The Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton

This resort (formerly the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center) has a comfortable, casual ambience, with rustic, Spanish-inspired decor and airy common areas to accommodate guests here for business and events. Grounds are meticulously maintained, and interiors are attractive but not overly stylish. The lobby, which has terra-cotta floors, oversize leather armchairs, and distinctive wrought iron chandeliers, sees a lot of foot traffic, but people don't tend to linger. The resort's main restaurant can fill up at breakfast, but it's otherwise uncrowded, although couches outside are a popular place to hang out. It's a busy place, but it's spacious, so it doesn't feel crowded. The hotel hosts lots of conferences, weddings, and golf-centric functions, and there's a huge courtyard that offers peace and quiet for the ‘snowbird’ couples who aren’t here for meetings.

The resort is located in central Scottsdale, on a side street that’s a short drive from the busy thoroughfare of Scottsdale Road. The setting is quiet and private, with McCormick Ranch Golf Course surrounding the resort. Restaurants and shopping in Old Town Scottsdale aren't within walking distance of the hotel, but the resort offers free shuttle service subject to limited availability. Sights and places of interest -- including Scottsdale Stadium for spring baseball -- are within a 15-minute drive.

• 12-minute drive to Scottsdale Fashion Square mall
• 13-minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale
• 13-minute drive to Scottsdale Center for the Arts
• 13-minute drive to Scottsdale Stadium
• 14-minute drive to Echo Canyon Recreation Area
• 15-minute drive to Scottsdale Airport
• 19-minute drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Guest rooms are pleasant, with decor that's mostly muted earth tones, but they don't feel luxurious even though furniture is upscale. There are leather armchairs, granite-top dressers, and upholstered, chartreuse headboards with scrollwork on top. The striped carpet in two-tone gray complements the bright, white bedding. Framed prints of southwestern landscapes is the only nod to the Scottsdale setting.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, robes, and safes. Bathrooms are roomy and more attractive, with white marble floors and vanities, and they contain shower/tub combos.

Most rooms have sliding glass doors that lead to private patios or balconies, with views of the golf course, garden, or pool. Wi-Fi is included in the daily resort fee, and units start at 345 square feet.

This property has a solid crop of amenities, but expect to pay for some features. There's a hefty daily Daily Resort Charge that includes Internet access, bicycle rental, use of putting & chipping areas at Golf Club, lawn games, fitness classes, Social Boardroom access including games & entertainment, 15% off dinner at La Fogata restaurant, 10% off select spa services, parking, and the 36-hole McCormick Ranch Golf Course that surrounds the property is independently managed, although guests are privy to a discount.

But there are notable highlights, too, such as two outdoor heated pools with a whirlpool and private cabanas, a spacious 24-hour fitness center with a sauna, and a full-service spa. For dining, Kitchen West serves a breakfast buffet for a fee, and has lunch and dinner menus with entrees prepared on a wood-fired grill. There's also is a poolside bar and grill with outdoor seating.

Conferences and social events like weddings are big business here, with 45,000 square feet of indoor events space and 40,000 square feet of outdoor event space. The hotel has a valet, dry cleaning and laundry, room service, a convenience store, and free self-parking. Pets are welcome for a fee.