Are luxury resorts, fine dining, and world-class shopping your kind of vacation? Or do you prefer beautiful architecture, fine art, and spectacular natural landscapes? Scottsdale, Arizona, has it all—and more! With a variety of cool areas and hotels to choose from, deciding where to stay in Scottsdale will depend on what you want to see & do.
Just 31 miles long and 11 miles wide, Scottsdale may be small in size but is home to several charming areas and neighborhoods, each with a distinctive character. For first-timers, Old Town is a lively neighborhood located at the heart of the city. This downtown area has a vibrant nightlife for night owls and party-goers, while areas like South Scottsdale are ideal for budget travelers with some great hotels.
Need some help picking the best area and accommodations for your trip? Read on to discover all the best places to stay in Scottsdale, Arizona, with this comprehensive guide to the top areas, neighborhoods, and hotels.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Arizona Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant city with several distinct neighborhoods that each offer something different to visitors. Whether you want to stay somewhere lively and full of energy or prefer a quieter, relaxed area, this desert city has some charming spots.
If you’re a first-time visitor to the city, head to Old Town. Located in the center of the city, Old Town is the beating heart of Scottsdale. Here, you’ll find eclectic shops, casual restaurants, and a buzzing art scene, as well as historic sites and world-class museums.
If you’re a night owl with a penchant for partying, be sure to check out the Entertainment District while staying in Old Town. Located in the northeast corner of Downtown Scottsdale, the area is packed with hip cafés, buzzing bars, and trendy restaurants.
For a quieter, more peaceful neighborhood, South Scottsdale is a charmer. With plenty of green space, a golf course, and great value-for-money hotels, the leafy suburb is a good choice if you’re traveling with family.
Lush and luxe, the affluent neighborhood of McCormick Ranch has a charming, village-like feel with upscale shopping and dining options. You’ll find plenty of luxury hotels here with hefty room rates.
If you are a golf nut, Paradise Valley offers some incredible luxury golf courses, while North Scottsdale is the home of high-end boutique stores, deluxe spas, classy wine bars, and acclaimed restaurants.
The best areas to stay in Scottsdale, AZ, are:
Old Town Scottsdale
✓ Best area to stay in Scottsdale for first-time visitors
Lively and bustling, Old Town Scottsdale is a tourist haven. Packed with award-winning restaurants, hip cafés, trendy boutiques, and quirky gift shops, this historic corner of the city is a hive of activity. Discover Scottsdale’s most celebrated public artworks on an easy hour’s walk around downtown.
Explore funky art galleries on fun-filled and informative Art Walks held every Thursday evening. Learn about the history of the region on a self-guided walking tour. Visit historic spots like the Little Red Schoolhouse, the Rusty Spur Saloon, and Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop.
As it’s the touristic heart of the city and home to many of the top points of interest in Scottsdale, hotels in Old Town tend to have higher prices than other areas further from downtown.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsdale – Old Town, an IHG Hotel
Comfortable and convenient, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsdale – Old Town, an IHG Hotel, has neat rooms and suites with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi. Book an executive room for a full kitchen and dining area. You can enjoy free breakfast every morning and cool off after a busy in the outdoor pool.
Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town
Ideally located just a short walk from Old Town, Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town is a good base for exploring the city. Contemporary rooms have all the mod-cons, and a casual bistro is a great spot for an easy meal. Relax in the hot tub or take a swim in the outdoor heated pool. You can also stay fit in the 24/7 mini-gym.
Bespoke Inn Scottsdale
For a stylish treat, head to the Bespoke Inn. Nestled in the Arts District of Old Town, this gorgeous boutique hotel offers beautifully appointed guest rooms with elegant décor. A romantic courtyard is a perfect place for a candlelit dinner. Take a dip in the huge infinity pool or hop on a complimentary bicycle to explore the city.
Scottsdale Marriott Old Town
Upscale and stylish, Scottsdale Marriott Old Town is a relaxed all-suite hotel within a mile of both the Scottsdale Stadium and the Scottsdale Fashion Square. Well-appointed one-bedroom suites have comfortable décor and modern amenities. Balconies offer great city views, and your dining choices are a casual café and an unfussy restaurant. Relax in the hot tub or by the outdoor pool and stay fit in the hotel gym.
