Scottsdale shares many of its boundaries with other municipalities, the largest of which is Phoenix to the west. The city's roots date back to the 1880s when U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott purchased acreage on what would become Downtown Scottsdale. He and his brother, George Washington Scott, became the town's first residents. By 1896, the Scottsdale Public School system was established, and the community was a thriving place for artists and writers during the early 1900s – a tradition that has continued to this day. While the town's population continued to boom, it wouldn't be officially incorporated until 1951.
Today, Scottsdale is Arizona's sixth-largest city and has held the honor of being dubbed the country's “Most Livable City.” Tourism is Scottsdale's biggest employer, as over 7.5 million visitors come to the city each year. This vibrant location offers year-round warm weather, world-class performance venues, acclaimed museums, architectural wonders, upscale fashion centers, and delicious eateries. Whatever your reasons for visiting Scottsdale, it's important to find the ideal hotel that allows you to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
When to Visit Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale offers a gorgeous desert backdrop and plenty of sunshine, making it a great destination no matter the time of year. Keep in mind, though, that summer can be boiling hot. It's not uncommon for temperatures from June to August to reach over 100 degrees. Most tourists avoid Scottsdale during this period because of the heat, but there's a decided lack of humidity here that makes the heat more bearable than you might think. Late summer is also monsoon season, which brings with it lightning storms that locals don't seem to mind, but tourists tend to avoid.
If you don't mind the heat, though, you can find great hotel rates from May to October. Just be sure to carry bottled water and pack plenty of sunscreen.
The best time to visit Scottsdale is from November to April when the rest of the United States is battling snowy conditions. Due to the influx of visitors to the Phoenix area, locals tend to call this the “snowbird season.” Hotel rates are high at peak season, but you can find better deals if you visit in November or April. Key events during this period include the Arizona State Fair, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, and the West of Western Culinary Festival.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Scottsdale, AZ:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Scottsdale, AZ. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the best time to make a reservation in Scottsdale for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Scottsdale, Arizona
4 Star Average Prices: $205.05
If you're looking for luxury accommodations in Scottsdale, you won't be disappointed. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician is a posh boutique hotel that boasts elegant guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, Italian linens, marble bathrooms, premium toiletries, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces. Upgrading to a suite will get you additional bedrooms, separate living areas, a dining area, and a Bose sound system. The massive property features eight drink and dining options, nine pools, tennis courts, a spa, and a kids' playground and club. Golfers will appreciate the resort's 27-hole golf course, while shoppers can bask in the on-site retail corridor.
Another five-star golf resort is Boulders Resort & Spa, which is located just north of Scottsdale in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert. This upscale, southwestern-inspired resort offers guest rooms, suites, studios, villas, and even houses, giving you plenty of accommodation options. All feature natural stone showers, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. Some guest quarters even offer kitchens, washers and dryers, and patios. There is a resort fee, which gives you access to the on-site spa, Wi-Fi, and valet parking. You can also choose from seven dining options, four outdoor pools, and two championship golf courses.
Affordable Hotel Options in Scottsdale, Arizona
3 Star Average Prices: $163.71
Finding an affordable accommodation in Scottsdale is easy. There are a number of budget motels throughout the city, including Motel 6 Phoenix – Scottsdale on Camelback Road. This unpretentious lodging is within walking distance of the Scottsdale Fashion Square shopping mall and just over one mile from historic Old Town. Guests can enjoy modern rooms with expanded cable channels, granite countertops, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an outdoor heated pool. A shuttle service is also available for an extra charge.
Quality Suites Near Old Town Scottsdale is a smart all-suite option near Evelyn Hallman Park. Guest suites offer living rooms, mini fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. There's even an on-site restaurant, bar, hot tub, outdoor pool, and fitness center for those wanting to keep up with their daily exercise routine.
Howard Johnson Scottsdale Old Town is a relaxed accommodation within walking distance of Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions, but upgrading to a suite will get you a separate living area. Parking and continental breakfast are included, and there's a seasonal pool and hot tub.
Adjacent to El Dorado Park's public golf course, the three-star 3 Palms provides a convenient location near State Route 101 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Rooms and suites feature flat-screen TVs with DVD players, whirlpool tubs (in some rooms), free Wi-Fi, kitchens (suites only), and in-room spa services. If you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel with classy amenities, this is a great one to book.
