Sep 7, 2023

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Travel Inspiration

The 5 Coolest Hotels in Scottsdale, AZ: Full Guide

Fora Author Fora

The Modern Travel Agency

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Wondering where to stay in Scottsdale amidst the indulgent spa resorts, upscale golf courses and the gorgeous scenery of the Sonoran Desert? Read on to discover the best hotels in Scottsdale, AZ, from The Phoenician to Hotel Valley Ho.

Or: get personalized travel recommendations and more when you book and plan your trip with Fora. We’ll unlock access to VIP hotel perks (at no extra cost) while providing you with expert travel suggestions and intel to level up your trip.

First, is it better to stay in Scottsdale or Phoenix?

Ultimately, the answer depends on the type of trip you want. Scottsdale is the classy, luxurious retreat to Phoenix’s Southwestern urban bustle. Hotels in Scottsdale tend to be ideal for more of a five-star moment, whereas there’s much more variety among hotels in Phoenix. Phoenix also has more of eclectic hipster vibe, which may be more appealing if you're looking for more an urban adventure.

The 5 coolest hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona

So what are the best hotels in Scottsdale, AZ? Read on to find out.

(Want to skip the reading and get expert, tailored advice from a true travel pro? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip today.)

1. The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort: an elite, family-friendly hotel in Scottsdale, AZ

Our first hotel in Scottsdale, AZ, The Phoenician is a massive spa and golf resort found at the base of Camelback Mountain. Guests of this five-star Scottsdale hotel can enjoy a full range of spa treatments, a perfectly manicured golf course and convenient access to a variety of picturesque hiking trails.

Accommodations include expansive rooms and suites, all with pleasing views of the nearby mountain or resort amenities — including the three-level outdoor pool complex, which has a water slide for the kiddos and plenty of space to lay out in the sun (check out all the fun, family-friendly things to do in Scottsdale). In fact, if you’re searching for a lavish place to bask in Arizona’s dry heat with plenty of opportunities to cool off, The Phoenician should be near the top of your list.

Fora Perks at The Phoenician:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

2. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale: a stylish, adult-friendly Scottsdale hotel

Mountain Shadows Resort offers many of the same luxurious amenities of The Phoenician, but in a more intimate, adult-oriented setting. It’s a smaller resort, but that may appeal to guests seeking a quieter stay with a chic and sexy ambiance. 

Fun fact about this Scottsdale hotel: when the resort was first founded, it was a favorite among legendary celebrities of the day, such as Lucille Ball and Liz Taylor.

For the full low down on this laid-back property, check out our property spotlight of Mountain Shadows Resort

Fora Perks at Mountain Shadows Resort:

  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

3. Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: an ornate, European-themed hotel in Scottsdale

Interested in staying at a resort with some Spanish flair? Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia features an Andalusian theme with elaborate decor and luxury amenities. It’s arguably the most unique hotel in Scottsdale, AZ — and easily one of the most beautiful.

Consider Omni Scottsdale Resort a fantastic choice for couples, solo travelers, bachelorette parties (check our Scottsdale bachelorette guide, too) and, well, anyone in need of a relaxing retreat with a taste of European elegance.

Pro tip: per Fora Advisor Anne Travous, the "Joya Spa at Montelucia is absolutely iconic and warrants a full day to experience all of its offerings."

Learn more about Omni Scottsdale Resort when you connect with Fora to plan and book your trip.

Fora Perks at Omni Scottsdale Resort:

  • $50 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

4. Hotel Valley Ho: a sophisticated and artful oasis near Scottsdale’s best dining & shopping

Found just outside Old Town Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho is a vibrant four-star resort with a clever, artful decor style that stays true to its mid-century-modern roots while also incorporating more contemporary elements. The result is (arguably) the trendiest hotel in Scottsdale. 

When you’re not taking advantage of Hotel Valley Ho’s awesome amenities, including a gorgeous pool complex, the neat shops and restaurants of Old Town Scottsdale are but a short walk away (read our Scottsdale foodie guide for more recs).

Overall, Hotel Valley Ho offers some of the best amenities of hotels in Scottsdale, AZ.

Want to enjoy awesome perks at Hotel Valley Ho? Book and plan your stay with Fora.

Fora Perks at Hotel Valley Ho:

  • Welcome amenity.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

5. Canopy By Hilton Scottsdale Old Town: a laid-back boutique hotel in the heart of Scottsdale’s most lively district

If you’re the exploring type, Canopy By Hilton may be the best hotel in Scottsdale for you. While still offering comfy amenities and a fun, Southwest decor style, the real draw for this boutique-style hotel is its location in the heart of the city, right next to Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Check out our Canopy By Hilton Scottsdale Old Town guide for the full scoop.

Book with Fora to stay at the best hotels in Scottsdale, AZ with VIP perks & more

Can’t wait to stay at the coolest hotel in Scottsdale, AZ? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip with personalized travel recs, VIP hotel perks and more. 

Interested in awesome hotels in more destinations? Check out these guides, too:

This article has been fact-checked by Fora Advisor Anne Travous, an expert on travel to Scottsdale, Arizona.

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