Scottsdale Resorts

Scottsdale Resorts Made Easy!

Scottsdale resorts transport you to exotic desert oases — with pools so luxe you won’t miss the island. Here’s a table of all resorts in Scottsdale from North to South. Quickly choose your must haves — like pet policies.* Plus amenities like spas and salons. Golf, tennis and pickleball are here too. Accessibility** and local phone numbers help you cut to the chase for your needs. Let us spoil you with hospitality — you’re worth it!

Resort History in Scottsdale

The first Scottsdale luxury resort was the Ingleside Inn in 1910. Complete with a 9-hole golf course, it was opened by W.J. Murphy, canal tycoon. His apt motto was, ‘Where Summer Loves to Linger and Winter Never Comes.’ Our gloat-worthy winter climate was — and still is — a boon for the City’s resort surge.

Others were attracted to the newly incorporated ‘West’s Most Western Town’ too. They were drawn to Old Town’s artists’ colony, Craftsman Court.  And, annual events like the Parada del Sol and All Arabian Horse Show also drove visitors here. 

A Tale of 2 Hotels — Hotel Valley Ho and the Safari

Beginning in the 1950’s, modern resorts started popping up in Scottsdale.  Downtown, the Hotel Valley Ho and the Safari Hotel, featuring Paul Shank’s French Quarter Nightclub, both opened in 1956. They were hideaways for Hollywood stars. And, they housed the new Spring Training baseball scene — with the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox.

The Valley Ho has been refurbished to its retro mid-century vibe with updated contemporary flair. Alas, the Safari Hotel is gone, but here’s my tale:

My Safari Story

In the mid-1950’s my mom, Nancy and her first husband, Richard ‘Dick’ O’Dette, came to AZ from the Midwest with their jazz band.  She was an artist, singer and dancer and he was a jazz drummer. 

Falling in love with Arizona, they bought a 100-acre homestead in near then-primitive Pinetop-Lakeside.

Dick came to Scottsdale for work, playing in a band at the Safari.  Holding down the homestead, Nancy created art and fulfilled her dream of becoming a cowgirl.

Once Nancy came to visit Dick in Scottsdale, her pet goat along for the ride in the car’s back seat. To Dick’s embarrassment, Mom tied the goat to a palm tree to graze on the front lawn of the Safari! 

Later, while she was performing at a bar in Show Low, Mom met the cowboy, Johnny, who became my dad.

Scottsdale’s Resort Corridor

In the mid-1960’s and 70’s there was a drive to build the Resort Corridor, originally north of Downtown on Scottsdale Road. Resort building stretched north into the high Sonoran Desert along with Scottsdale’s housing boom.

The Resort Corridor’s bullseye vision piqued international interest in Scottsdale. Visitors flock to our desert playgrounds and events. A big part of our economy relies on tourism and business where resorts play a starring role.

Locals enjoy day and staycations during the summer lull.  We love low rates, big fancy pools and posh, arctic rooms. It’s our reward for taking the heat and enduring winter crowds. Romantic getaway in mind? Skip the resorts with lazy rivers and waterslides!

New Resorts on the Horizon

The newest deluxe resorts with anticipated openings are:

Caesars Republic Scottsdale — a swanky new 4-Star, 11-story, 266 room, glass-enclosed, non-gaming hotel. Next to Fashion Square, slated to open in 2022. ‘Unleash your alter ego!’ — and the Ritz Carlton Paradise Valley in 2022.

Resorting in Scottsdale — Planning Your Visit

The City’s resorts range from 5-star to humbler, hidden gems you find in this Table North to South.

*Pet Policy questions can be verified by calling the resort directly. Resorts not allowing pets will allow service animals, following ADA Service Animal guidelines.

** Questions about Accessibility are best answered by calling the resort directly.

Hotels and Motels in Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale

In addition to resorts, there are many other lodging options in Scottsdale, including these in Downtown and Old Town.

Lodging Where the Action is:

From the swinging Hotel Valley Ho , Aloft and the W Scottsdale, to the usual suspects — Scottsdale Marriott Old Town and Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn , Hyatt House and Hyatt Place.

Or to the brand new Senna House, walking distance to the Entertainment District, the boutique Bespoke Inn with bikes, and the Canopy by Hilton across from our famous Western Museum, in the Heart of the Arts.

Motel 6 — a historic hidden gem still exists behind Fashion Square. They still leave the lights on, but the Magic Fingers beds are long gone. 

There’s an option for every budget for you to be in the heart of Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale. Enjoy all of our amazing sights and delights, without breaking the bank.

The Wrap Up

While I’ve included every place named ‘resort,’ there are many other lodging options in Scottsdale.

Whether you seek a business meeting venue, a family vacay, quiet or romantic getaway, we’re here to serve you our finest resort experience. Work hard, play hard, or indulge in a spa day.

Venture out, see and do a lot, or do nothing but escape and luxuriate. Welcome to our desert paradise! It’s close enough to Fantasy Island for you to relax and recharge in the style you deserve.

Sources: City of Scottsdale’s Resort Corridor Character Area and Scottsdale History, including Joan Fudala’s book, ‘Golf in Scottsdale: Images of Sports.’