Pros
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Huge resort and conference center in the heart of Scottsdale
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Range of spacious rooms, villas, and bi-level suites
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Higher-category units have fireplaces, kitchens, and multiple patios
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Five heated pools open 24/7, plus a huge hot tub
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Solid dining options with outdoor seating, including a poolside cafe
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The Market sells espresso coffee, snacks to go, and fresh smoothies
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Full-service salon and day spa offering a wide array of treatments
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24-hour gym with classes, plus tennis courts and putting green
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Extensive conference, meeting, wedding, and events capabilities
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Wi-Fi, valet parking, and local area shuttle are included in resort fee
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Pet-friendly property (extra charges apply)
Cons
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Daily resort fee
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Despite updates, rooms remain somewhat dated
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Pool areas can become crowded and noisy at times
Bottom Line
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort is an upscale property located in central Scottsdale, with many features to suit families, couples, groups, and business or wedding events of all sizes. Amenities include multiple pools, tennis courts, a 24-hour gym, full-service salon and spa, and extensive indoor and alfresco function spaces set on 40 acres of beautifully kept grounds. The resort’s 404 rooms, suites, and lodges range from traditional hotel-style rooms to huge bi-level house-like units. Mini-fridges and Keurig coffeemakers are standard, while higher categories come with beehive fireplaces, full kitchens, multiple patios, and spa baths. Aside from Scottsdale Plaza’s rustic restaurant, lively JD’s restaurant and bar, and poolside cafe, there are plenty of additional dining options along with great shopping nearby (and a free local area shuttle to get you there). As a resort alternative with a trendier vibe (and higher rates), try the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Pets Allowed
- Pool
- Spa
What are the Design and Scene Like at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Sprawling resort geared toward vacationers and group events, amid Spanish mission-style design and neat gardens
Set on 40 acres in the heart of Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Plaza Resort unfolds like its own little village with private roadways, manicured lawn gardens (often used for outdoor events), and two-story buildings containing guest rooms and suites. Desert sand-toned buildings complement nearby Camelback Mountain, which provides a scenic rugged backdrop to the property.
The Spanish mission-inspired architecture channels Old-World flavor, and a 2017 renovation brought more contemporary elements into the lobby, meeting spaces, and a number of guest rooms. During our mid-2018 visit, plans were in the pipeline to extend restaurants outside, for indoor/outdoor dining.
Pathways meander the resorts level grounds, but those who’d rather not walk can simply drive their car between amenities -- there’s parking pretty much throughout the property. The expansive lobby building is the center of the action. It contains the breakfast restaurant, Garden Court, with its rustic-modern farmhouse-style interior; the huge ballroom, conference foyer, and meeting spaces; and lively JD’s Restaurant (named after the resort’s owner), with its old-fashioned wood and granite bar, and TVs all around for a pub-meets-sports-bar atmosphere.
Right behind the lobby, the main pool area is terraced over two levels -- divided by a Spanish-tiled waterfall and little arched bridge, with wide stairways and majestic thick-set date palms on either side. The surrounding pool patio is scattered with wrought-iron deck chairs and dining settings beneath shade umbrellas in bright teal. The three remaining pools are more of a residential style, placed throughout the resort. During our stay, the pool areas were calm, however they can become crowded and loud when the resort is busy -- or guests take advantage of the “open 24 hours” policy.
With its conference center, extensive events facilities, and 400-plus guest rooms, the resort is a natural draw for business events, weddings, and larger groups -- and there’s usually a big event of some nature taking place here. However, its many resort amenities makes it a solid pick for vacationers as well.
Where is Scottsdale Plaza Resort Located?
