Blaire's 5 Best - Scottsdale

Scottsdale has been high on my husband and my list for a long weekend getaway, so when we saw a cheap flight to Phoenix over MLK weekend (which is just a short 15-30 minute drive to Scottsdale), we knew it was our chance. We are drawn to Scottsdale for its incredible warm and dry weather, the ability to hike and be outdoorsy, the bustling food scene and the amazing golf courses. And let me say, we fit ALL of that in!!! 

While there, we stayed at two different properties - the Phoenician and the Four Seasons at Troon North. Each resort couldn't be more different than the other one but made for a great pairing for our weekend. Here are the 5 things I liked best about each hotel...

The Phoenician

The Phoenician so graciously hosted my husband and me for two nights, so we were really able to explore the hotel and all it has to offer. This family friendly oasis is extremely centrally located in Scottsdale which makes it great for those wanting to both enjoy the resort and what the town has to offer. The 5 things I liked best are as follows:

1. Its Location - as mentioned above, the Phoenician is in the heart of Scottsdale. An uber ride to Old Town is only about 5 minutes! But even though you're in the middle of this town, you feel like you're in an oasis separated from the busy-ness outside the hotel walls. What I also loved is that Camelback Mountain is essentially in The Phoenician's back yard. My husband and I walked from the Phoenician, hiked Camelback and walked back. It was so easy and a great workout!

2. Its Family Friendly Environment - The Phoenician is PERFECT for families. Not only with an abundance of connecting rooms and suites, but there are so many pools for families as well as large grassy areas for kids to play. There's even a great kids club if the parents want some adult time ;)

3. Its Activities - there was SO MUCH to do at The Phoenician. Aside from golf (their golf course is getting redesigned and opening in about a year), there are basketball courts, a trapeze school and of course many restaurants and bars throughout the property. The Phoenician definitely had a buzzing atmosphere. 

4. Its Canyon Suites - I loved this concept!! The Canyon Suites are essentially a boutique hotel within the hotel. This is perfect for those wanting a little more exclusivity and comes complete with its own pool and breakfast buffet. Of course guests of the Canyon Suites can access anything on property at The Phoenician, and these facilities are walking distance to the main lobby, 

5. Its Spa - this bullet point is premature as the spa is not set to open until Mid March, but I know it will be great!! This multilevel complex is being built from the ground up and will feature a state of the art fitness center, many treatment rooms and even a rooftop pool overlooking both the resort and Camelback Mountain. It will be STUNNING!

The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North

The Four Seasons is located in Troon North which is about 30 minutes North of Scottsdale. You can easily get in to Old Town for a night out, but the Four Seasons offers a retreat that allows you to truly "get away". This quiet resort really emulates the mountainous/desert surroundings with its décor, and the rooms are set up in casitas rather than in one big resort. Here are the 5 things I liked best about the Four Seasons Scottsdale:

1. Its Sunset Views - The Four Seasons has a balcony off the main lobby which is the BEST place to watch the sunset. My husband and I couldn't believe our eyes as the sky put on a show changing from blue to orange to pink to indigo. It was stunning! There is full bar service and you can also order some light bites. We ended up enjoying a drink (or two!!) and having dinner outside. It was absolutely lovely!
    
2. Its Exterior Buildings - As mentioned above, the Four Seasons Scottsdale's exterior really mimicked its environment. The casitas that were not taller than 3 stories were scattered throughout the property and perfectly placed to compliment the natural surroundings. It really makes you feel like you're in Arizona!!!
    
3. Its Proximity to Pinnacle Peak - There is an incredible mountain nearby that is perfect to hike, and the Four Seasons has made its own pathway, or a "desert botanical garden" to the base of the mountain for its guests to enjoy. Along the way you will enjoy beautiful plants and cactuses. If you aren't up for a hike, enjoy this pathway to and from Pinnacle Peak as a great way to get outdoors!
    
4. Its Breakfast Restaurant - the wrap around patio at Proof is the perfect place to enjoy your breakfast and coffee in the morning. What's more special than seeing the morning sun reflecting off of mountains in the distance!? Plus the menu has something for everyone... from a healthy section to one where you can eat like "you're on vacation", it was all so great!
    