Canopy By Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
Just a short walk from the Museum of the West, Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town offers a stylish retreat in the heart of the Old Town district. Elegantly appointed rooms have contemporary décor and modern amenities – enjoy freshly brewed Nespresso coffee in bed every morning. Sip cocktails next to the pool on the rooftop terrace in the evening. Explore the city on one of the hotel’s loaner bikes.
South Scottsdale
✓ Top place to stay in Scottsdale for families and nature lovers
Stretching between Old Town and Tempe, South Scottsdale is a bustling residential neighborhood with plenty of attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. Home to the Arizona State University and the Scottsdale Stadium, it’s the best place to stay to see the San Francisco Giants in action in the off-season.
The Scottsdale Greenbelt is a lovely green urban space with an artificial lake and a golf course, and kids can enjoy miniature train rides at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Head to the Pavilions at Talking Stick mall for some retail therapy and casual dining. Hit a few of the breweries on North Scottsdale Road to sample some of Arizona’s finest brews.
As you’ll be slightly outside the city center, many of the area’s accommodation options offer better value than those in Old Town and Downtown.
Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River
Set off Highway 101, Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River is a casual hotel with modern rooms and standard amenities such as coffeemakers, minifridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Book a suite for extra living space and pull-out sofa beds. Dine at the hotel’s American restaurant or relax in the courtyard next to a roaring fire pit. There’s also a swimming pool and gym for keeping fit.
Residence Inn by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River
This relaxed all-suite hotel is located off Highway 101, a few miles from the Fashion Square mall. The hotel’s well-appointed studios with kitchenettes are ideal if you prefer self-catering. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy facilities like an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a patio with BBQ grills and fire pits. Fur babies are welcome, too.
Hotel Adeline, Scottsdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Packed with great amenities, the trendy Hotel Adeline is a good bet if you plan on hiking the Cholla Trailhead in the Camelback Mountains. Charming vintage-style rooms have comfy beds and free Wi-Fi. A stylish outdoor pool area with sun loungers, cabanas, and a poolside bar is the perfect place for relaxing. Dine alfresco-style on the terrace of the hotel’s modern restaurant.
The Scott Resort & Spa
For a luxurious stay just a mile from both Old Town and the Camelback Mountain trailhead, head to the Scott Resort & Spa. Unwind on your private balcony or patio against a backdrop of lovely lagoon or pool views, and pamper yourself at the hotel spa. Enjoy high-end amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, two beautiful swimming pools, and a sandy beach area.
McCormick Ranch
✓ Recommend neighborhood to stay in Scottsdale for a relaxing vacation
Boasting a charming, village-like feel, McCormick Ranch is the perfect place to stay if you like peace and quiet. The affluent, residential neighborhood has some fantastic shops and restaurants and is home to the two championship 18-hole golf courses: McCormick Ranch Golf Club and the Gainey Ranch Golf Club.
Seville Shopping Center has everything from chic boutiques and décor shops to restaurants and a wine bar. Head to Hayden Road for fine wine and great steak. More than 25 miles of bicycle paths wind their way around green parks and man-made lakes.
There are only a handful of hotels in McCormick Ranch proper, but what you’ll find here is often excellent quality.
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
If you’re traveling with the family, Great Wolf Lodge Arizona is a winner! Home to an indoor water park, this lively, relaxed resort offers comfortable accommodations and loads of activities to enjoy. Spacious, unfussy rooms have whimsical-themed décor with sofa beds and sitting areas. You’ll have a choice of six restaurants for dining and a casual café. Kids will love the ice cream shop.
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
Lush and luxurious, the Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas is set on 40 acres of beautifully landscaped property with five outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a spa. Treat yourself to a Mediterranean-style suite with a patio, a whirlpool tub, and a wet bar. Sip cocktails at the poolside bar and lounge, dine in one of two acclaimed restaurants, and work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Luxury Condos by Meridian CondoResorts Scottsdale
These beautifully appointed multi-room condos offer the creature comforts of home with the amenities and services of a hotel. Luxury Condos by Meridian CondoResorts Scottsdale boast fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, open-plan living rooms, and top-notch amenities. Enjoy unlimited golf at any of the spectacular courses around the city.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa
Taking luxury to new heights, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch has it all, from a deluxe spa, tennis courts, and a gym to no less than ten swimming pools! Stylishly furnished rooms have kitchenettes, modern amenities, and free Wi-Fi. The resort is located a few miles from Scottsdale Fashion Square and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.