In the heart of trendy Scottsdale, close to great dining, restaurants, shopping, and golf
The resort sits on Scottsdale's main drag, Scottsdale Road, which is lined with everything from office complexes to strip malls, large-scale department stores, other hotels, and eateries. The property is a seven-minute walk from upscale department stores at the Fashion Square Shopping Center, and there are some great restaurants near Scottsdale Plaza Resort (Maestro's City Hall Steakhouse, Petite Maison, and J&G Steakhouse, among others) on downtown Scottsdale's main drag, East Camelback Road -- less than 10 minutes’ drive away. Old Town Scottsdale offers a popular hub of boutique shops, bars, and restaurants that are all about 12 minutes away. About a dozen golf courses are within an hour's drive; among them are The Phoenician (10 minutes), Continental Golf Club (also 10 minutes), and Talking Stick (12 minutes). The resort is about a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What are Rooms Like at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Range of guest rooms, suites, and lodges designed for couples, groups, business types, and families
The 404 Scottsdale Plaza Resort rooms are spread out across the expansive grounds in two-story buildings, many of which resemble individual villas or casitas. Decor is classic but a tad dated, with heavy wooden furniture, dark color palettes, and granite accents.
Spacious entry-level units include Deluxe and Superior guest rooms, but groups and guests wanting more space can choose from a range of other room types. Aside from the Presidential Suites (which come with luxuries such as private saunas, libraries, and baby grand pianos), there are four other suite categories. Villa, Patio, and King Suites all have spacious single-level layouts with separate bedrooms and private patios. Bi-Level Suites add an extra floor, placing open plan living and dining areas on the ground floor, with big bedrooms, extra bathrooms, and balconies on the upper level.
Sonoran and Monte Vista Lodges are more like private houses, with separate living and dining rooms, full kitchens, two and a half bathrooms, and two private patios. The main difference between the two is in the layout -- Sonoran is a one-bedroom single story, while Monte Vista has two bedrooms over two floors. Higher categories come with beehive fireplaces in living areas.
Tech features available in all room types include cable flat-screen TVs with movies on demand, plus alarm clock radios with Bluetooth and USB outlets. Local calls and Wi-Fi are included in the daily resort fee. All categories also feature work desks, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and two bottles of water -- refreshed daily. Microwaves are available on request at extra charge, and rollaway beds can be arranged. Other standard features include waffle cotton robes, hairdryers, safes, irons, and ironing boards.
Bathrooms vary depending on price point, though they’re all spacious with wide granite vanities and a selection of toiletries. Guest rooms and basic suites simply have walk-in stone-tiled showers, while Bi-Level Suites come with shower/tub combos, and lodges have huge, jetted tubs.
What Features are Available at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Multiple pools, 24-hour fitness center, tennis, and a full-service spa
Five heated swimming pools, open 24 hours, are scattered throughout the property, so guests never have to walk too far from their room to take a dip. The main pool area is the biggest and liveliest, comprising two pools divided over two tiers by a waterfall, along with a large hot tub. The surrounding patio features plenty of deck chairs, and umbrella-shaded tables for poolside dining from Cafe Cabana. The other three pools are scattered throughout the property.
The Scottsdale Plaza is a popular venue for business events and conferences. Some 50,000 square feet of event space encompasses 21 meeting rooms, 58 breakout suites, an amphitheater, a 10,000-square-foot ballroom, a huge conference foyer, and a tented wedding pavilion. That’s all in addition to a series of outdoor courtyard and patio settings for alfresco events.
Open 24 hours, the fitness center is equipped with a good selection of free weights, cardio equipment, and strength-training machines. Free group classes include yoga, barre, and Zumba. Grounds also feature two illuminated tennis courts and a putting green.
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort spa and salon offers a solid range of massages, body treatments, facials, and salon services, including waxing, manis and pedis, hair, and make-up. The spa houses four treatment rooms, two infrared saunas, a relaxation lounge, and a locker room with showers.
In the lobby, there’s a 24-hour business center and an ATM. The daily resort fee covers amenities like Wi-Fi, a local area shuttle (within a five-mile radius), valet and self-parking, and use of tennis courts. The resort is pet-friendly, though room cleaning fees apply.
What Restaurants and Bars are at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Breakfast buffet, poolside cafe, and American fare all on offer here
Garden Court serves as the hotel’s breakfast restaurant, occupying an elegant, rustic setting. Breakfast is not included in the standard rate, but the menu is extensive and includes all of the hot and cold staples plus a buffet option, along with traditional breakfast cocktails. Many dishes have been given a Southwestern twist, such as the chorizo skillets or the eggs Florentine quesadilla.