5. Its Pool - Unfortunately I didn't have much time to lounge in the sun, but I absolutely LOVED the pool... or should I say POOLS!? They were lined with comfy lounge chairs and cabanas with gorgeous mountain views and desert landscaping. It is the ultimate place to relax!

Updated April, 2018:

I went back to Scottsdale for a weekend getaway with my husband and his two brothers and had the chance to tour The Sanctuary on Camelback and stay at the Andaz Scottsdale. I truly feel seeing or staying at each of these resorts well-rounded my time in Scottsdale and gave me more insight on which clients to place where! Here are the 5 things I liked best about each resort...

The Sanctuary on Camelback

I had a great tour at this property to start my weekend in Scottsdale. This property is much smaller than I imagined which definitely gave off a romantic and intimate vibe. While kids are allowed at this property, I wouldn't necessarily say it's kid friendly... this is better suited for a couples getaway or even a girls trip! Here are the 5 things I liked best about this resort:

1. Its View of Camelback Mountain. The Sanctuary on Camelback has the BEST views of Camelback Mountain out of every resort in Scottsdale. From every angle, the views are available to you. It's super romantic, especially when the sun sets.
    
2. Its Spa. The Sanctuary on Camelback just renovated its spa, and it's gorgeous. You can choose from a light and airy relaxation room before your treatment or something that's a little more calm and relaxing in their darker room. 
    
3. Its Room Renovations. The Sanctuary on Camelback recently renovated their rooms, and they're awesome. While they are minimal and almost mid-century modern, they're still super cozy and relaxing. The entry level room category is super spacious, and each room has stunning views of Scottsdale. 
    
4. Its Main Restaurant. I mean, who doesn't want to dine at a restaurant that's home to a celebrity chef? The Sanctuary on Camelback prides itself on being a foodie hotel, and their main restaurant Elements doesn't disappoint. Plus the absolutely stunning sunset views from the expansive windows don't hurt the experience either!
    
5. Its Gathering Areas. Aside from the amazing bars, the Sanctuary on Camelback has various couches and seating areas spread throughout the property. This is the perfect spot to soak in the amazing Arizona weather and spend some time connecting with friends and family. 

Andaz
scottsdale

I had a wonderful two night stay at the Andaz Scottsdale. Yall - this place was speaking to me! I think it's the perfect spot for travelers in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want a fun experience but also want to stay in luxurious accommodations. Here are the 5 things I liked best about the Andaz Scottsdale:

1. Its Vibe. Seriously yall, the Andaz is super laid back and just cool. You're greeted with the option to drink a craft beer or wine (there's of course water available!) and you can just tell this place is something different. There's definitely a buzz around the resort where you can feel like you are able to be yourself and enjoy a laid back weekend.
    
2. Its Grounds. I really liked the palm trees mixed with the casitas throughout the property. The landscaping is meticulously kept and perfectly places around the weaving sidewalks.
    
3. Its Mid-Century Modern Décor. The rooms are minimal but with marble bathrooms and super cute seating areas with every room! I spent some time out on mine doing some work and soaking up the gorgeous weather one morning, and it was truly lovely.
    
4. Its Pool. I had the chance to go to the pool while they had a DJ (and while my husband and his brothers were playing golf haha!), and it's definitely a scene. The pool itself is huge, there's a pool bar and many casitas scattered throughout that you can rent. While this pool doesn't restrict against children, I wouldn't necessarily say it's "kid friendly" on the weekends...
    
5. Its Location. The Andaz is very close to Old Town Scottsdale which is the area to go for fun dinners or a night out. It takes only a 5 minute Uber drive to be in the center of the action, and only a 5 minute Uber drive home to realize you're too old to go to the clubs and want to have a glass of wine at the hotel bar ;)

Scottsdale is such an amazing place for families, couples, a romantic getaway, a multi-generational trip... basically for EVERYONE! I had a blast while I was there and can't wait to return very soon :)