At the heart of Old Town Scottsdale lies The Scott Resort & Spa, one of the valley’s premier boutique hotels. They’re part of the local and family-owned hotel company called Classic Hotels & Resorts, which has a handful of other locations in the state.

Like these, The Scott Resort & Spa seamlessly blends the unique charm of a boutique hotel and the consistent reputation of a chain hotel. We were captivated by the earthy interiors, woven pieces, and lush greenery – all tied together with warm lighting.

The Cuban-inspired interiors are also apparent in the hotel rooms and dishes served at the Canal Club, where guests can take advantage of food credit. What’s more, is that they have two outdoor pools with private cabanas and a cocktail bar.

To further relax your senses, their spa is highly recommended and offers signature full-body massages and facials. The staff also stands out from what we’ve heard, with their friendly and calm vibe.

On the contrary, housekeeping and service could use a little improvement. After hearing from guests, the hotel staff takes a while to address requests and the quality of cleaning is unsatisfactory for some. 

We also heard a few reports that trash or used dining trays are left longer than usual outside of doors, which attracts bugs. We seriously hope they would up their game in terms of housekeeping.

You should also note that the hotel is a renovation and not a new development, which shows in some tradeoffs like smaller en-suite bathrooms and no elevators. This will likely be a concern for wheelchair users and those lifting heavy luggage.

Tucked away at the base of Camelback Mountain is the sprawling Royal Palms Resort and Spa. We love that it isn’t built with an imposing height, competing with the grandeur of the desert mountain backdrop, but instead beautifully blends with its surroundings.

The estate is laid out on a 9-acre stretch of flat terrain and is reminiscent of Mediterranean architecture. It kept most of the original features of the mansion built in the 1920s but was redesigned with an array of amenities that indulges the senses.

As we explored the expansive area, we were greeted with lovely nooks at every corner down winding cobblestone paths. Guests won’t run out of things to see, and can even go on a guided tour of the hotel recounting its history.

There are a handful of water features scattered around the resort, but only one pool, which was less than we expected. Still, we like that there’s plenty of space in the open areas for privacy, plus the spa and dining experience shouldn’t be missed.

We think they have everything for a romantic couple’s getaway, and the guests think so too! A good number of their clientele come to celebrate their honeymoon, anniversary, and weddings.

The management even goes the extra mile of designating their rooms in separate villas away from family rooms, which is great.

However, a lot of guests weren’t too thrilled about the extra $35 daily resort fee to access most of their amenities. Parking slots also entail separate charges, all of which could add up to higher costs than intended.

In the span of a century, the Arizona Biltmore remains as one of the best places to stay in Phoenix according to reputable sources. Throughout its long history, famous personalities like Marilyn Monroe and Barack Obama have walked through its doors. 

We also think fans of Frank Lloyd Wright can appreciate the Prairie-style exteriors that were popular at the time of the hotel’s inception. 

When it comes to first impressions, the locale strikes a balance between the upscale neighborhood of Biltmore and the natural scenery of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. 

The hotel itself features seven dining outlets and five retail shops to choose from. Being in the Biltmore area, guests also have limitless destinations within a mile’s radius, which is convenient.

The estate is also home to seven swimming pools in all, which is the most we’ve seen on this list. We like that there are designated pools for adults where they can enjoy poolside luxuries and children who can get a thrill out of a 65-foot triple waterslide.

They’re also open around the clock for those who prefer swimming after sundown. 

Moving on, guests have mentioned the royal treatment they experienced from the staff. It’s probably why high-profile guests choose to stay here out of all the numerous valley resorts in Phoenix, which promises a lot.

In contrast, reaching this kind of status may also be why their rates come at a premium and they don’t have much to offer in terms of discounts. 

We also heard from some guests who were subjected to a longer wait time than expected, despite arriving on the dot. This may become a problem, especially for those with a busy schedule and other matters to attend to.

Nestled in the northeast valley, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is known for its picturesque vistas of Arizona’s desert mountains. The Meditteranean-style property is an AAA 4-Diamond hotel, which puts it above several others.

Although a little far from the hustle and bustle of the city, commercial establishments like Target and the Desert Ridge Marketplace are a short drive away. 

They’re accessible through a winding road lined with desert plants and palm trees, making for a compelling approach. 

What immediately caught our eye was the complex of pools and the newly installed Aquaridge Waterpark. This features three waterslides, which can be enjoyed by guests of all ages, but at an extra cost.

One other hallmark of theirs is the vast and verdant golf courses designed by famous golf legends, Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. We love that it gives guests unobstructed views of the stunning mountainscapes that serve as the hotel’s backdrop.

Similarly, their pickleball facilities remain unmatched, where guests can avail one-on-one lessons with certified instructors. Along with their designated jogging trails, we recommend them to those who are looking for ways to stay active.

In contrast, the Revive Spa offers a calm and serene atmosphere for those who prefer to relax. You can also retreat to the poolside for a refreshing drink at their chaise lounges and cabanas.

On the other hand, we heard of instances where guests were assigned to downgraded rooms, which were not what they paid for. For those who carefully planned around their hotel stay, the hotel missed the mark.

Right off the bat, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess boasts a AAA Five Diamond rating since 1991, the first of its kind in Arizona. This means it’s critically acclaimed for its first-class services and facilities, which is impressive.

Furthermore, it’s home to a wide range of amenities, the most we’ve seen out of all the ones listed here. It’s no surprise considering the expansive 65-acre desert oasis with lush landscaping and water features.

These include six incredible swimming pools, each designed for different ages and groups, so guests won’t have to crowd into one all-purpose pool. 

We won’t fail to mention that they’re the only place in the state with a synthetic, white sand beach. Aside from that, guests also have the option to go fishing in the hotel’s own lagoon, which is only one part of the Trailblazers Family Recreation Center.

This brings staycations onto a whole new level, which is exciting. The types of guests we’ve seen are also diverse, so whether you’re a family, a couple, or a group of friends, they have something in store for you.

According to past visitors, it’s highly recommended to spend the Christmas holidays here since they host a variety of attractions this time of the year. Among these are the much-awaited ice skating rink and dazzling light installations.

All things considered, guests may save on booking rooms but using other amenities may add up to high costs. This includes the use of their parking lot, resort, spa, and even as simple as drinks.

We’ve also heard of poor service from some of their staff, which isn’t too often based on our survey. If guests encounter less than the standard of their service, they’re apparently more than inclined to make up for it.