couches and artsy coffee tables at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
© Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows / Expedia

This place claims it allows you “to chase whatever stirs your soul” – and we can believe them. A lot of work has gone into creating an environment where people can lose themselves – whether that’s in wellness, hedonism, or just the stunning natural landscapes. The humble-looking white-washed adobe bungalows open to reveal designer-clad interiors and there are some seriously well-equipped suite options – including those that include gym equipment or your own private cabana by one of the three pools.

The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, for full-blown glamour

Resort

Outdoor terrace with various seats and a firepit at dusk at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort
© The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort / Expedia
There is nothing understated about this glamorous resort: not the eight separate restaurants, not the view – dominated by majestic Camelback Mountain – and certainly not the next-level spa with its own personal rituals. Choose from three pools – including a kid’s splash pad and the resort’s signature mother-of-pearl lagoon – and seven tennis courts at its vast Athletics Club. There’s even a movement studio where you can take part in classes including Techno-circuit and aerial yoga. This is a resort that lets you get whatever you want, even if you don’t know what that is just yet.

Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, for digging deeper into Native American culture

Resort, Spa Hotel

Large, boho-styled bedroom with two double beds, a writing desk, two leather armchairs, a fireplace, flat-screen TV and private patio at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale
© Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale / Expedia

Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection – which prides itself on curating hotels with real character – the Boulders resort is styled to fit seamlessly into its locale. Built on 1,500-acres (607ha) of indigenous land – ripe for exploration by foot, bike and horse – its adobe bungalows meld into the boulder-dominated desert backdrop, while their distinctive decor is informed by the Sonoran Desert’s First Nation art and culture. For those attached to typical western pleasures, there are two 18-hole golf courses, a pool, gym, cycle rental, and tennis – but for others who would like to revel in a deeper history of the area, you can meditate in the labyrinth or shamanic tipi. Either way, make sure you eat at the Spotted Donkey cafe – said to have the best Mexican food in Arizona.

The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort), for that Insta-perfect photo-op

Hotel

Indoor-outdoor dining area with wooden chairs and yellow velvet booths at The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort)
© The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort) / Expedia

A hipster’s favorite, this hotel – part of the Classic Hotels and Resorts portfolio – hasn’t just got the perks you’d expect from a luxury resort in Scottsdale. Aside from the two pools, fitness center, and six-treatment-room spa, the Scott is full of knowing touches that are squarely aimed at the Instagram generation. Cocktails served in pineapples, check. Daily yoga and bicycle hire included in the resort fee, check. Hanging wicker chairs for posing, or just reading, check. Plus you can bring up to two dogs – for that essential shot of Fido in paradise.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, for a real crowd-pleaser

Hotel

Balcony with a lounge chair, sofa and coffee table overlooking a pond and the rest of the resort at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa
© Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ran / Expedia

The idea of having “something for everyone” is such a cliche but unless you’re weirder than most, this Scottsdale resort will undoubtedly come up trumps for your family holiday. Little kids have got a 2.5-acre (1ha) water playground – complete with a sandy beach – while the older ones will love the three-story waterslide, kids club, and local horse-riding lessons. There’s a golf pro for adult lessons, too – or just bring your clubs along if you’re practically a pro yourself. Not a fan of golf? Lounge by the adults-only pool or relax in Spa Avania’s Himalayan Salt Room before a romantic Italian/Japanese/Southwestern dinner at one of the resort’s three restaurants.

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley, for central convenience

Resort, Hotel

Modern bedroom with two double beds, grey carpet, private patio and wooden ceiling beams at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley
© DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley / Expedia

We just love it when we find a resort-style hotel near the city center – like this DoubleTree resort in Scottsdale. There’s nothing quite like having all those luxury resort amenities within walking distance of the historic center. Surrounded by tropical gardens, it’s just 1mi (1.6km) from Old Town Scottsdale – with its dining and museums – but is a destination in its own right, with two outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a nine-hole putting green. As a bonus, it’s just a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport so you can pop in and pop out without a hitch. Weekender in the mountains, anyone?

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, for a truly luxurious experience

Resort, Luxury

Elegant living room with a grey couch, two grey armchairs, a large six-seat dining room table and hardwood floors at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch
© The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch / Expedia

Opened as a conference center in 1976 – accompanied by a 36-hole McCormick Ranch championship golf course and with oodles of venue space – this hotel has upped its luxury vacation credentials since then. After a $10 million revamp in 2015, guests today will find an AAA Four Diamond resort with a full-service Luna Spa, three characterful restaurants inspired by local flavors, and a bang-up-to-date swimming pool and guest rooms. Popular with weddings, this is a solid choice for a traditional high-end hotel in Scottsdale.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, for watersport lovers in the desert

Chain Hotel

Private balcony with sofa overlooking the golf course at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
© The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa / Expedia

A surfing holiday in the desert? Well not exactly, but it’s still cool that you can test your skills on the Kierland FlowRider flow-board simulator at the resort’s own Adventure Water Park. Along with a 35m-long (115ft) waterslide, lazy river, and OdySea Aquarium with SeaTrek Helmet Diving, the simulator helps to make this desert escape an unlikely hit with watersport lovers. Golfers are also in heaven with three Scott-Miller-designed nine-holes – while the spa encompasses both the esoteric (craniosacral energy therapy) and practical sports-style massage. The latter presumably is in case your surfing efforts go awry.

Looking for more places to stay? Check out our pick of the best hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, bookable on Culture Trip.

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