In the middle of the pandemic, my phone pinged with an email from InterNations, an expat group I had joined after spending time in Switzerland.
19.07.2024 - 19:42 / thepointsguy.com
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?"
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.
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,
In the middle of the pandemic, my phone pinged with an email from InterNations, an expat group I had joined after spending time in Switzerland.
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