Scottsdale, Arizona is a vibrant city known for its warm, sunny weather, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundance of outdoor activities. It attracts tourists from around the world with its world-class resorts, golf courses, shopping, and dining options.
Team Ourisman’s Allie Weachter recently stayed at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain and toured The Phoenician and Andaz Scottsdale Resorts & Bungalows and is thrilled to share highlights from her trip. Each of the three properties she visited integrates Arizona-inspired architecture and design in its own unique way. Scottsdale famously celebrates modern art and each property pays homage to that by sharing local artwork in their rooms and throughout the property.
Showcased Lodging Options
Depending on your trip goals, each of the three properties Allie visited offers its own collection of outdoor activities, wellness and spa treatments, and fine dining.
Andaz Scottsdale boasts 185 unique bungalows and suites that blend an indigenous style with eclectic and modern furnishings. Each bungalow features a private entrance and patio that face sprawling lawns. The rooms are spacious with luxurious oversized bathrooms adorned with soaking tubs and expansive windows, and some with outdoor showers. The perfect place to relax, read a book and connect with nature without the infamous heat.
Pro Tip: Andaz Scottsdale is our recommended destination for large groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, and events.
The Phoenician has reimagined itself through recent renovations to all guest rooms (including Canyon Suites), pools, lobby, spa, athletic club, golf course, and more. While this is a large resort with 450+ rooms, each area, including the guest rooms, is spacious and personalized.
Pro Tip: The Phoenician is the largest of the three resorts and our top recommendation in Scottsdale for families and golf enthusiasts looking to utilize the property’s amenities such as the kid’s area at the main pool, Phoenician Golf Club, and athletic club complete with a movement studio, game room, tennis, pickle ball, and basketball courts, and more.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa is a luxury, boutique resort and is one of the top destination spas in the country. The resort is set on the northern slope of Camelback Mountain, overlooking Paradise Valley. With only 109 rooms, each guest is promised a personalized and unique experience.
Pro Tip: We highly recommend Sanctuary Camelback Mountain for guests seeking a romantic, secluded getaway in the heart of Scottsdale.
Things To Do in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a popular vacation destination for a multitude of reasons:
Beautiful weather: Scottsdale is known for its warm, sunny weather, with an average of 330 days of sunshine per year. Just be weary of traveling in the middle of summer as temperatures can reach over 100 degrees.
Outdoor activities: Scottsdale is home to numerous parks and natural reserves, such as McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Camelback Mountain, which offer travelers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. Scottsdale also notoriously boasts world-class golf courses and resorts. Other activities we highly recommend:
- Biking
- Private jeep tours
- Hot air balloon ride
- Horse-back riding
- Butterfly Wonderland
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Arts and culture: Scottsdale has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. You can experience art-driven events such as the free weekly ArtWalk, Canal Convergence, and Scottsdale Contemporary Month.
Shopping and dining: Scottsdale offers a range of shopping and dining options, from upscale boutiques and luxury malls to casual eateries and fine dining restaurants. Allie ate dinner at The Mission and enjoyed their modern twist on guacamole and grilled street corn.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale: The unique charm of Old Town Scottsdale is immediately apparent. This effortless fusion of old-west charm and urban sophistication gives the city’s downtown its distinct character, making it an essential destination for any itinerary in Scottsdale. As a bonus, all 3 hotels are minutes from Old Town making it an easy half or full-day trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of the year to visit Scottsdale is from late September to early May. While visiting during their off-peak season can be very hot, it would allow you to take advantage of lower rates, dining reservation availabilities, and sunny poolside weather.
We recommend staying at least 3 full days. Use one day to explore Old Town, schedule a day for outdoor activities, and pick one day for some R&R by the pool and spa.
Plan Your Desert Vacation with Ourisman Travel
After our trip, we are confident each hotel will provide a unique stay filled with luxury experiences depending on your travel goals. Whether you take your kids to the family-friendly Phoenician or plan a zen escape to Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, you can’t go wrong with staying at any of the three hotels.
You can also read our full review of each hotel here:
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
- The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
- Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa
By choosing us as your travel advisor, you can rest assured that our team is working behind the scenes to ensure a seamless stay. We highly value our relationships with our preferred vendors who share our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our clients.
Plus, when you book your trip with us, you can enjoy value-added amenities such as complimentary breakfast daily, resort credits, and more.
- Mornings that start with complimentary breakfast for two
- A complimentary room upgrade, based on availability
- A 100+ USD resort credit towards incidentals such as food and beverage or the spa
- Early check-in/ late check-out based on availability
For more information on Scottsdale properties, reach out to our team at [email protected] or submit a travel request form. Your desert oasis awaits.
