Scottsdale has long been known as a desert oasis for travelers who want to mix relaxation with culture in the heart of the Sonoran Desert where scottsdale hotels and resorts cater to every style. If you’re wondering where to stay in Scottsdale Arizona, the choice really depends on whether you’re after historic charm, modern shopping, Sonoran desert trails, or a romantic getaway by Camelback Mountain at the foot of camelback mountain. This guide breaks down the best places so you can easily decide where is the best place to stay in Scottsdale Arizona for your style as you explore old town scottsdale and nearby scottsdale neighborhoods.
Best Hotels in Scottsdale🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
- 🏨 4-Star: Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
- 🛏 3-Star: Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town
- 💸 Cheap: Hilton North Scottsdale At Cavasson
- 🏢 Apartament: The Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
- 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Valley Ho
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
- 🏛️ Historic & Lively — Old Town Scottsdale
- 🎨 Modern & Artsy — Arts District
- 🌄 Desert Adventure — North Scottsdale
- 🛍️ Chic & Convenient — Scottsdale Fashion Square
- 🌿 Wellness & Retreats — Paradise Valley
- 🎷 Nightlife & Cocktail Bars — Entertainment District
- ⛳ Golf & Luxury Resorts — Troon North
1. Old Town Scottsdale: Historic Heart with Boutique Inns
Old Town is the cultural hub, with Spanish-style buildings, buzzing cafes, and art galleries that make every stroll feel timeless in the heart of old town and downtown scottsdale. The scent of mesquite from nearby grills drifts through the streets in the evenings like a reimagined nod to the Old West with saguaro silhouettes. I wandered into the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art one hot afternoon and found myself cooling off by a striking installation in its courtyard as wood and leather accents framed the space.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Walk along Main Street and Stetson Drive to uncover art galleries, the Western Spirit Museum of the West, and Civic Center Plaza filled with sculptures within a 3-mile radius of the heart of old town. Don’t miss the quirky Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor, a local favorite since the 1950s that locals love for its retro feel, where a complimentary scoop upgrade sometimes pops up on special days. Visit in the early evening when the streets glow with neon signs; the nearest transit point is Scottsdale Road at 2nd Street, an easy drive from phoenix sky harbor international airport.
Quick Take
- Pro: Perfect access to restaurants, live music, and galleries.
- Con: Can be crowded on weekends — go midweek for a calmer vibe.
Best For / Skip If:
Ideal for first-time visitors and couples who want a mix of dining, nightlife, and culture with the best scottsdale hotels close by. Not great if you’re looking for peace and quiet — in that case, consider Paradise Valley to pamper in a tranquil resort and spa.
Best Hotels in Old Town Scottsdale
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotel Valley Ho — This iconic mid-century modern property features a renowned pool deck and award-winning dining at Zuzu restaurant.
- Bespoke Inn Scottsdale — Intimate boutique inn with personalized service and sophisticated desert-modern design just steps from galleries.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Scottsdale Marriott Old Town — Modern suites with separate living areas and excellent breakfast, walking distance to Western Spirit Museum.
- Hyatt House Scottsdale Old Town — Spacious apartment-style suites with kitchenettes and reliable service, perfect for longer stays near art galleries.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Scottsdale Old Town — Clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities and easy access to Main Street’s dining scene.
2. Arts District: Stylish Stays Near Galleries & Performing Arts
This part of downtown is alive with creativity, from street murals to contemporary sculpture parks in a district that scottsdale is also known for. You hear jazz spilling out of Zuzu during Thursday Art Walks, which makes evenings feel electric as you pass studios near the nearby cattle track arts compound. I ducked into a corner gallery near Marshall Way and stumbled across an intimate photography exhibit that captured desert life beautifully with subtle wood and leather accents.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Marshall Way, 2nd Street, and Scottsdale Street together form the core of the Arts District, housing dozens of studios that invite you to stay in one and linger during openings. The Cattle Track Arts Compound nearby is a quirky local spot loved for its hands-on workshops and community feel where frank lloyd wright once inspired artisans. Explore in the late afternoon before the Scottsdale Art Walk kicks off; the nearest stop is Camelback Road and Scottsdale Road, and it’s an easy drive from phoenix if you plan to play a round the next morning.
Quick Take
- Pro: Creative energy and easy access to performing arts venues.
- Con: Limited parking — plan to walk or use rideshare.
Best For / Skip If:
This district is for art lovers and culture seekers looking for boutique experiences near hotels and resorts with local galleries. Families with small kids may find it less convenient — Troon North is better for open spaces and family activities and miles of hiking trails.
Best Hotels in Arts District
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Canopy By Hilton Scottsdale Old Town — Contemporary design hotel with local art throughout and easy walking access to Marshall Way galleries.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Rodeway Inn Old Town Scottsdale — Simple, clean accommodations with free Wi-Fi and parking, close to the Scottsdale Art Walk route.
