Scottsdale, ArizonaNorth Scottsdale
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Sonoran desert playground
North Scottsdale Scottsdale, Arizona
Opened
1987
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort ClassicOutside the door
The house
AccorSonoran desert playground
Colonial plazas, lagoons, and sprawling fairways cover sixty-five acres, operating like a self-contained Southwestern village.
“the North Scottsdale spot—with its fountained plazas, Mexican colonial–style architecture, and 65 scenic acres—has everything needed for a vacation in the sun.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
the almost always sunny weather reflects off the six glimmering pools of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve sits minutes away, with downtown Scottsdale shopping and dining a short drive south.
The rooms
Desert neutrals dress the interiors, and each room opens onto a private terrace facing the lagoons or golf greens.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Private cabanas and slatted wood pergolas flank the heated water, surrounded by towering palms and stone courtyards.
The spa and gym
Sisley-Paris therapies take place across twenty-seven treatment rooms, and a cascading grotto pool sits steps from the 24-hour gym.
Restaurant
La Hacienda
String lights and glowing fire pits illuminate the patio, where guests order modern Mexican dishes and craft tequilas.
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
The kitchen prepares Pan-Latin dishes beneath fringed pendant lights, and the rum bar overlooks the TPC Scottsdale greens.
At the table
Fire pits glow around The Plaza Bar for open-air cocktails, and Ironwood American Kitchen serves casual meals indoors.
How it began
Architects Allen and Philp designed the complex as an adobe village, linking terracotta pavilions through shaded courtyards and tiled fountains.
Scottsdale
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.