JD’s Restaurant and Lounge serves lunch, dinner, and drinks amid a social pub-like vibe. There are great daily happy hours (with top-notch margaritas), plus live weekend entertainment and a wide variety of menu options spanning gourmet appetizers, burgers, salads, and hearty entrees with an emphasis on flavors from the Southwest.
Open until sunset daily, the poolside Cafe Cabana offers casual fare and a solid list of specialty and frozen cocktails. Located opposite reception, The Market sells grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, espresso coffee, and fresh smoothies, along with a range of sundries and gifts. Room service is also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Related Hotels
What are the Design and Scene Like at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Sprawling resort geared toward vacationers and group events, amid Spanish mission-style design and neat gardens
Set on 40 acres in the heart of Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Plaza Resort unfolds like its own little village with private roadways, manicured lawn gardens (often used for outdoor events), and two-story buildings containing guest rooms and suites. Desert sand-toned buildings complement nearby Camelback Mountain, which provides a scenic rugged backdrop to the property.
The Spanish mission-inspired architecture channels Old-World flavor, and a 2017 renovation brought more contemporary elements into the lobby, meeting spaces, and a number of guest rooms. During our mid-2018 visit, plans were in the pipeline to extend restaurants outside, for indoor/outdoor dining.
Pathways meander the resorts level grounds, but those who’d rather not walk can simply drive their car between amenities -- there’s parking pretty much throughout the property. The expansive lobby building is the center of the action. It contains the breakfast restaurant, Garden Court, with its rustic-modern farmhouse-style interior; the huge ballroom, conference foyer, and meeting spaces; and lively JD’s Restaurant (named after the resort’s owner), with its old-fashioned wood and granite bar, and TVs all around for a pub-meets-sports-bar atmosphere.
Right behind the lobby, the main pool area is terraced over two levels -- divided by a Spanish-tiled waterfall and little arched bridge, with wide stairways and majestic thick-set date palms on either side. The surrounding pool patio is scattered with wrought-iron deck chairs and dining settings beneath shade umbrellas in bright teal. The three remaining pools are more of a residential style, placed throughout the resort. During our stay, the pool areas were calm, however they can become crowded and loud when the resort is busy -- or guests take advantage of the “open 24 hours” policy.
With its conference center, extensive events facilities, and 400-plus guest rooms, the resort is a natural draw for business events, weddings, and larger groups -- and there’s usually a big event of some nature taking place here. However, its many resort amenities makes it a solid pick for vacationers as well.
Where is Scottsdale Plaza Resort Located?
In the heart of trendy Scottsdale, close to great dining, restaurants, shopping, and golf
The resort sits on Scottsdale's main drag, Scottsdale Road, which is lined with everything from office complexes to strip malls, large-scale department stores, other hotels, and eateries. The property is a seven-minute walk from upscale department stores at the Fashion Square Shopping Center, and there are some great restaurants near Scottsdale Plaza Resort (Maestro's City Hall Steakhouse, Petite Maison, and J&G Steakhouse, among others) on downtown Scottsdale's main drag, East Camelback Road -- less than 10 minutes’ drive away. Old Town Scottsdale offers a popular hub of boutique shops, bars, and restaurants that are all about 12 minutes away. About a dozen golf courses are within an hour's drive; among them are The Phoenician (10 minutes), Continental Golf Club (also 10 minutes), and Talking Stick (12 minutes). The resort is about a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What are Rooms Like at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Range of guest rooms, suites, and lodges designed for couples, groups, business types, and families
The 404 Scottsdale Plaza Resort rooms are spread out across the expansive grounds in two-story buildings, many of which resemble individual villas or casitas. Decor is classic but a tad dated, with heavy wooden furniture, dark color palettes, and granite accents.