3. North Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Golf Retreat
North Scottsdale offers wide-open spaces and Sonoran desert views that change color at sunset, truly the heart of the sonoran desert for a scottsdale resort escape. The air feels dry and crisp as you set out toward Pinnacle Peak and hear coyotes in the evening near scottsdale camelback viewpoints on clear days. I joined a trail walk at McDowell Sonoran Preserve and felt the desert silence surrounding me on miles of hiking trails.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Explore Pinnacle Peak Trail, McDowell Mountain Preserve, and Market Street at DC Ranch, which serves as a social hub where you can play a round in the morning. The Boulders Resort area is a local favorite thanks to its spa and 18-hole golf course that blend seamlessly into the rocky terrain with spa and fitness options. Go early in the morning for cooler hiking; the nearest transit hub is Thunderbird Park-and-Ride, and many attractions are within a 3-mile radius by car.
Quick Take
- Pro: Scenic desert hikes and world-class golf courses.
- Con: Far from Old Town action — you’ll need a car.
Best For / Skip If:
Perfect for outdoors enthusiasts and golfers looking for resort and spa days between hikes. Skip this if nightlife is a priority — in that case, base yourself near the Entertainment District in downtown scottsdale.
Best Hotels in North Scottsdale
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hilton North Scottsdale At Cavasson — Desert oasis resort with championship golf course access and stunning mountain views from private patios.
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa — Full-service spa resort with multiple pools and proximity to Kierland Commons shopping.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express Scottsdale North — Modern hotel with excellent breakfast and easy access to hiking trails and golf courses.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Aiden by Best Western @ Scottsdale North — Clean, comfortable rooms with outdoor pool and friendly service near desert preserves.
4. Scottsdale Fashion Square: Convenient Shopping & Spa Getaways
This area buzzes with modern energy, anchored by Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall with its glossy luxury collection resort boutiques that feel freshly reimagined. Shoppers will love the polished marble interiors and scent of high-end fragrances wafting through every corner as palm-shaded paths lead to pool with cabanas at nearby properties. I paused at the terrace cafe overlooking Camelback Road and felt the pulse of the city around me, thinking how easy it is to pamper with spa scottsdale treatments after browsing.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Highlights include Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Waterfront promenade, and the Arizona Canal Trail with hotels and resorts clustered nearby. A local gem is the Hidden Track Bottle Shop, known for its intimate wine tastings that locals love on weeknights and complimentary tasting notes. Visit during mornings for fewer crowds; the nearest stop is Scottsdale Trolley at Fashion Square, just a short drive from phoenix.
Quick Take
- Pro: Easy access to upscale shopping, spas, and fine dining.
- Con: High traffic on Camelback Road — allow extra time if driving.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for stylish getaways with shopping, spa treatments, and cocktail bars where rooms and suites are a short stroll away. Not ideal for desert adventurers — head north to McDowell Sonoran Preserve instead to find miles of hiking trails.
Best Hotels in Scottsdale Fashion Square
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Motel 6 Old town Scottsdale Fashion Square — Basic but clean accommodation with outdoor pool, directly across from Fashion Square mall for ultimate shopping convenience.
5. Paradise Valley: Luxury Villas & Mountain Retreats
Paradise Valley rests at the base of Camelback Mountain, offering spacious villas, private casitas, and tranquil desert gardens with bungalow-style hideaways. You’ll smell blooming citrus groves in spring, which hang over the patios and poolside cabanas perfect for a quiet spa and fitness morning. I once paused near Hermosa Inn after a morning hike and could see the mountain’s red rock glowing against the skyline at the foot of camelback mountain.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Most visitors explore Lincoln Drive, Camelback Mountain trailheads, and Echo Canyon Recreation Area with the famed mountain shadows resort area nearby. Don’t miss Barry Goldwater Memorial Park, a local favorite and peaceful retreat for families where john wayne and elizabeth taylor once vacationed in this region’s heyday. Visit at sunrise for the best light; the closest transit point is Lincoln Drive and 32nd Street, an easy drive from phoenix sky harbor international airport.
Quick Take
- Pro: Quiet desert oasis with private spa resorts.
- Con: Few nightlife options — you’ll need to go downtown.
Best For / Skip If:
Perfect for a romantic getaway or travelers seeking spa resorts in Scottsdale with pamper-worthy treatments. Not for party-oriented visitors — try the Entertainment District instead near downtown scottsdale.
Best Hotels in Paradise Valley
💎 Luxury hotels
- Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort — AAA Five Diamond resort with exclusive casitas, world-class spa, and dramatic Camelback Mountain views.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale — Desert resort with multiple pools and tennis courts, offering excellent value for mountain access and spa amenities.
