Abigail Golder

Scottsdale, Arizona is known for beautiful, luxury desert homes, upscale shopping and of course, five-star resorts. Many people head to the Valley of the Sun to escape the weather the rest of the country endures during the winter months.

January, February and March bring beautiful temperatures to Scottsdale. This weather encourages Spring Training baseball games and a round of golf at one of the 50 courses within the city. Pool and spa days are also a common activity amongst both visitors and residents. In fact, the area was rated one of the nations top winter escapes. So there’s no secret as to why many residents plan “staycations” to escape from the everyday stresses life brings. Scottsdale residents don’t have to go far beyond their own backyard to enjoy a trip unlike any other.

Whether you’re headed to town for a visit or planning a staycation in the Valley, these are the top resorts in Scottsdale that will definitely need to be considered.

Hotel Valley Ho

For an experience in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho is one of the area’s most loved 4-star hotels. The history of the hotel dates back to 1956 and is now not only a popular hotel, but a Scottsdale icon.

The hotel features an on-site restaurant called ZuZu where lunch and dinner are served all week, happy hour is served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Brunch can be enjoyed on the weekends after a night out in Scottsdale and reservations can be made online.

There are two pools in the resort for guests to enjoy. The OH Pool is great for a more lively experience and the OHasis Pool, which is ideal for an afternoon of napping under the desert sun. For the ultimate relaxation retreat, get a massage at the in-house VH Spa. They also offer full spa day packages like the 4.5 hour “Queenie” treatment that includes a 90-minute massage, facial, nail service, lunch and a glass of wine.

Nearby Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale boasts an endless variety of restaurants and attractions. Old Town Scottsdale’s most popular lures are just a short walk away. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is a few blocks down the street and the Old Town Tortilla Factory is even closer. It’s one of the area’s most popular eateries to feast on Southwestern flavors and homemade tortillas (as the name suggests).

The Scott Resort & Spa

Located just north of Hotel Valley Ho, The Scott features a more upscale Old Town experience. With two pools tucked in an oasis of trees and foliage, a vacation here truly feels like a coastal retreat. It’s kid-friendly, but also a great place to escape as a couple or with friends for the weekend.

This resort also features two pools but with a special addition. La Playa Pool is lined with a sandy bottom, for a true beach-like experience. It’s a great way to feel like you’ve headed to the coast while staying cozy in the city of Scottsdale.

La Vidorra Spa, formerly known as Jurlique Spa, is The Scott’s way of allowing guests to be totally immersed in relaxation. Spa services include massages, facials, nail treatments or a package of these services. Guests can also use the fully adorned gym to round out the health and wellness journey.

Down the street from The Scott is one of the area’s most frequented malls, Scottsdale Fashion Square. The mall features some of the most popular department stores as well as luxury brands. A must-try restaurant in Scottsdale is Roaring Fork and it is located right across the street. Known for having some of the best green mac and cheese in the Valley, it’s a great choice for both dinner and happy hour.

Talking Stick Resort and Casino

It would be hard to talk about resorts in Scottsdale with mentioning Talking Stick Resort and Casino. One of the perks to a vacation in the Valley is the ability to visit a casino without making the drive to Las Vegas.

As one of the newest resorts in Scottsdale, it was built conveniently right off Loop 101. Easy access to both Old Town Scottsdale and the airport make Talking Stick Resort a great place to stay. Even if you’re not looking to venture into the city and just want a place with every amenity, it’s a perfect place to be.

This resort features not only a spa and three luxurious pools but also boasts two 18-hole golf courses. From a day at the spa and pool, a round of golf in beautiful weather or a Vegas-like night scene, Talking Stick Resort and Casino has something for everyone.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Just like Talking Stick Resort, The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa features every amenity you could possible ask for. The best part is the location in the heart of Scottsdale’s classiest urban hub. Kierland Commons is known for fine dining at Mastro’s Ocean Club and upscale shopping in an outdoor setting.

As a visitor, it’s highly likely you’ll see some of the most expensive cars driving down Scottsdale Road. But if luxury is a priority, the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is the perfect resort for you.

Also, a major benefit of this resort is the family-friendly aspect. They offer “Family FUN Packages” that include access to the FlowRider, a surfing experience. The “OK Corral” is fit with lawn chess, basketball and evening s’mores roasting. You can have fun with the whole family on one of resort’s three 18-hole combination courses. After a long day, dine at one of the four on-site restaurants.

The Scottsdale Experience

These resorts in Scottsdale are sure not to disappoint no matter what kind of vacation is ideal for you. Whether it’s a deep dive into Old Town Scottsdale’s history or a weekend trip with the family, one of these resorts has everything you’re looking for. It’s no secret as to why so many people who live here staycation here too. If you’re ready to make Scottsdale your permanent residents and go-to vacation spot, contact us today!

 


As you grow older, you learn a few things. One of them is to actually take the time you’ve allotted for vacation. – John Battelle, American businessman and creator of Wired magazine