Spacious entry-level units include Deluxe and Superior guest rooms, but groups and guests wanting more space can choose from a range of other room types. Aside from the Presidential Suites (which come with luxuries such as private saunas, libraries, and baby grand pianos), there are four other suite categories. Villa, Patio, and King Suites all have spacious single-level layouts with separate bedrooms and private patios. Bi-Level Suites add an extra floor, placing open plan living and dining areas on the ground floor, with big bedrooms, extra bathrooms, and balconies on the upper level.
Sonoran and Monte Vista Lodges are more like private houses, with separate living and dining rooms, full kitchens, two and a half bathrooms, and two private patios. The main difference between the two is in the layout -- Sonoran is a one-bedroom single story, while Monte Vista has two bedrooms over two floors. Higher categories come with beehive fireplaces in living areas.
Tech features available in all room types include cable flat-screen TVs with movies on demand, plus alarm clock radios with Bluetooth and USB outlets. Local calls and Wi-Fi are included in the daily resort fee. All categories also feature work desks, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and two bottles of water -- refreshed daily. Microwaves are available on request at extra charge, and rollaway beds can be arranged. Other standard features include waffle cotton robes, hairdryers, safes, irons, and ironing boards.
Bathrooms vary depending on price point, though they’re all spacious with wide granite vanities and a selection of toiletries. Guest rooms and basic suites simply have walk-in stone-tiled showers, while Bi-Level Suites come with shower/tub combos, and lodges have huge, jetted tubs.
What Features are Available at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Multiple pools, 24-hour fitness center, tennis, and a full-service spa
Five heated swimming pools, open 24 hours, are scattered throughout the property, so guests never have to walk too far from their room to take a dip. The main pool area is the biggest and liveliest, comprising two pools divided over two tiers by a waterfall, along with a large hot tub. The surrounding patio features plenty of deck chairs, and umbrella-shaded tables for poolside dining from Cafe Cabana. The other three pools are scattered throughout the property.
The Scottsdale Plaza is a popular venue for business events and conferences. Some 50,000 square feet of event space encompasses 21 meeting rooms, 58 breakout suites, an amphitheater, a 10,000-square-foot ballroom, a huge conference foyer, and a tented wedding pavilion. That’s all in addition to a series of outdoor courtyard and patio settings for alfresco events.
Open 24 hours, the fitness center is equipped with a good selection of free weights, cardio equipment, and strength-training machines. Free group classes include yoga, barre, and Zumba. Grounds also feature two illuminated tennis courts and a putting green.
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort spa and salon offers a solid range of massages, body treatments, facials, and salon services, including waxing, manis and pedis, hair, and make-up. The spa houses four treatment rooms, two infrared saunas, a relaxation lounge, and a locker room with showers.
In the lobby, there’s a 24-hour business center and an ATM. The daily resort fee covers amenities like Wi-Fi, a local area shuttle (within a five-mile radius), valet and self-parking, and use of tennis courts. The resort is pet-friendly, though room cleaning fees apply.
What Restaurants and Bars are at Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
Breakfast buffet, poolside cafe, and American fare all on offer here
Garden Court serves as the hotel’s breakfast restaurant, occupying an elegant, rustic setting. Breakfast is not included in the standard rate, but the menu is extensive and includes all of the hot and cold staples plus a buffet option, along with traditional breakfast cocktails. Many dishes have been given a Southwestern twist, such as the chorizo skillets or the eggs Florentine quesadilla.
JD’s Restaurant and Lounge serves lunch, dinner, and drinks amid a social pub-like vibe. There are great daily happy hours (with top-notch margaritas), plus live weekend entertainment and a wide variety of menu options spanning gourmet appetizers, burgers, salads, and hearty entrees with an emphasis on flavors from the Southwest.
Open until sunset daily, the poolside Cafe Cabana offers casual fare and a solid list of specialty and frozen cocktails. Located opposite reception, The Market sells grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, espresso coffee, and fresh smoothies, along with a range of sundries and gifts. Room service is also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Air Conditioner
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Airport Transportation
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Beauty / Hair Salon
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Business Center
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Dry Cleaning
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Fitness Center
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Full Kitchen
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Internet
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Jacuzzi
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Laundry
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Pets Allowed
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Pool
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Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
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Room Service
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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Spa
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Tennis Court
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