- Sonesta ES Suites Scottsdale Paradise Valley — All-suite hotel with kitchenettes and spacious living areas, perfect for longer stays near hiking trails.
6. Entertainment District: Nightlife, Music & Cocktails
Here the atmosphere glows neon, with live music streaming from patios and rooftop terraces where a saguaro mural marks a favorite corner. The thrum of bass mixes with laughter, creating a nightlife energy unmatched anywhere else in Scottsdale as hotels and resorts host pool parties with two swimming pools. I found myself at a small rooftop near Craftsman Court enjoying a jazz set after dinner on 6th Street, a classic night on the town in downtown scottsdale.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Explore Craftsman Court, Indian Plaza, and Saddlebag Trail, all filled with bars and cocktail lounges where you can pamper your palate with inventive drinks. The Kazimierz Wine Bar is a local favorite for its hidden speakeasy vibe and live performances next to venues where you can stay in one late and still stroll home safely. Best to go after 9 pm when the scene is in full swing; the nearest stop is Scottsdale Road and Drinkwater Boulevard, just a short drive from phoenix.
Quick Take
- Pro: Vibrant live music, dancing, and nightlife.
- Con: Can be noisy late — choose a quiet stay nearby in Paradise Valley if sensitive to sound.
Best For / Skip If:
Great for groups, friends, and younger couples wanting a night on the town with a resort and spa day to recover. Families or those seeking wellness may want to head instead to Civana Wellness Resort in Carefree for spa and fitness serenity.
Best Hotels in Entertainment District
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Comfort Suites Scottsdale Talking Stick Entertainment District — Modern all-suite hotel with excellent breakfast and pool, right in the heart of the nightlife scene.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale at Talking Stick — Comfortable accommodations with hot breakfast and outdoor pool, walking distance to entertainment venues.
7. Troon North: Golf Courses & Desert Views
Troon North is all about fairways stretching into the desert with Camelback Mountain on the horizon where you can play a round in dramatic scenery. The smell of fresh-cut grass from manicured greens mixes with desert sage after rain near a golf course grill buzzing at sunset. I once spent an afternoon here watching the sun set over Monument Course fairways, a view that felt unforgettable in the heart of the sonoran desert.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
The Troon North Golf Course, Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, and Dynamite Boulevard are the main draws here for scottsdale resort days and stargazing nights. Pinnacle Grille is a neighborhood gem where locals gather post-golf for the Golf Course Grill’s relaxed burgers and complimentary house salsas. Visit in early afternoon when sunlight casts dramatic shadows; the closest transit option is Via Linda Park-and-Ride, and many trailheads sit within a 3-mile radius.
Quick Take
- Pro: Premier courses and desert spa retreats.
- Con: Away from city bustle — plan for full-day outings.
Best For / Skip If:
A top choice for couples and small groups who want golf and hiking in one near some of the best scottsdale hotels. Those seeking art galleries or boutique inns should pick the Arts District instead.
Best Hotels in Troon North
💎 Luxury hotels
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North — Ultra-luxurious desert resort with championship golf courses, world-class spa, and casitas overlooking pristine Sonoran landscape.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort — Ultra-luxurious desert resort with championship golf courses, world-class spa, and casitas overlooking pristine Sonoran landscape.
FAQ
What budget should you plan for a city trip to Scottsdale?
Plan on $100–150 per night for mid-range hotels and $250+ for resorts, with meals averaging $15–30 and local attractions charging $10–25, and factor in a short drive from phoenix for flights.
What is the best area in Scottsdale for first-time visitors?
Old Town Scottsdale is the best introduction thanks to its walkable streets, local museums, boutique inns, and dining in the heart of old town where you can explore old town scottsdale on foot.
How can you best explore Scottsdale’s historic center?
Walking is the best way, especially along Main Street and 2nd Street, and many highlights sit within a 3-mile radius of the museums. Consider joining a guided walking tour, which usually departs from Civic Center Plaza and can include a stop by the nearby cattle track arts compound.
Where should you stay in Scottsdale for coffee shops, markets, or gastronomy?
The Arts District has coffee shops, Scottsdale Old Farmers Market, and an array of cocktail bars mixed with galleries in downtown scottsdale for an easy café hop.
How many days do you need in Scottsdale to see the highlights?
Three days is enough to experience Old Town, Camelback Mountain, the Arts District, and a desert hike in McDowell Preserve with time to pamper at a spa.
Which area in Scottsdale is best for families with young children?
Paradise Valley has open parks, family-friendly casitas, and Playgrounds near Barry Goldwater Park, making it ideal for kids with bungalow-style options and space to unwind.
How easy is parking or getting around in different areas of Scottsdale?
Old Town is very walkable, but other areas like Troon North and North Scottsdale require a car, and most attractions are an easy drive from phoenix with plentiful garages in shopping zones.
