Old Town / Downtown Scottsdale
Walkable dining, galleries, nightlife, Fashion Square
City hotel guide
Scottsdale
Scottsdale, located in eastern Maricopa County within the Phoenix metropolitan area, proudly bears the slogan 'The West's Most Western Town.' Incorporated in 1951, it has evolved into one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, attracting frequent-flyer hotel travelers seeking a blend of luxury and authentic desert culture. Bordered by the Tonto National Forest to the north, the McDowell Mountains to the east, and the Salt River to the south, the city offers a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. For hotel guests, Scottsdale provides a diverse range of accommodations, from high-end resorts to boutique properties, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's unique landscape and vibrant community.
514Hotels
34Brands
8Programs
🕐 America/Phoenix · 💱 USD
Wikideas1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Best time to visit
☀️ Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Jan17° / 6°💧48mm
Feb19° / 7°💧22mm
Mar22° / 10°💧58mm
Apr30° / 15°💧0mm
May34° / 20°💧1mm
Jun38° / 24°💧3mm
Jul41° / 29°💧63mm
Aug39° / 27°💧54mm
Sep37° / 24°💧31mm
Oct30° / 18°💧9mm
Nov23° / 11°💧12mm
Dec18° / 8°💧49mm
High/low are monthly means, 💧 is mean monthly precipitation (2022–23, Open-Meteo); green = comfortable & drier.
Where to stay
North Scottsdale
Desert resorts, golf, spas, preserve access
Kierland / Scottsdale Quarter
Polished shopping, restaurants, resort hotels
McCormick Ranch
Greenbelt, golf, quieter central Scottsdale
South Scottsdale
Lower-key, closer to Tempe and Papago Park
Area guides are reference info (AI-assisted, web-grounded); never ranked by price or commission.
Getting there & around
From the airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is the main commercial airport. Old Town Scottsdale is usually about 15-25 minutes by taxi/rideshare or rental car, longer in traffic; North Scottsdale is often 25-40 minutes. Public transit is possible but slower: take the free PHX Sky Train to 44th St/Washington, then use Valley Metro buses such as Route 44 with a transfer to east-west Scottsdale routes like Route 50; plan roughly 60-90 minutes to Old Town. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) is a secondary airport and is typically about 40-60 minutes by car; transit is not convenient for first-time visitors.
PHX airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
Around the city
Scottsdale has no in-city metro or light rail. Use Valley Metro buses for regional trips and the free Scottsdale Trolley for local weekday movement on the 68th/Camelback, Miller/Hayden and Mustang routes; trolleys run about every 20 minutes but do not operate late nights or major holidays. For paid transit, use the Valley Metro app or Copper Card; local bus/light rail is about $2 per ride with fare capping. Old Town is the most walkable base; North Scottsdale, trailheads, golf resorts and summer travel are much easier with a car or rideshare.
🚆 Tempe🚆 Union Station
As of 2026-06-20 — confirm current schedules/fares with the operator.
Loyalty program coverage
Before choosing where to stay
Where to Base
Base yourself in Old Town Scottsdale for vibrant nightlife, dining, and western charm, or choose North Scottsdale for serene luxury resorts and world-class golf courses. Old Town is compact and walkable, while North Scottsdale offers expansive resort complexes surrounded by mountain views.
Getting Around
While Scottsdale lacks its own IATA code, most travelers arrive via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The city spans 184.5 square miles, making a rental car essential for navigating between districts like Old Town and the northern resort areas. Public transit is limited, so driving is the most efficient way to explore the surrounding Tonto National Forest and McDowell Mountains.
Best Season
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying resort amenities. Summers are extremely hot, so plan indoor pool time or evening excursions. Given its rapid growth and popularity among frequent travelers, booking accommodations well in advance during peak seasons is highly recommended to secure preferred rates and locations.
Nearby attractions
Phoenix Zoo
Non-profit zoo in the United States, opened 1962
Camelback Mountain
mountain in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
Mountain America Stadium
outdoor football stadium in Tempe, Arizona
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
stadium complex located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale
Desert Botanical Garden
non-profit organization in Arizona, USA
Piestewa Peak
summit in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States of America
Arizona State Capitol
state capitol building of the U.S. state of Arizona
Heard Museum
art and culture museum in Phoenix, Arizona
State Farm Stadium
stadium in Glendale, Arizona, USA
Dream City Church
church in Az., United States
Faithful Word Baptist Church
independent baptist church in Tempe, Arizona, United States
Phoenix Art Museum
art museum in Phoenix, Arizona
Dining
Taco Bell
Fast food
McDonald's
Fast food
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex
Mexican
EVO Old Town Scottsdale
Italian
Anhelo Restaurant
Restaurant
Hello Vietnam Pho & Roll
Vietnamese
Ironwood American Kitchen At The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Restaurant
Attraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
See all guide-listed restaurants in Scottsdale (Michelin / Black Pearl) →
Airport lounges (PHX)
Lounge access is reference info — confirm current terms with the operator; commission never ranks.
Flights to Scottsdale
Off-site flight search (affiliate link — no in-app checkout, no price shown).
Search flights to ScottsdaleMost-covered hotels in Scottsdale
Ranked by verified records and coverage depth — never by price, never by commission.
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Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
5★0 recordsSparse
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
5★0 recordsSparse
Hidden Paradise
5★0 recordsSparse
Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North
5★0 recordsSparse
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
5★0 recordsSparse
Privado Villas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
5★0 recordsSparse
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
5★0 recordsSparse
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
5★0 recordsSparse