North Scottsdale
✓ Recommended area for luxury travelers and golfers
Part of Greater Scottsdale but removed from the city, North Scottsdale is home to luxury resorts and world-class golf clubs. You’ll also find the architecturally significant Taliesin West, globally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home.
Spread around the popular mountain park of Pinnacle Peak, North Scottsdale has great shopping options with luxury boutiques and brand stores. Classy wine bars draw the cool crowd, and you’ll find plenty of fantastic restaurants for wining and dining.
Nearby McDowell Mountain Regional Park is one of the most popular day trips from Scottsdale. The park is a fantastic spot for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
As the area caters to an affluent crowd, most of the accommodations in North Scottsdale fall within the luxury price range.
Aiden by Best Western @ Scottsdale North
If you are in town for business or to watch baseball, Aiden by Best Western is a good base. The WestWorld of Scottsdale event center and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick baseball stadium complex are just a few miles away. Relax in comfortable, warmly furnished rooms and soak in the hot tub. A covered patio with a fire pit is a wonderful place to enjoy a nightcap under the stars.
Hyatt Place Scottsdale – North
Set in a commercial plaza off Route 101, Hyatt Place Scottsdale – North is a modern, unfussy hotel with understated rooms. Ideally located for hitting the desert hiking trails at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool for post-hike cooldown. Suites have full kitchens for self-catering purposes and there’s a 24-hour convenience store nearby.
Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas, Scottsdale
Boasting breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert, Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas, Scottsdale, offers a stylish retreat in the heart of the desert. Spacious one-bedroom villas have kitchenettes, living areas with pull-out sofas, and high-end amenities. Upgrade your villa to enjoy soaking in a whirlpool tub and cuddling up by a fireplace. Enjoy a barbecue in the lush gardens and cocktails at the poolside bar.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Ideally located for enjoying golf at the TPC Scottsdale golf club, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers Southwestern-inspired rooms with balconies and lovely views. Pamper yourself in the deluxe spa and relax poolside with a tall drink from the bar. Head to the cocktail bar for drinks before dinner in one of the two sophisticated restaurants on site.
Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North
A lush oasis surrounded by rocky desert, the Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North has all the bells and whistles. Southwestern-style rooms have gorgeous desert views and gas fireplaces, while luxury suites have private heated pools. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle from the hotel to the nearby Troon North Golf Club.
Paradise Valley
✓ Top neighborhood in Scottsdale for outdoor activities with a side of shopping
Nestled between the scenic McDowell Mountains and Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley is a small town next to Scottsdale and one of the wealthiest in the valley. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Paradise Valley is home to sprawling, multimillion-dollar celebrity homes. Keep an eye out for NBA players and blockbuster novelists!
You’ll find all the usual suspects like JCPenney, Macy’s, and Sears at the Paradise Valley Mall and a family-friendly indoor carousel. Enjoy a special meal at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee. Rub shoulders with celebrities over Grapefruit Basil cocktails at the Jade Bar in the posh Sanctuary on Camelback Resort.
As you’d expect, prices in Paradise Valley creep into the luxury end of the market.
Sonesta ES Suites Scottsdale Paradise Valley
Great for business travelers, Sonesta ES Suites Scottsdale Paradise Valley offers modern, unfussy accommodations with basic amenities. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi around the property and soak up the Arizona sun by the pool. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available and grab-and-go breakfast can be arranged.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Surrounded by spectacular desert landscapes, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale is a chic, high-end resort just a few miles from the Camelback Golf Club. Practice your skills on a par-3 golf course; dine at the trendy terraced restaurant and laze about between two swimming pools. Book a suite for gorgeous views or an apartment for extra privacy and space.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Sleek, Pueblo Revival–style JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa has beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites and high-end amenities. Hop on free golf course shuttles to the nearby Camelback Golf Club. Unwind in the luxury spa, soak up the sun next to the outdoor pool, and dine on classic Southwestern fare in one of two restaurants.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Nestled within the rugged foothills of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is a world-renowned resort that promises a lap of luxury. Surrounded by 53 acres of exquisitely manicured gardens and grounds, the resort has three swimming pools, five tennis courts, and a fully equipped fitness center. Begin your day with pool yoga, followed by breakfast with a view.
