Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: A Large-Scale Resort That Feels Intimate

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a beautifully designed resort with 750 guest rooms, extensive corporate meeting space, six pools on site (including two adults-only pools), eight retail shops, and four distinctive full-service restaurants. The dining program is particularly strong, featuring sommeliers and two tequila sommeliers, and the property has been voted Arizona’s top hotel for dining. Despite its size, the resort never felt overwhelming. Thanks to its layout across 65 acres (not including the partner golf courses), there are countless intimate spaces for small groups to gather, and the overall experience feels surprisingly calm and well-paced.

On-property landscaping

One of the property’s proudest distinctions is its AAA Five Diamond rating, which it has maintained for 36 consecutive years, a recognition shared by only nine other properties worldwide. While the resort is expansive, thoughtful design and attentive staff ensure guests never feel the volume of the property.

The Fairmont Gold section offers a more elevated experience and includes just over 60 rooms located in a dedicated area of the resort. Gold guests enjoy club lounge access throughout the day, including one of the best breakfasts I’ve experienced in a similar lounge across brands. The spread includes fresh juices and smoothies, high-quality fruit and berries, pastries, bagels and lox, rotating hot options such as oatmeal, and interesting dishes like shakshuka, along with a made-to-order coffee station. Gold guests also receive full access to the Well & Being Spa facilities.

Stunning floral arrangements curated by on-site florist

Another notably private enclave is Privado, which truly functions as a hotel within a hotel. This section features a separate entrance, a private lounge with complimentary beverages, a dedicated concierge, and 122 rooms centered around a private pool. The area felt secluded and peaceful throughout our stay. The casitas can be reserved in groupings, creating shared spaces ideal for multigenerational families or small group events. Some casitas include hospitality suites, making this setup especially appealing for families who want communal evening spaces without needing to return to separate rooms when children are ready for bed. Guest rooms feature Nespresso machines with frothers, walk-in closets, and a more residential feel than standard resort accommodations.

The Well & Being Spa is a destination in its own right. The facilities include two excellent retail shops, an enclosed atrium for TRX and yoga classes, space for group lunches, a dedicated cardio and weight-training area, a rooftop adults-only pool with dining service, a cold plunge and hot tub, a eucalyptus steam room, an inhalation room with soft lighting and lavender aromatherapy, Swiss showers, and a sauna. We booked treatments about a month in advance and had no trouble securing appointments in one of the nearly 30 treatment rooms.

Within the spa, the Sisley Paris Spa stands out as the largest of just three Sisley locations in North America. Treatments focus on the brand’s botanical, luxury skincare line and include access to a private lounge with French pastries and Champagne. While we loved our facials, what truly elevated the experience was the ability to enjoy the broader Well & Being Spa amenities while still having access to the quieter, Sisley-only spaces.

Sisley Spa Lounge treats

The salon is located in a separate building and offers manicure, pedicure, and hair services. This area allows children, making it easy for families to enjoy services together.

Dining across the resort is consistently good, including poolside options, but the standout restaurants are La Hacienda and Toro by Richard Sandoval, along with Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. We never had any issue grabbing a seat at the bar for dinner and enjoying exceptional service. Drinks at The Plaza, located at the center of the resort, are not to be missed. With heat lamps, fire features, and ample seating, it serves as a natural gathering space in the evenings. Speaking with locals, it was clear that several on-property restaurants are favorites even among Scottsdale residents.

The Princess Pool

Although this was a girls’ trip, we were assured that the resort offers robust children’s programming. During our stay, the property was preparing for the Phoenix Open at the adjacent golf course, following another busy festive season that included an ice skating rink, fireside lounges, a Ferris wheel, Santa visits, and more.

Overall, this was an excellent destination for a girls’ trip. While we’ve visited spa resorts with a more intimate footprint, reframing this experience as a resort with an exceptional spa made all the difference. Among the spa destinations we’ve visited, this one truly stands out. The property is also very dog-friendly, and we loved meeting Jasper, the Australian Shepherd and spa steward who helps keep everything running smoothly.

Jasper, the spa steward

With its distinct enclaves, strong spa program, and thoughtful design, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is easy to tailor to a wide range of clients without sacrificing experiences.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Scottsdale page.